High-quality watches are marked "Adjusted" to handle temperature and position changes. Railroad-grade watches typically require at least five adjustments. 2. Evaluate Case Materials

Cases and movements were often made by different companies, and a "marriage" (mismatched pairing) can lower value. Antique Pocket Watch Appraisal: Find Its True Value

Look for markings like "21J." Jewels (synthetic rubies) reduce friction; 7–15 jewels indicate mid-grade, while 17–24 jewels are high-grade.

Use this number—not the one on the case—to look up the watch in the Pocket Watch Database . This reveals the production year, rarity, and original grade.