Question about a Hamilton 923 Masterpiece Pocketwatch

[RSWalthall]

I own a Hamilton 923 Masterpiece Pocketwatch with these features:
18K gold, Dial E2, Watch No. R-3078, Case No. S-580910
It comes in its original stock cardboard box (light blue with a printed-on gift ribbon in dark blue) and the hard plastic inner presentation container. Both the box and container are in great condition. The watch runs fine and is in tremendous external condition with no mars, as if it was never used. It was given to me as a gift and I have not used it.

I am not a collector, know virtually nothing about watches, and want to sell this pocketwatch. I just joined this forum to start researching the answer to this question: Is this watch worth more as a watch in the hands of a collector or should it be sold for its gold content?

[AbslomRob]

You're in a forum for vintage watch enthusiasts; we're going to say "as a watch".

In general, "gold" isn't worth as much as people think, unless you have direct access to a refiner. Most mini-mall/jewelery stores/"mail us your gold and we'll mail you cash" outfits gouge you substantially. Properly sold, you should be able to sell it to a watch collector for at least as much as you'll get from reputable gold dealer. Especially if its running and in the original box.

[Erik_H]

Your 923 is a smallish 10 size watch, so the amount of gold for scrap is not that much. If working and complete with box a 923 Masterpiece is quite collectible. Don't scrap it.

[artb]

To a collector it should be easily saleable in condition described at 150% of gold value. It is not a great rarity but a best of its type of American late model pocketwatch with condition and boxes the main reasons. Because of the gold value it is normally hard to sell these nice things for much more than gold value as I guess you have
noticed. Also 18k solid in these late model Hamiltons is rare. Ebay has a couple 902 19j and 923 10k and 14k very expensive. I would not buy a 14k. P.m. me if you want an appropriate quote for a reserve or sale price. Valuations not allowed here. Or better yet that is a keeper with best potential for appreciation financial or personal.