We have created a unique valuation tool for collectors’ watches: the WATCHFID Grade.
As an integral part of the appraisal book, the WATCHFID Grade is designed to analyse and take into account as best as possible a wide diversity of information such as the conformity and condition of the watch and its components, the rarity of certain configurations or any other specific information, such as a prestigious history.
The WATCHFID Grade is divided into 2 components, the Watch Score and the Extra Features:
- The Watch Score consists on a detailed analysis of the watch’s main constituent parts: caliber, dial, bezel, hands, case, caseback, crown, pushers, and glass. Any constituent part is analysed and scored according to three criteria (condition, conformity, and relative importance compared to the other parts and to the model being analysed); a proprietary algorithm factoring in these 3 criteria is used to calculate the Score on a scale of 10;
- The Watch Score is not sufficient to fully classify a collectors’ watch in the eyes of its owner or future buyer. We have identified a number of other factors capable of significantly impacting the overall evaluation of the object, such as positive factors (a rare and special version of a part for instance), or negative factors (important accessories missing or significant parts damaged for example); these Extra Features do not receive a score, but they represent an important way to differentiate two identical watches in the same condition but with specificities that may impact their respective values.
The two tone Italian limited edition(500) 145.022 with the gold bezel and tone dial. I have one. Unfortunately the bezel was replaced for some reason.
mine has a 14k Black and gold bezel still looks stunning.
My point it All the Reference books state this watch only came with a Leather Strap. NOT True. I have just done an extract from the achieves . It came back from Omega stating the watch was supplied to Italy with a 14k gold and steel bracket. which i thought was off some other edition . Turns out i have the original bracket after all. so some of the reference books are incorrect.
Hi David, that is a good point.
We invite you to read our Ultimate Review on the Holy Grail (free download on our website), where we have written more details about those special Italian editions (both 145.022 and 376.0822). These watches have been customized locally in Italy, on the basis of Speedmasters sent by the Omega Headquarters. The Speedmasters that have been sent by Omega could have been either standard models 145.022s, or DD 145.022s (the steel and gold model with the gold panda dial). That means that from the Omega’s stand point, based on the invoices they have in their archives, some of the Italian editions may be registered as DD 145.022s. We are currently working on this argument, in order to have more details about it. We’ll keep you updated as soon as we have more precisions. Thanks for sharing.