ASHLAND GRADING SYSTEM GUIDE

This grading system is property of  Antiquorum, Geneva Switzerland.  Antiquorum has given eAshland.net express, written permission to use their grading system.

The lots described in this catalog have been carefully examined and valued by Ashland’s experts and watch makers, taking into consideration the aesthetical, historical and technical interest, age and rarity, as well as the technology available at the time of production of each timepiece.

For such judgment to be as objective as possible, it must rest on a number of criteria, particularly with regards to the age of a lot. Indeed, a wrist watch of less than 50 years old cannot be judged with the same criteria as a Renaissance watch. This is the reason why some of the gradings will only qualify for certain types of watches and will never be used for others.

For example, if, as a general rule, watches can be attributed gradings from 1 to 4 for the case, the dial and the movement, watches of less than 100 years old can be given grading 1 (as new), 3 (in very good condition), or 4 (in good condition). The latter, (grading 4), will be followed by one or more grading numbers to justify why the lot cannot be considered “in very good condition”. On the other hand, watches over 100 years old, of similar condition, would indeed be considered as “very good” because of their age and would therefore quality for grading 3. Needless to say, watches over 100 years old, even the best state of conservation for their age, are unlikely to ever be considered “as new” and would therefore never be eligible for grading 1; for this reason, we have introduced grading 2 (in perfect condition).

At the end of each lot description, before the estimate, you will find a condition report box, with letters and numbers, divided into 4 sections: these are the grades given to the lot with reference to the condition of its case ¸, it dial and hands, its movement, and its rarity level-if applicable.

To understand the grades shown in the condition report box, consult the Grading System as follows:

C for the case, followed by one or more numbers = condition of case.

D for the dial (& hands), followed by one or more numbers = condition of dial & hands.

M for the movement, followed by one or more numbers = condition of movement.

Next to this condition report box, is an experts rarity box featuring one number from 1-10 as an overall rarity grade.

See example below:

C 1                                    D 1 - 01                                 M 1                             R 4
Case: as new                      Dial: as new - original hands     Movement: as new       Rarity Grade