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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Glossary · Collecting

Grading scale

Any of several inconsistent verbal or numeric scales used to describe condition.

Explanation

Condition grading scales use words such as mint, excellent, very good, good and fair, or numbers, to summarise a watch's condition. There is no universal standard; auction houses, dealers and collectors use different scales and apply them differently.

A grade is an opinion. Detailed descriptions of specific features, such as the dial, case, movement and any replaced parts, together with clear photographs, give far more useful information than a single word or number.

What to record

  • Ask what each grade means on the seller's own scale.
  • Record condition of dial, hands, case, movement and crystal separately.

Do not compare grades from different sellers as if they were equivalent.