Probably steppin' over the line again...

[railman]

On eBay people are paying $200 to $300 for empty boxes pocket watches came in. I'm sure they're rare but are these people nuts? If there are numbers they surely wouldn't match. What am I missing?

[railman]

On eBay people are paying $200 to $300 for empty boxes pocket watches came in. I'm sure they're rare but are these people nuts? If there are numbers they surely wouldn't match. What am I missing?

[terry hall]

Na.... I can't say you are over the line...
but you have to remember...some people like peas and others like carrots...people 'collect' anything. There are some boxes that have brought more!!

There is one thing about the boxes....many,many,many were destroyed, thrown away and separated from their mates.

Take for instance the aluminium BS/SS box. It was only produced from 1925 to the beginning of 1929. Many found their way into shirt pockets for cigarettes. Here, we can say a relatively low production and possibly high attrition.

Many cardboard boxes were simply thrown out. Like the cardboard MAINLINER and ELINVAR boxes from the late 30's. There had to be a relatively low number of these produced.

Yes, one should be aware of what they are buying when offered a 'boxed' watch. But in the instance of the BS/SS box, it was not serialized to the movement or case, so proof of a happy life together is difficult.

I know I have seen some examples where the label has been 'modified' to match or just taped from a lesser example box to a new one.

I own a 954 boxed watch. The movement matches the label, but the case does not. It is a hamilton marked case. It was changed for some reason in its life. It will have to remain as is, with a non matching case number. It is how I got it and how it will stay.

How many ways to rip off.... You ain't got enought fingers and toes to count. :biggrin:
Educating yourself is the best defense. Also read between the lines of the HYPED up descriptions....ask "what did they NOT say"?

[terry hall]

I can understand that. Like many others, have been there too!

If you are a Member of the NAWCC, you receive THE BULLETIN. This is a good place to start. The price guide published by Shugart,Engle, and Gilbert has a lot of information about most watches.

When one longs for more...There are many publications that are Manufacturer Specific. Much research has been done and is still continuing on many different Watch makes.

To see what is available, go to http://www.hoapress.com/