Pocket Watch Database Market Report: Top Ten Common 18-Size Watches That Increased the Most in Value in 2024
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In this article, we will cover the top ten 18-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 250+ recorded sales and have value estimates above $150. This filtering process inherently results in watches that were produced in greater quantities and are more likely to be in modern collections. As a result, uncommon grades and low-production manufacturers are not represented in the list below. Estimated values are all statistically derived from actualized sales.
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. Elgin 102 (18-Size, Model 3, 11 Jewels)
Value Increase: 47.9%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $173
2. Waltham Appleton, Tracy & Co. (18-Size, Model 1877, 15 Jewels)
Value Increase: 22.6%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $195
3. Waltham Wm. Ellery (18-Size, Model 1879, 11 Jewels
Value Increase: 19.8%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $193
4. Illinois 89 (18-Size, Model 5, 17 Jewels)
Value Increase: 15.4%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $165
5. Elgin 349 (18-Size, Model 7, 21 Jewels)
Value Increase: 15.3%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $233
6. Waltham W.W.Co. (18-Size, Model 1857, 11 Jewels)
Value Increase: 12.5%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $225
7. Waltham Vanguard (18-Size, Model 1892, 21 Jewels)
Value Increase: 5.6%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $320
8. Hamilton 936 (18-Size, Model 1, 17 Jewels)
Value Increase: 5.3%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $199
9. Waltham Crescent St. (18-Size, Model 1892, 17 Jewels)
Value Increase: 4.9%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $165
10. Elgin 240 B.W. Raymond (18-Size, Model 8, 19 Jewels)
Value Increase: 4.8%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $262
Fun list and topic – but the 17 jewel Model 1892 version of the Crescent St. is a long ways from common, and the all-nickel variant pictured is light years away from common. Are you sure you didn’t mean to list the Model 1883 instead?
Quite true. The 17-Jewel variation is certainly more uncommon. It shows on this list because the Crescent St. grade is considered more common and the variants were represented in the segmented data as well. Perhaps I should have saved it for a special list on variants…
These watches are a snapshot in time of the highest technology devices available in their day. They were truly marvels of design, craftsmanship and manufacturing. Imagine that these beauties were being produced long before the automobile industry was ever dreamed of. Hopefully the younger generations of collectors will realize this and begin to appreciate and collect these mechanical gems that represent a significant chapter of the industrial history of our country and still at such reasonable prices that they certainly will become a valuable investment for the future. What a great hobby !