How do I check how much my watch is worth?

More than one sensible way to structure this; I'll lead with the direct answer, then a short numbered path, then a note on when to bring in a professional.

The most reliable way to check a watch's worth is to identify the exact reference and condition, compare it against recent actual sale prices for that same reference, and then confirm the figure with a professional appraisal if the watch has real value or you need a report for insurance, estate, or tax purposes.

Start by pinning down the details that actually drive value:

Brand and reference number: usually on the dial, case back, between the lugs, or on the warranty card.
Condition and originality: scratches, polishing history, dial condition, and whether any parts have been replaced with non-original components.
Completeness: original box, papers, warranty card, and service records (a "full set" is worth more than the watch alone).
Production year: often traceable through the serial number, which matters more for vintage and collectible pieces.

Once you have those, online valuation tools that pull from recent sales data can give you a ballpark range. That range is useful for a gut check, but it isn't a substitute for a professional appraisal, especially if the watch needs to support an insurance policy, an estate filing, or a charitable donation deduction under Form 8283. Market databases don't account for the specific quirks of your piece the way an in-person or photo-based professional review does.

For anything beyond casual curiosity, a watch appraisal from a credentialed appraiser is the more defensible route. Our appraisers value luxury, vintage, and collectible timepieces using market research and condition assessment, and every report is prepared in accordance with USPAP so it holds up for its intended use. If you're weighing whether to pay for one, it's worth reading about whether jewelers appraise for free, since a quick informal opinion and a formal written appraisal serve very different purposes.