Mint As New(MAN) - 100%. Appearing factory new and unworn, flawless function, with no deteriorated leather, rubber, cloth or plastic parts. Vintage(20 yrs.+) Watches in this condition are seldom seen and command significant premiums. NOS(New Old Stock) only speaks to the item's "social life" - never sold. If not properly stored, occasionally lubricated or cleaned, leather bands oiled, etc., a NOS piece could be in horrible shape.

Brand New Watches leaving a jeweler’s often have fine marks from in-store handling , polishing (even a soft piece of common fabric can leave scratches), bouncing against a hard plastic box interior, band or battery change marks and light superficial corrosion caused by body oil left during these activities. Vintage items can rarely escape some of the extremely minor handling marks commonly suffered by BRAND NEW watches, so these watches may in fairness, in my opinion, be referred to as MINT AS NEW for practical purposes, while having some signs of handling. I have arbitrarily placed "Mint" at 99% and lower.  If you have questions about "how MINT" is this piece, just ask. I try not to play loose with this term.

MINT: 90% - 99%. Factory new appearance, 100% perfect function- A watch showing very minor handling or use blemishes only under close visual inspection.

NEAR MINT: 80% - 89%. Shows evidence of occasional, careful use if one stops to look.. A very presentable watch at arm's length.

EXCELLENT: 70% - 79%. Wear and occasional use are evident but the piece is still quite presentable, proudly showing signs of careful use. There may be minor "brassing" (base material showing through plating) on plated/filled cases, but only in the more inconspicuous areas, such as the clasp and lower back edges of the case or band. There may be minor dings or scratches.

FAIR: 50% - 69%. Daily and frequent use are obvious, easily noticeable brassing and wear, and possible dings and scratches.

POOR: 49% and under. Broken parts, heavy scuffing, scratching, non-functional.

RARITY GRADING
In some cases rarity creates strong investment potential. We hope the following list will assist you when making purchasing decisions, and we encourage you to call or email if more information is needed in regards to a particular piece.

The following factors create the basis of rarity levels of most collectibles:

(a) Market availability, both past and present.
(b) Technical quality and innovative design.
(c) Historical importance of particular model or maker.
(d) Condition in relationship to other examples of same model.
(e) Artistic case design, i.e. enamel, customization, unusually shape.
(f) Low survival rate of similar models.
(g) Investment potential of increase in demand and price.