If you own a watch, sooner or later you’ll hear three terms that sound similar but mean very different things: appraisal, servicing, and authentication.

Most confusion comes from one assumption. People think anything a watch expert does equals an appraisal. In reality, a service keeps the watch running. Authentication helps confirm what it is. An appraisal documents what it’s worth, based on why you need it.

If you’re looking for a watch appraisal in NYC, start here: watch appraisal in NYC. For a broader look at everything we appraise, see our appraisal services.

The quick way to choose the right service

If your goal is insurance, estate, or resale documentation, you’re usually looking for an appraisal.

If your goal is confirming what the watch is, you’re looking for authentication.

If your goal is performance and reliability, you’re looking for servicing.

That’s the simple version. Here’s what each one actually includes.

What a watch appraisal is and what it is not

A watch appraisal is a formal value document. It describes your watch and assigns a value for a specific purpose, most often insurance, estate planning, or resale documentation.

At Louis Martin Jewelers, our watch appraisal services in NYC are built for vintage and high end luxury timepieces, and the work happens through our Rockefeller Center showroom with over four decades of experience behind it.

What a watch appraisal typically includes

• a detailed description of the watch and its components
• photographs
• notes on originality and condition
• value conclusions that reflect fair market value and replacement value, depending on your needs

What a watch appraisal is not

• it is not a mechanical overhaul
• it does not replace parts
• it does not restore the watch
• it does not promise future performance

If you’re unsure which type of value you need, read: insurance appraisal vs fair market value.

What authentication covers for vintage and pre owned watches

Authentication is about identity. The goal is to confirm what the watch is and whether key elements appear consistent with the reference and era.

For vintage and pre owned watches, authentication often focuses on:

• model reference and serial number details, when accessible
• dial, hands, bezel, and crown consistency with the period
• movement verification, including the correct caliber when possible
• signs of mixed parts or heavy alterations

One important note: some timepieces cannot be fully authenticated due to brand policy limitations or unavailable production records. When that happens, the right approach is transparency. You document as much verified information as possible and clearly state what cannot be confirmed.

What a service is and why it changes value sometimes

A service is maintenance. It’s done to keep the watch running properly and reduce wear over time.

Depending on the watch, servicing can include:

• disassembly and cleaning
• lubrication
• gasket replacement
• timing regulation
• replacement of worn components when needed

Service can change value sometimes, but not always in the way people expect.

A documented service can support value because it reduces buyer risk. It signals the watch was cared for. It can also help you avoid immediate repair costs after purchase.

For watch repair, we partner with WatchCheck, a secure mail in service with tracking, insurance up to $1,000,000, and a two year mechanical warranty.

On the other hand, certain work can hurt collector value if it changes originality, especially when:

• the dial is replaced
• hands are swapped without disclosure
• parts are changed to upgrade the look
• the case is heavily polished

The simplest rule is this. Service the watch to keep it healthy, but keep records, keep disclosures clean, and avoid cosmetic changes that rewrite what the watch is.

When you need each one: insurance, estate, resale planning

Most people do not need all three at once. Start with your goal.

You likely need an appraisal if

• you’re insuring the watch and need documentation
• you’re handling an estate or inheritance
• you want a clear baseline for resale planning

You likely need authentication if

• you’re buying or selling and want confidence in what it is
• you inherited a watch with limited background
• you suspect mixed parts or alterations

You likely need servicing if

• the watch is not running properly
• service history is unknown
• you plan to wear it regularly and want reliable performance

If you’re not sure where to begin, we start with a quick consultation and match you to the right type of report.

What we look at during a watch appraisal

Accurate watch appraisal is about more than timekeeping. It’s a careful evaluation of the details that define worth: reference, serial, originality, and condition, supported by market research.

Here’s what that looks like in practice.

Exterior examination

We assess:

• case materials and overall wear
• dial condition and aging
• bracelet integrity and stretch
• visible scratches, wear, and signs of heavy polishing

Movement verification

We confirm:

• correct caliber when possible
• serial numbers when accessible
• basic functionality and function behavior

Condition and authenticity review

We examine:

• originality and factory consistency
• period correct components
• signs of replaced parts or mixed configurations

Market and replacement value

We compare:

• auction results
• private sales and dealer market activity
• current trends that impact pricing

Documentation

You receive a formal appraisal document with:

• photographs
• specifications and serial verification where possible
• notes on originality and overall condition
• fair market value and replacement value assessments

We use BriteCo’s digital platform for appraisal documentation, which supports secure, cloud based appraisal records and professional documentation accepted by leading insurers. Insurance policies are arranged directly through BriteCo.

If you’ve been searching “watch appraisal near me,” the real goal isn’t just proximity. It’s finding someone who documents the watch correctly and explains the number clearly.

What to bring: box, papers, receipts, service history

You don’t need everything to get an appraisal, but the right items can save time and improve accuracy.

Bring what you have:

• the watch, plus extra links or straps
• box and papers if available
• purchase receipt or proof of purchase if you have it
• service receipts and service notes
• prior appraisal documents

For a clean checklist, use: what to bring to your appointment.

If you’re dealing with an older piece and searching “antique watch appraisal near me,” bring any family notes or history you have. Even small details help with documentation.

Common questions

Do I need a watch appraisal for insurance

If you’re adding the watch to a policy or want coverage that reflects current value, an appraisal is often required. It provides professional documentation and a clear value basis.

Is servicing required before an appraisal

Not always. A watch can be appraised without being freshly serviced. If it’s not functioning properly or has known issues, that can affect value and should be noted.

Do box and papers change the value

Sometimes. Box and papers can increase value because they reduce uncertainty, especially on higher end brands and more modern vintage. For older pieces, condition and originality often matter more than completeness.

Can you appraise a watch without documentation

Yes. Documentation helps, but it’s not mandatory. A proper appraisal can still be completed based on the watch itself and relevant market data.

What makes a vintage watch lose value fast

The biggest value killers tend to be heavy over polishing, moisture damage, refinished dials without disclosure, mixed parts, and unclear service history.

If you want to book, start here: watch appraisal in NYC. If you want the broader overview across jewelry, watches, and precious metals, see our appraisal services.