Bill
32148
Box and Papers
The value of box and papers varies to many of us. For Rolex collectors it can increase the value / cost by 20% or more. For other brands you are looking at completeness of the package and the expected care the previous owner exercised over the watch.
But ultimately it the provenance. When was the watch born and where. Was the watch sold through an AD with appropriate warranty stamps and such. For Rolex is everything matching in a way to complete the story and authenticity of the watch. All these elements have varying degrees of importance.
For an anticlimactic example of Box and Papers see my Marathon. But at least in the spirit of completeness when know the application of the watch and stamped on the case back the date of birth. Ok OK but I was excited to get a complete set from 1986. They even mentioned life expectancy 5-10 years.
Marathon circa 1986. Desert storm style
Marathon. Part of my Benrus Type I and Type II collection.
Available on the marketplace
4 Benrus listings are live on the eBay market and 0 collector listings on the WatchProSite marketplace.

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amanico · Nov 7, 2010
Explore the Benrus Type I and Type II military watches, including the rare 'sterile' versions. A collector's guide to their history, design, and unique features.
59 replies19628 views

Collection
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Vintage
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Box and Papers
By: Bill : June 11th, 2016-11:01
The value of box and papers varies to many of us. For Rolex collectors it can increase the value / cost by 20% or more. For other brands you are looking at completeness of the package and the expected care the previous owner exercised over the watch. But ...
Some time they are essential.
By: Bill : June 11th, 2016-17:31
Other times nice to have. But given the opportunity to pick papers over none papers trump. But if i really need a model or liove one i will try to validate using other methods than papers. But a crappy example with papers is less tempting unless it truely...
I mostly buy new
By: dr.kol : June 12th, 2016-01:01
but in case a specific watch I want is available only in 2nd hand, then papers are mandatory. Furthermore, I add the complexity of finding the right watch by buying watches only with "open" papers. Finally, if I boy a 2nd hand watch, it goes directly to t...