Identify my watch or clock
Identification Centre
This workflow does not name your watch. It produces an accurate description of what you actually have, which is the only reliable basis for searching maker records, serial tables and hallmark registers. Photographs alone cannot establish authenticity.
Workflow
Describe the object, step by step
Step 1 of 6
What type of object is it?
Start with the object class: this determines which reference sources apply.
Guides
Markings, hallmarks and numbers
Hallmarks
British marks give standard, town, date letter and maker. They date the case precisely — and only the case.
Serial numbers
American factory tables give approximate production years. Swiss trade numbers usually identify a finisher or retailer instead.
Import and patent marks
Import marks indicate the market and a date range; patent numbers can be traced to a filing and inventor.