Provenance and records
How to preserve watch provenance and supporting records.
Provenance is the documented history associated with a watch. Its value comes from traceable facts and supporting material, not from an attractive story alone.
Build a dated ownership timeline
Record when and how the watch entered the collection and identify earlier ownership only when reliable evidence exists. Distinguish a documented event from family recollection, seller information or an unverified account.
Preserve original documents carefully
Keep invoices, warranty papers, certificates, service reports and relevant correspondence in their original form. Create legible reference copies and note which physical documents accompany the watch.
Connect accessories to the correct watch
Boxes, booklets, tags, spare links and straps should be recorded with photographs and identifying details. Avoid describing an accessory as original to the watch unless the available evidence supports that conclusion.
Use specialists for formal conclusions
Organized records help an expert review a watch, but documentation software does not authenticate a piece or establish legal ownership. Use qualified specialists when a formal opinion, valuation or legal conclusion is required.
Written and reviewed by Oscar Herrera for H4icons. H4icons is an iPhone app currently in development and is coming soon to the App Store.