Navajo Turquoise Watch Value Guide

This vintage Navajo watch represents a fusion of traditional 19th-century silversmithing techniques with 20th-century quartz movement technology. Featuring hand-set turquoise stones, these pieces are highly collectible as wearable art that symbolizes protection and prosperity within Native American culture.

What Is Navajo Turquoise Watch Worth?

The typical price range for Navajo Turquoise Watch is $150 - $200 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The quality and color of the turquoise stones, with rare mines or deep blue hues commanding higher prices.
• The presence of a verifiable artist's signature or hallmark which can increase the value beyond the $150-$200 range.
• The overall condition of the sterling silver, including the lack of deep scratches or repairs to the intricate metalwork.
• The functionality of the quartz movement and the integrity of the watch face integrated into the silver tips.

How to Identify Navajo Turquoise Watch?

• Check for a 'Sterling' or '.925' hallmark on the silver watch tips, often accompanied by a maker's mark or initials.
• Examine the turquoise settings for authentic matrix patterns and hand-cut bezel work typical of 1970-1990 Southwest artistry.
• Verify the weight of the silver; authentic Navajo pieces from this era have a substantial, handcrafted feel compared to mass-produced imitations.
• Inspect the expansion band or leather strap attachment for signs of traditional construction methods used by Navajo silversmiths.

History of Navajo Turquoise Watch

Navajo silversmithing began in the mid-19th century, drawing inspiration from Spanish and Mexican traditions. The use of turquoise, a stone sacred to many Native American tribes, became prominent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, symbolizing protection and prosperity. This watch likely represents a blend of traditional Native American artistry with modern watchmaking, a common practice in the mid to late 20th century to create wearable art.