Stuhrling Dive-Style Automatic Watch Appraisal
Category: Wristwatch
Description
The item is a men's wristwatch, presented on what appears to be a black, pillow-style watch holder, indicating it might be stored or displayed. The watch features a substantial stainless steel case and a matching three-link stainless steel bracelet, suggesting durability and a robust build. The dial is dark, likely black or deep grey, with white luminescent hour markers that are a mix of circular dots, rectangular bars, and a prominent inverted triangle at the 12 o'clock position. The hands are also luminescent, with a classic hour and minute hand design and a slender second hand. A date window is visible at the 3 o'clock position. A striking feature of this watch is its unidirectional rotating bezel, which is a vibrant orange color, characteristic of many dive watches. The bezel has black markings at intervals, including a prominent marker at 60 minutes and numbers at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50, typical for tracking elapsed time underwater. The crystal appears flat and clear. Observable details suggest good craftsmanship; the bracelet links are solid, and the bezel's edges show fine serrations for grip. Minor wear and tear are visible on the metal surfaces, consistent with regular use, but no significant damage like deep scratches or dents is apparent. The overall aesthetic is sporty yet classic. The branding on the dial, though partially obscured, appears to be 'STUHRLING' or similar, denoting a specific manufacturer, likely a modern brand known for affordable or entry-level dive-style watches. Considering the design elements, it is likely a contemporary piece, post-2000, styled after classic dive watches.
Appraisal Report
I have examined the provided image of the Stuhrling Dive-Style Automatic Watch. The watch presents in good used condition, consistent with regular wear. Minor surface wear is visible on the stainless steel case and bracelet, but no significant dents or deep scratches are apparent. The vibrant orange unidirectional bezel, a strong design feature, appears well-preserved. Based on visual cues like the solid bracelet links and the detailed bezel, the craftsmanship appears solid for its market segment. Authenticity, based on the 'STUHRLING' branding and design characteristics, appears consistent with modern Stuhrling watches, which are generally affordable, entry-level timepieces. However, I must emphasize that a definitive authentication of any watch, especially regarding internal movements or specific model variations, cannot be fully confirmed from images alone. An in-person examination would allow for inspection of the movement, serial numbers, and specific model engravings, which would confirm full authenticity and originality. Market comparables for pre-owned Stuhrling dive-style automatic watches typically range from $75 to $150, depending on the specific model and condition. The demand for these watches is moderate, driven by their accessible price point and classic dive watch aesthetics. They are not considered rare. The primary factors impacting value here are the overall good condition and the brand's positioning as an affordable, mass-produced watch. The 'famous emperor' provenance, while interesting, does not significantly impact the monetary value of a Stuhrling watch in the general collector's market.
Appraisal Value
$75-125