Set & documentation
What does “Full Set” mean?
The watch with everything it originally came with: boxes, papers, tags, links and accessories.
Also written as: Complete, Full Kit, Box & Papers, B&P
Full Set, explained
A full set means the watch comes with everything it originally left the brand with: the inner and outer boxes, the warranty card or certificate, booklets, hang tags, any links removed when the bracelet was sized, and accessories such as a strap tool or cleaning cloth where the brand supplied them. Dealers also say 'complete', 'full kit', 'box and papers' or 'B&P', although strictly 'box and papers' means only those two items.
A full set usually commands a premium over the same watch with fewer pieces, because it supports authenticity, makes the watch easier to resell and is what many buyers expect for modern pieces. What counts as 'full' depends on the brand and the year, so experienced dealers list every item instead of relying on the term: inner box, outer box, dated card, booklet, hang tag, links. Missing links are a common gap. For vintage watches, a genuine full set is rare and correspondingly valuable, which also makes it a target for reproduction boxes and papers.
Example: 'Full set: inner and outer box, 2023 card, booklet, green tag, all links.'
Related terms
Watch & Box
Comes with the original box but no papers.
Watch & Papers
Comes with the warranty card/papers but no box.
Card Only
Comes with the warranty card only.
Watch Only
Just the watch on its bracelet or strap. Nothing else.
Head Only
The watch head without bracelet or strap, and no extras.
Outer Box
The exterior box the inner watch box sits in. Part of a true full set.
Inner Box
The presentation box the watch sits in.
Hang Tag
The tag attached to a new watch at the boutique, usually with reference and serial.
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