| There are a number of questions to ask first to | | | | for dating pocket watches. Souvenir pocket |
| get the collection going. Firstly is the collection | | | | watches generally do not have a lot of markings |
| going to be an antique pocket watch collection or | | | | on them. Buy them if you like the look of them. |
| a souvenir style pocket watch collection. The | | | | 2. If collecting antiques, confirm that the pocket |
| process is quite similar, however the price to be | | | | watch is an original, rather than a copy. This is |
| paid will be significantly different. As in all collecting, | | | | often difficult to determine. |
| one is not necessarily looking for the cheapest | | | | 3. Check if the watch has been repaired - usually |
| price, but rather value for money, particularly in | | | | not a problem, if purchasing from a reputable |
| antique pocket watch collecting. | | | | seller, as they will have the most recent repair |
| Here are some tips, after you have decided which | | | | information. |
| type of collection you are going to pursue. | | | | 4. What other information does the seller have, |
| 1. Learn about all the different models or types | | | | such as the ownership history of the pocket |
| that are available. There is some good information | | | | watch, the repair history, is it functioning as well |
| on the internet and also, most libraries have | | | | as it did when first made? Are there any faults |
| books that are guides to buying timepieces. It is | | | | with the pocket watch? etc. etc. Always ask the |
| best to confirm information from at least two | | | | questions as there are many people selling to |
| unrelated sources. | | | | collectors wishing to make an abnormal gain. |
| 2. Check on the prices being paid by other | | | | 5. Is it too good a bargain? We usually get the |
| collectors. The internet and the library will be a | | | | value we pay for. Is the seller reputable, eg. |
| good source of information. | | | | check feedback ratings, if the seller is from an |
| 3. Start browsing. Either use auction sites on the | | | | internet auction site. |
| internet or do some sleuthing through second | | | | 6. What accessories come with the pocket |
| hand or bric-a-brack stores and even classifieds in | | | | watch? It is good to purchase the original chain, if |
| the local newspapers. | | | | it is still attached. |
| 4. Start buying for the collection. | | | | Do not be put off with the questions, just ask |
| Questions to answer in the research process or | | | | away so that you know that you are buying |
| the buying process. | | | | what you think you are buying. |
| 1. Who made the watch and when and where | | | | If collecting souvenir pocket watches, with prices |
| was it made? Most antique pocket watches have | | | | below $50, the risk of failure is much less. |
| a serial number. Patent numbers can also be used | | | | |