Last Updated on Wednesday, 14 April 2010 11:10 Written by GoldSmithWatchWorks Wednesday, 14 April 2010 10:51

What does "NOS" mean?

NOS is the abbreviation for New Old Stock.

NEW old stock means just that -- the watch is brand new – not just mint condition.

NOS is uncirculated, never worn, brand new..

NOS often refers to watches or parts that have been found in the stock of old jewelers or watchmakers or sometimes from the factory or even, in rare circumstances, from a one owner who never wore the watch.

These items are new.

Parts, Bands, Straps, including movements , movement parts, crowns, stems, crystals, et al, are usually in their original packaging.

NOS watches can be in original boxes

Some may have original documents or original hang tags

sometimes all of the above.

Some NOS cases are still coated with brightly colored plastic paint, plastic covers, and other protectors that were placed on the watch in the factory to prevent scratching.

How can I tell if something is really NOS or not?

Examine the watch or photo to see if there are any signs of wear.

Check the back of the band first.

If the watch was worn, odds are the buckle shows some scratches or signs of wear from coming in contact with surface.

Look also for dings around the crown or case back or even inside of lugs.

Lug wear is a fast determination of wear.

Look for any dings or marks on case.

If the watch is open. look for sweat marks. discoloration, rust , oils in the seal or inside of edge of case.

Look at the back of the band if it is stated as original NOS and the back of the case for signs of skin oils.

SALT FROM SWEAT within the seal will show discoloration, light rust like marks, this is a clear indication of non NOS condition.

Check carefully where the back of the case is attached to the bezel.

Look for skin oils and dirt that have found their way into the crevice.

Check to ensure that the movement and the case were originally paired up.

You can do that often by dating the case AND the movement.

If the case and movement weren't together originally – the watch isn't NOS. \

A watch that has been  refurbished with any parts changed is not NOS.

Though the advertisement of a NOS watch being serviced is OK and does NOT remove the NOS designation because old natural oils broke down with time and age, regardless of the fact it is NOS!

A NOS watch that is 10 years or older should have a service to accomplish the cleaning of the old oils and lubricants and the addition of new, synthetic oils and lubricants . it will still carry the designation of NOS.