Introduction to Vintage Watches

Buying a watch may seem as simple as it sounds. The idea of entering through the doors of an authorized dealer, trying out the timepiece, signing up a couple of papers and leaving with a shopping bag does seem to be a relatively simple task. However, things take a sharp turn when it comes to vintage watches.

Vintage watches belong from a period of continuous improvements and over the years as modern technology took over, their movements became outdated and further manufacture of parts was discontinued. This makes up for why many individuals refrain from experiencing a vintage watch. However, these watches were built in an era with no contemporary mechanism, when display of time was scarce and the fact that these devices needed to keep up with time accurate to the second was of immense importance. Most of the vintage watches on the market today, generally, are in existence because they have stood the test of time and if dealt with proper care, could last a lifetime.

Vintage timepieces are similar to vintage automobiles. They were designed to be extremely reliable. They can be routinely maintained through regular servicing to keep accuracy of timekeeping and in most cases, could also be restored to factory conditions if needed.

Watches belonging to haute horology and renowned brands still choose to preserve and manufacture parts for their watches dating back to the early 1900s. One could send in a watch and have it completely reinstated to how it once was when it came out of the factory back in the day. That is the primary reason behind their worth and value appreciation. Watches belonging to the Holy Trinity — Patek Phillippe, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin along with brands such as Jaeger-LeCoultre, Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Tudor, IWC, Zenith, Girard Perregaux, Longines and Cartier — to name a few, all provide parts for restoration of their vintage timepieces. Parts can also be sourced through other platforms online such as google, eBay or through individual watchmakers.

In addition, vintage watches can be a good entry point into a brand's psychology. As vintage watches have already been through their depreciation stage and now reflect their actual value, they are easier to attain given their price and availability. They can provide valuable insight to what the brand stands for and the quality it offers. One can make their way up in the hierarchy of a brand’s higher-end references after acquiring one of their vintage timepieces.