Watch Value Without Papers

[StanGMT]

My wife is interested in a nice-looking 1969 vintage gold lady's DateJust. It's for sale at a reputable local watch dealer but there are no papers with it. The price being asked (£3000) supposedly reflects this, but just how much does the availability of papers affect the value?

Any advice would be welcome . . . .

Stan

[Welshwatchman]

On a ladies vintage it's just a nice bonus to have as much of the original goodies as possible. On a gents sports, that's another matter completely.

I'd be more concerned about the general "straightness" of the watch.

£3k could be a nice price for a tidy gold piece or over the top for a tired piece in requirement of a bracelet overhaul and movement service.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by StanGMT

My wife is interested in a nice-looking 1969 vintage gold lady's DateJust. It's for sale at a reputable local watch dealer but there are no papers with it. The price being asked (£3000) supposedly reflects this, but just how much does the availability of papers affect the value?

Any advice would be welcome . . . .

Stan

Condition is paramount. It is normal for dealers to not have "paperwork" on the majority of watches they sell since there isn't really such a thing (as in a papered dog or vehicle); it is typically a reference to the warranty cert that was often discarded after the warranty period is over..

Collectors may pay extra for receipts, warranty certs/cards, other provenance on a rare collector piece or just to say they have it. A ladies DJ doesn't really fall into this category and won't really have much affect on market prices or value..

[HL65]

Clearly on men's vintage sports watches papers, box etc add a major premium to the watch. For the watch you are referencing not so much. As always though the quality of the watch/dial is first and foremost.

[Nobody.Move]

It's going to be unanimous. In the your case, papers matter very little. If your wife likes the vintage timepiece, and the condition and asking price meet your criteria, go ahead and pull the trigger.