The Reasons why we can't Provide values for either Revere or General Electric Westminster Clocks

Page under construction...  (Folks!  I'll be slowly elaborating more on this over time and improving this page.  But right now, here are the basics.)

 

Why we can't provide valuations or appraisals.  So Please!  Do not call us or email for a valuation. Taking into consideration everything listed below, it is impossible for us to place a value on any clock we can't physically inspect.  Neither can we provide you with an online pricing source.  Frankly, because of all the diffent variables associated with these Westminsters, they are only worth what somebody is willing to pay for it. There have been times when we put a clock up for sale say at $250, and it sold within 24 hours.  A few months later, we could list the same model, for the same $250, and have it sit there for 6-months before being sold.  This means that the right buyer for any particular clock may not be available for a prolonged period of time. So, if you really, truly want to find out what it's worth, put it on Ebay with a starting price of $1.  After a week of bidding, look at the closing price.  That's what it's worth.  Now, all of that may seem harsh, but before you boo us and throw fruit, allow me to elaborate some more. Our online Telecrhon and GE Clock price guide is based strictly off of closing Ebay auctions.  Unlike Telechron or GE Time-Only clocks which appear on Ebay frequently, it is nearly impossible to accurately document values for either the Revere or General Electric Westminster clocks.  There are several variables which actually distorts the true value of these clocks. The first variable is rarity.  If you happen to own one of the rare, uncataloged or black-n-white pictured clocks on our ID page, then consider yourself lucky.  Because of the fact we have absolutely no past sales numbers, we cannot put a value or even "Ball Park" what the clock would be worth.  Again, this would be a time where we would need to physically see the clock in order to ascertain total condition and an accurate value.  Sorry, but pictures sent via email are not considered a physical inspection. The second variable is frequency.  The more times a model appears, the more accurate posted values would be.  Some of the more common clocks like the Revere R-913 or GE 414 do appear on Ebay very frequently, but others do not.  For example-If a beat-up, non-running Revere R-104 appeared back in July 2009, and no other afterwards, the only value we have is based on that one clock.  So if it closed on Ebay for say $35, that value would be reflected until another would eventually appear.  $35 is not the true value. Even frequent, identical models like the R-913 seem to go up-and-down in short periods of times.  A good looking, good running R-913 could close on Monday for $138, while a similar R-913 could close on Thursday for $22. Why???  Ironically, a R-913 in non-running condition could close on Friday for $42.  So which value is correct? Seller ads also have a great deal to do with pricing.  First of all, nearly all sellers are totally clueless about the clocks they are offering.  For example, one seller claimed he didn't understand how the clock worked because he couldn't figure out where to put the batteries!  Many times the information is either exaggerated or incorrect.  Some flaws in the clock may exist that the seller isn’t even aware of.  The pictures may be poor, and the description lacking any real information.  Heck!  I've seen many ads that go and on about how to pay, but never even once mention whether or not the darn clock even runs!  Also, how about shipping?  Why is it one seller charges $12 to ship a clock, while another charges $48 for the same model?  Normally, ads showing excessive shipping close at below-average-prices. Another factor is overall eye-appeal.  Read any Revere clock ad on Ebay.  Usually the seller lists a host of different issues ranging from scratches, dings, breaks, missing parts, excessive noise and of course, clocks that don’t even run correctly.  Naturally, regardless of condition, all the clocks are sold “AS-IS, HOW-IS, WHERE-IS” meaning the seller won’t even back the clock if it fails to run next week.  So you, the buyer, are assuming 100% of the risk.  The more risk you assume, the lower the selling price (and value).  Even the best clocks sold on Ebay advertised as “Mint”, “Excellent”, “Wonderful” are in our opinion, no better than average condition. Ebay clocks are running on Borrowed Time! Clocks advertised as “Works” or “Runs and Chimes” is just one step above “Broken”.  Why?  Look at it like buying a used light bulb.  It might work today, but it could burn out tomorrow.  Just because a clock runs doesn’t mean it’s in great condition.  Nearly every clock we’ve worked on has NEVER seen any type of professional service.  Just because the clock is electric doesn’t make it any different from an antique key-wind.  The Revere movements have many moving parts which need overhauled and oiled every 15-20.  Nearly all the Reveres sold on Ebay are 40-80 years old, and have never seen even the most basic service.  Compare this to a car.  Would you buy a 20-year old car that the owner claims “It runs” but has never had the oil changed? web counter