How important is box and papers?

[rootbeer7]

Great mixture of answers. Here’s my take.
The period correct box and accessories can be bought on eBay. The papers can be more easily faked than the watch. A complete set (I’ve bought and sold a few) is different, because everything is in place, including very often a receipt. Full sets are rare and worth the premium.
What I have done previously is to buy a watch because it has the best case, dial and hands and then send to RSC with instructions to service only. That way you have up to date paperwork, guarantee of both its provenance and it’s in full working order.

[Andad]

Nothing trumps original box, documents, cards, accessories etc.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by roh123

And yet we know people punching papers as well. Looking AOK.

Sure, and the bad guys also fake dials, hands, cases, inserts, bracelets, re-lume but try to pass off as original, etc .... It’s no different, and fake parts are much more common.

There are tells on forged paperwork, the same way watches/parts can be determined to be fake or original.