Pocket Watch Database Market Report: Top Ten Common 16-Size Watches That Increased the Most in Value in 2024
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In this article, we will cover the top ten 16-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 455 B.W. Raymond (16-Size, Model 15, 19 Jewels)
Value Increase: 17.4%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $189
2. Elgin 478 B.W. Raymond (16-Size, Model 15, 21 Jewels)
Value Increase: 16.6%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $239
3. Hamilton 992 (16-Size, Model 1, 21 Jewels
Value Increase: 12.3%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $246
4. South Bend 227 (16-Size, Model 2, 21 Jewels)
Value Increase: 11.1%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $220
5. Elgin 241 (16-Size, Model 6, 17 Jewels)
Value Increase: 10.9%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $183
6. Hamilton 992E (16-Size, Model 2, 21 Jewels)
Value Increase: 9.9%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $411
7. Hamilton 999 Ball (16-Size, Model Ball, 21 Jewels)
Value Increase: 9.5%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $463
8. Waltham No. 1623 (16-Size, Model 1908, 23Jewels)
Value Increase: 8.2%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $276
9. Hamilton 992 (16-Size, Model 2, 21 Jewels)
Value Increase: 7.4%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $247
10. Waltham No. 645 (16-Size, Model 1908, 21 Jewels)
Value Increase: 7.2%
Current Estimated Value (Average, Working Condition): $208
This is the second year in a row that Hamilton’s Model 1 992 and Waltham’s No. 1623 are represented in this list. Generally, 19-Jewel and 21-Jewel watches outperformed other 16-Size watches in 2024. The Illinois A. Lincoln (Model 5), Waltham Vanguard (Model 1908), Hamilton 992B, and Elgin 372 B.W. Raymond all saw healthy value increases during the year despite not making it into the top ten. 16-Size railroad watches still dominate the market with strong demand.
No matter the value, collect what you enjoy.
Afternoon…
I have enjoyed these every Sunday, thank you! Always interesting and well written….
I’ve been collecting railroad watches since the late 90s. Interesting, but it seems like every year since then decent 21 jewel movements have been $200-something. I would have thought with inflation the prices would have doubled, but nope!