Appraisal: Favre-Leuba Gold Coin Watch, ca. 1930
APPRAISER
Don, where did you get this now?
GUEST
It was given to me out of my uncle's estate, and many years ago, he bought that for my aunt as a gift.
APPRAISER
It's great, and when people look at this, what you see right away is you see a Saint-Gaudens $20 gold piece with the eagle on it-- one of the most beautiful U.S. coins ever made. And on the front, you see Walking Liberty, and most people will leave it at that and say "gold coin." However, you know the little secret that it opens up, and inside is a little watch. Now, these watches were made by a few companies.
This one is made by a company called Favre-Leuba. They're in Switzerland. They were one of the finest watchmakers for making wristwatches and watches like this. And what's interesting about these watches, you had to ruin two coins to make one piece because of the milling to make the door and the bottom plate.
You have an idea what you think it may be worth?
GUEST
Have no idea.
APPRAISER
Never thought about it?
GUEST
No.
APPRAISER
Well, as a coin, it's worth maybe $400, $500, and remember, they ruined the coin. But as a watch, about $5,000.
GUEST
Oh, my goodness!
APPRAISER
Yeah, and I think that's a very fair market value.
GUEST
Oh, my! Had no idea.
Follow Us