Grade case, crystal, bracelet, dial, box/papers, and service history — no photos required.
A watch with light hairlines, clean crystal, mild bracelet stretch, clean dial, full set, and recent service often lands in Excellent condition. Deep dings, dial marks, or missing papers usually pull the grade down.
| Grade | Typical meaning |
|---|---|
| Mint | Near unused presentation |
| Excellent | Light honest wear, strong overall look |
| Good | Clear wear, still presentable |
| Fair | Heavy wear or notable issues |
1. Clean gently — do not over-polish sharp edges.
2. Photograph weak points honestly.
3. State box/papers and service status clearly.
4. Note bracelet stretch and crystal marks up front.
5. Use condition language buyers recognise.
What is a watch condition grading scale?A shared language such as Mint / Excellent / Good / Fair for describing wear and completeness.
What hurts watch resale condition the most?Deep case damage, poor crystal, tired bracelet, dial issues, and missing set/history.
Is excellent condition the same as mint?No. Mint is stricter; excellent allows light wear.
Should I polish before selling?Not always — aggressive polishing can hurt collector value.