Top Five 12-Size Watches That Increased the Most in Value in 2023

In this article, we will cover the top ten 12-Size American pocket watches that increased the most in value last year, according to the value guide on the Pocket Watch Database.

Because wider fluctuations are expected for watches that do not sell as often, we will only be evaluating the year-over-year change for watches that have 100+ recorded sales, have value estimates above $100, and are within 25% of the estimated value at the end of 2022. Estimated values are all statistically derived from actualized sales.

By the nature of this scope, we are focusing on more common 12-Size watches that are readily available on the market.

When evaluating and discussing value, it is always important to note that actualized sale prices are influenced by far more variables than can be distilled into a single “valuation” figure, including overall condition, originality, sales venue, buyer audience, marketing efforts, time of day, quality of the listing, service history, and unique features that make certain watches more desirable such as marking variants, dials, and cases. Estimated values should only be considered as a general guide, and the market will determine the final value of any given watch at the time of a sale.

1. Illinois 274 (12-Size, Model 1, 19/21 Jewels)

Value Increase: 19.7%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $145

2. Waltham Riverside (12-Size, Model Colonial B, 19 Jewels)

Value Increase: 16.8%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $188

3. Hamilton 916 (12-Size, Model 1, 17 Jewels)

Value Increase: 14.1%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $148

4. Illinois 525 (12-Size, Model 3 Extra Thin, 17 Jewels)

Value Increase: 14.0%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $114

5. Illinois A. Lincoln (12-Size, Model 4, 21 Jewels)

Value Increase: 12.1%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $157