The Watch Keepers Grading System
At The Watch Keepers, we believe trust starts with clarity. That’s why we developed The Watch Keepers Grading System: a grading method designed to reflect the level of precision, transparency, and nuance expected by collectors and newcomers alike.
Our grading system was created in collaboration with industry experts, Audemars Piguet watchmakers, and clients, combining professional expertise with real user expectations. The result is a clear, granular, and reliable tool that accurately reflects the condition of each watch.
What we grade
The Watch Keepers Grading System focuses on the aesthetic condition of the watch, assessed across its most visible components:
Dial, Case and Bracelet (or strap, when applicable)
Each component is examined individually during an in‑hand inspection by AP watchmakers, taking into account natural wear consistent with the age of the watch, as well as any visible marks, scratches, or signs of polishing.
What grading does and does not mean
The Watch Keepers Grading System describes aesthetic condition, not value. Two watches with the same reference may receive different grades due to differences in wear, polishing history, or preservation. Likewise, pricing may vary based on factors such as rarity, production period, or market demand. Grading is one element among several.
Transparency you can rely on
Each listing clearly displays a summary of the watch’s grading, alongside detailed images that reflect its condition as accurately as possible. While professional photography is used, grading is always based on a physical, in‑hand assessment, not on images alone. Any visible signs of wear are disclosed to ensure full transparency.
Our listing standard
To preserve the quality and integrity of the platform, only watches graded 3 and above are listed on The Watch Keepers. Watches that fall below this threshold may require servicing or restoration before they can be offered for sale. This standard ensures that every watch presented on TWK meets expectations in terms of condition, functionality, and presentation.
How the grading works
Each component receives a grade on a scale from 1 to 5, where:
5 reflects an excellent aesthetic condition
1 reflects a more visibly worn condition
Grades are assigned independently to the dial, case, and bracelet. This granular approach avoids over‑simplification and allows each watch to be represented honestly, component by component.
Grading reflects the condition of the watch at the time of listing, following authentication, quality control, and any required servicing.
