Inherited a vintage watch? Start with a clearer picture.

You don’t need to know the model, age or history to ask for help. Tell us about your watch and what you need to understand before deciding whether to keep, insure or sell it.

$110 CAD

Book an appraisal Ask about a vintage watch How it works

Vintage Rolex Submariner with a black dial, red Submariner lettering and a steel bracelet

Start with the watch’s story.

A watch passed down through a family may arrive without paperwork. Share what you know, whether that is a previous owner, a service receipt or simply how long it has been in the family.

Our watch appraisal service documents identification, materials, condition and photographs, with reference and serial numbers where present. Contact us to discuss the examination your vintage piece needs and the questions a report can address.

The same fee as a regular watch appraisal.

A vintage watch appraisal costs $110 CAD, with no additional fee for a vintage piece.

Tell us whether you need documentation for insurance, an estate or a decision about selling. We’ll discuss the report scope before proceeding with your appraisal.

See the standard watch appraisal and fee

Federal Gem Lab is a selected and approved appraiser for the Canada Border Services Agency. Visit our independent laboratory in downtown Vancouver.

Details that tell a watch’s story.

Black chronograph dial with three subdials, a tachymeter bezel and a steel bracelet — Omega Speedmaster

Black dial with contrasting silver subdials, a red centre hand and a black leather strap — Heuer Autavia

Black diving-watch dial with square hour markers, a snowflake hand and a date window — Tudor Submariner

Steel watch with a blue and faded red 24-hour bezel, black dial and magnified date window — Rolex GMT-Master II

Different values answer different questions.

Our watch reports include retail insurance and wholesale values. These describe different valuation contexts; neither is a promise of the amount a buyer will offer or the proceeds you will receive.

An insurance valuation addresses replacement for the purpose of the report. A wholesale valuation addresses the trade market. An actual sale also depends on the buyer, the watch’s condition, market demand and any fees or costs of the chosen selling route.

Bring any information about repairs, replacement parts or servicing. It helps us discuss your watch’s history and the appropriate scope of examination.

From a first question to your next step.

Tell us about the watch
Send the details you have and any photographs. Explain what you need the report for so we can discuss the scope and your visit.
Have it appraised
Bring the watch and any supporting records to the laboratory. We examine and document it within the agreed scope and explain the valuations in your report.
Choose what happens next
You may decide to keep the watch, arrange insurance or explore selling. If you want selling help, ask about the available options and their terms separately.

Selling is a separate decision.

An appraisal does not commit you to a sale. You can keep your report and decide which next step suits you.

The laboratory also accepts watch-selling and consignment enquiries. Ask which route is available for your piece and have any fees, commissions and responsibilities explained before agreeing to a selling arrangement.

Discuss selling or consigning a watch

Questions about your vintage watch

Do I need to know the brand or reference number?

No. Share what you know and send clear photographs if you can. We can discuss the next steps even if the watch’s history is incomplete.

What should I bring?

Bring the watch, plus any box, papers, service records, receipts or previous appraisals you have. Let us know about repairs or replacement parts. If you have no paperwork, tell us when arranging your visit.

How much does a vintage watch appraisal cost?

A vintage watch appraisal costs $110 CAD, the same as a regular watch appraisal. There is no additional fee for a vintage piece.

Does an appraisal guarantee a sale price?

No. A report provides valuations for the stated purposes. An actual offer and your eventual proceeds depend on the selling route, market conditions and agreed costs.

Do I have to sell through the laboratory?

No. You choose whether to keep, insure or sell your watch. Selling and consignment are separate enquiries, with terms agreed for the individual arrangement.

Have a question before booking?

Talk to us about your vintage watch Appraising an inherited collection

A clearer understanding of your watch.

Visit our laboratory in downtown Vancouver.

Book an appraisal