Ashley King, the Clock Trader from Quakertown, Pa., has repaired more than 12,000 clocks and watches and was recently on my Whats It Worth? radio show talking about pocket watches. It is thought that the pocket watch was first invented in the 16th century, and its usage became widespread with the help of the later transportation industry, in particular the railroads and the need to keep the trains running safely and on time. Pocket watches include a case and movement, which were usually made by different companies, which means that the serial numbers on both will often be different. Lower serial numbers can often be more valuable than higher serial numbers. Cases hold the movement and can be made of gold (10k-14k-18k), gold fill, gold plate, sterling silver, or silverplate, among other materials. If a case is marked 10k-14k-18k or some other gold marking such as 585, the case is gold and by itself will have precious metal value. If a case is marked Warranted 20 Years or something similar, the case is gold plate, and they are warranting that the gold plate wont wear off the case in that span of time. Movements are the interior clock parts that make the watch keep time, and movements by better makers can often be more valuable than the case. A good movement without a case can always find a replacement case. Jewels were used in the movements, and more jewels are typically better than fewer jewels. While the normal number of jewels is 15 to 21, King has seen a watch with as many as 38 jewels. Elgin, Waltham and Hamilton pocket watches were good time pieces, and many millions were made. Hence, value is usually not all that significant. Pocket watches by luxury makers such as Patek Philippe and Breguet are in demand and can be worth large sums. Tiffany also marketed fine pocket watches, but relatively few were actually made by Tiffany. Enhancements such as enamel and etched case designs or fine gemstones can also add to value. And a pocket watch does not need to be in working order to have value. Whats its worth? A Patek Phillipe Henry Graves Supercomplication that took four years to complete sold at auction for $11,000,000. While better pocket watches can sometimes sell in the thousands, most average watches will sell for less than $100. The case, movement, and special enhancements will all determine value. And dont forget the scrap value of the gold. Mike Ivankovich is an auctioneer, appraiser, home downsizing expert, and host of the Whats It Worth? Ask Mike the Appraiser radio show that airs live in the Philadelphia area on Friday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. EST on WBCB 1490 AM and on the internet at www.WBCB1490.com. You can also visit his website at www.AskMikeTheAppraiser.com.