'Mint' in one catalogue means factory-fresh; in another it means a well-restored watch presenting as new. The word carries no fixed meaning, and inherited terminology from coin and stamp collecting fits horological objects poorly.
Describe components separately. A watch may have an unrestored movement, a refinished dial, a heavily polished case and replacement hands — a composite that no single grade can express.
Distinguish wear from intervention. Case wear is honest history; a polished case that has lost its engine turning and hallmark crispness has lost information permanently.
Record what was done and when. A service history with dated notes is worth more to a future researcher than any grade, and protects the next owner from repeating unnecessary work.
When a price is quoted anywhere, state its source, date, condition and sale channel. A 2014 auction result for an unrestored example says little about a refinished one today.