Methodology

How scoring works

Eight dimensions. One score. Independent editorial estimates only.

Overall score

Movement20%

Value20%

Build15%

Service10%

Originality10%

Brand integrity10%

Resale10%

Hype taxup to -15%

Hype tax is inverted and subtracted from the weighted total.

The eight dimensions

Movement Quality

20%

Caliber architecture, finishing, reliability, and value relative to price. In-house is not automatically better than a well-regulated ebauche.

· High: Rolex Cal. 3235
· Medium: Valjoux 7750 base, regulated
· Lower: Limited service data

Finishing & Build

15%

Case, bracelet, dial, and hand quality vs. price segment. Crystal grade, clasp, assembly standards.

· High: Sapphire, solid end links
· Medium: Good specs, average bracelet
· Lower: Mineral crystal, loose fit

Value for Money

20%

What you get for the price vs. alternatives. Substance, finishing, and brand credibility at the asking price.

· High: Tissot PRX at entry Swiss pricing
· Medium: Solid but premium over peers
· Low: Fashion quartz at automatic prices

Originality

10%

Distinct design vs. copying established references. Executing a familiar form well still scores.

· High: Category-defining design
· Medium: Respects genre without imitation
· Lower: Near-copy of famous reference

Serviceability

10%

Can it be serviced in 10-30 years? Parts availability, watchmaker access, service cost.

· High: ETA/Sellita, global parts
· Medium: Manufacturer service required
· Lower: Proprietary parts, high cost

Brand Integrity

10%

Honest marketing. Transparent movement sourcing, accurate materials and certification claims.

· High: Clear movement disclosure
· Medium: Standard marketing
· Lower: Obscured sourcing, inflated claims

Resale / Liquidity

10%

Ease of resale and recovery vs. purchase price. Not investment advice.

· High: Strong collector demand
· Medium: 40-60% retail recovery
· Low: Heavy depreciation

Hype Tax

penalty up to -15%Higher = worse

INVERTED: higher = worse. Brand marketing premium over mechanical substance. Penalizes overall score.

· High (bad): Fashion luxury, outsourced movement
· Medium: Brand premium with some substance
· Low (good): Honest mechanical value

Verdicts

Each watch gets a clear editorial call alongside the numeric score.

Buy

Strong value and substance for the intended buyer.

Consider

Capable watch with reservations. Investigate further.

Only at discount

Merit at retail is hard to justify. Pre-owned changes the math.

Avoid

Poor value or significant concerns at this price.

Collector-only

Niche appeal, not practical for general buyers.

Scores are editorial estimates, not authentication certificates or investment advice.

WatchIntel is independent and not affiliated with any watch brand.

Scores are editorial estimates, not certificates or investment advice. Methodology

WatchIntel is independent. Not affiliated with Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer, Seiko, Tudor, Hublot or any other watch brand.