The overarching goal of Alpha Hands is to educate collectors through primary and secondary research, and improve transparency of the market. This effort includes resources not available elsewhere, including:
- Reference research:
- Follow serial numbers of particular references over time to see if changes have been made to the piece and not disclosed by the seller
- Deep dives – what is a correct dial, hands, case, etc.
- Serial number databases and price trend charts to make sure the ask/your offer is in line
- Stolen watch registry
- The largest free stolen watch database in the world – free to add, free to search
- How to buy a vintage watch
- Where to buy from and who to trust; auction houses and dealers
- What to look for in a vintage watch; research to do before buying
- Resources
- Production tables
- Key blogs, podcasts, publications and articles
- Dates of production, import codes, watchmaking schools
- Care and Servicing
- Wearing and use
- Insurance and safes
- Events
- Auction dates and locations
- Speaker events and gatherings
- Goods
- Accessories: loupes, springbar tools, straps
- Books: technical, reference, historical
If you have any suggestions for what would be useful to include, please contact me.