Set & documentation
What does “Head Only” mean?
The watch head without bracelet or strap, and no extras.
Head Only, explained
'Head only' means the watch case, dial and movement without any bracelet or strap, and without box, papers or extras. The 'head' is the watch itself, as opposed to whatever attaches to the lugs.
Head-only watches turn up when a bracelet has been damaged, sold separately or kept by a previous owner, and with vintage pieces whose original bracelets wore out long ago. They are usually priced below a watch-only piece, because the buyer has to find a bracelet or strap, and an original, correct bracelet for some references can be costly and hard to source. For integrated-bracelet designs, or models where the bracelet is a large part of the look, the discount can be significant. Dealers often buy heads to pair with spare bracelets they already hold.
Example: 'Head only, no bracelet, case unpolished, dial original.'
Related terms
Full Set
The watch with everything it originally came with: boxes, papers, tags, links and accessories.
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.
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.
Soda glossary