I've owned this for some time now and have always wondered why the price guide lists this as a three star watch with such a low value. I understand supply and demand but even if the demand was low it would seem that this hunter cased version with approx 200 production is a little under valued.
Your thoughts?
Ray

17j movement

Also, the inside of the case has some hand inscribings denoting the owners travels overseas, possibly during World War 1. France, England, Italy 1917-1918. The owner would have owned the watch 6 years prior to being overseas but I think it's plausable. My question is this. How much would these hand scribings affect the value ?. I find it interesting but I would think that a serious collector would pass on it because of this..BUT, with only 200 or less produced, how many survivors are there to choose from.
Your thoughts please ?

Ray,

Maybe because there were 3400 of that model 5 grade 89 movement made. That was a private label for Sears with what looks like one run of 200 made. First one I've ever seen.

Steve

Yes Ray, the book values do seem to be out of whack. I'd say the dial alone would justify a higher valuation, never mind the 3 star rarity.

Ray,
Don't feel bad. I have a 12s Waltham key wind, that's right, 12s. From what I can find there were only 500 made. The one I have is the only one I've ever seen. The price guide lists this at $100.00 in avarage condition. I guess that's how it got the name, The Joke Book.

The true value of any watch is not to be found in books. If a willing seller and a willing buyer agree on a price, that is a what a watch is worth.

I had an Illinois watch which was one of seventy two made. The changes from the model before it, and the changes made to the model after it were minor, scarcity had no impact at all. Quality is what counts!

I agree with what Jerry said. The "price guide" is just that, a guide. What a buyer and seller agree to is the value of any particular watch.

You have a beautiful watch there! And about the dates etched into the case, I personally do not have a problem with that in regards to value. It adds a human touch and can sometimes tell a story about a previous owner. Although I can't speak for other collectors.

Thanks for everyones input, I really like this one, in fact it's the only one i've seen in person. Just seems to me that they are way undervalued due to the scarcity.

Ray

Ray, value is always in the eyes of the beholder and you have a real GEM! If you see the "Ashland Investments" catalog published by the price guider's you will quickly learn that the guide is only that, and not too clear anyway as it lists case values (in the front section) that 50% of the time exceed the "listed" values for a complete CASED watch!

That said; let's consider ourselves lucky that someone keeps this publication going so we have some thread of distinction to use regardless of its inconsistencies.

Unless someone embarks on an awesome journey into refining this sort of "list", then it is a relative guideline at best but nothing would be a lot worse.

You are absolutely right David, having a guide that might be a little off in places is better than none at all.
I enjoy the price guide and all of it's handy information but I must admit that I've probably learned more from this sight and the many experts here than anywhere else.

Ray

Hey Ray,
I say put that baby up on the members only auction block here and let us determine its true value. That way you'll know I'm green with envy!

Mike,
Unfortunately, I really like this one..But if the need ever comes around to sell it, this is the place it will be sold....I"M DONE WITH E-BAY.....

Ray