How to Become a Toy Watch Collector

You know cereal boxes that advertise a special prize inside? Well, if the prize is a promotional wrist watch for the latest animated movie or cereal brand's logo, then you could be looking at its core value increasing in the future. Though primarily touted a kid's toy, these promo items are currently a hot collector's items.

Promotional wrist watches, meaning that the watch helps to promote a product, brand, upcoming movie, a TV series, etc., dates back to the mid-1920s. Many times, the watch reflect an example of pop culture of the period it is being released. Promotional tie-ins, like wrist watches baring a brand's logo, function to keep the brand and its product in the forefront of the consumer's mind. What better way to remind them than by having the brand's watch on his or her wrist?

What has made these toy watches so popular and continues to make them popular is that, not only are they cheap (they rarely cost more than $15 to purchase brand new), they are a fun toy for kids to wear and play with.

Considering that collectors have, in the last few years, made these promotional watches a collectible to keep an eye out for, it allows for novices to get in on the deal.

Some of these watches can be worth a decent amount of money. The 1976 Tony the Tiger watch is valued at $150 as is the 1975 Ritz Cracker watch. How collectors base a watch's worth is determined by its condition, demand for the watch, its rarity and its age. As a whole, the various watches range from $25-200. A 1987 M&M's watch in mint condition is worth only $20 whereas a 1950s Toppie the Elephant in good condition is valued between $100-150.

There are a myriad of different places you can search for these hidden treasures. eBay is a great source to use. Just keep in mind that you carefully research each item before placing a bid. Only bid on items with clear photos, a detailed description and when the seller has good feedback. Also, be sure to ask the seller questions about the item. Where and how they acquired it and the condition of the item are all details you should know. You can also scout flea markets, garage sales and antique and collectible shops for these toy surprises.