First how do you define a vintage watch. The consensus seems to be that they must have been made before the quartz revolution which came about in the 1960s. They will have a history and a vintage look to them.
The older vintage watches were pocket watches. These two different timepieces were created during different eras. Pocket watches were created long before wristwatches, and for that reason, many people find pocket watches to be classic all on their own.
Why collect Vintage Watches
There are a number of benefits to collecting vintage watches including increased monetary value over time, the aesthetic beauty of the watches and the workmanship that has gone into creating one of these complex mechanical timepieces. Also there has been a large number watch makers in the past and therefore a large diversity of styles available.
Vintage Chronograph watch
There have been many watch makers around the world. Some popular American watch makers during the last century include Hamilton, Elgin, Timex, Bulova, Waltham and Gruen.
Vintage Wrist watches are not for everyone however. You should be aware that Vintage Wrist Watches are usually manually wound instruments. Only a few have automatic movements and you will not get the precision of a modern quartz watch. Also if you buy a vintage watch from anyone other than a jeweller, you should have the watch initially serviced at a cost of about $100 to $200.
Take into consideration the reason you want to collect, whether for profit or the sheer enjoyment of having a nice collection of old watches.
If you are collecting vintage watches for profit you are better off buying vintage watches then contemporary watches.
Firstly contemporary watches depreciate much quicker. Like a new car they start to decline in value very quickly. If you can accurately value a genuine vintage watch you can find a bargain and stand less chance of loosing money and even gaining a profit should you choose to resell it. However there are also collectable and aesthetic reasons why I prefer collecting vintage watches over contemporary watches.
Surprisingly collecting vintage watches does not have to be an expensive hobby. In fact vintage watches can be less expensive then contemporary watches. A classic 1950s column wheel chronograph can be bought for less then what most modern ones cost.
The watches serve as a standard of excellence. You will be surprised by all of the features and intricacies available in watches back then. The pioneer watch makers who made these watches set the stage for some of the most advanced instruments the world has ever seen. A vintage watch is a mechanical micro-engine. A complex device that is not just a time teller but also an image statement.
By collecting and preserving vintage watches you are preserving the knowledge required to create them that would otherwise be lost. These time pieces tell more than just time; they were symbols of knowledge, sophistication, and distinction in the days of their popularity. Anybody can own a luxury wristwatch.
What Should I look for when Buying
The first thing you need to determine before buying a vintage watch is the condition it is in and the time period it originates from. Can you see the serial number on the watch. All of these factors affect the value of the watch.
One of the challenging aspects of collecting vintage watches are the high proportion of fakes that exist. If you have a keen eye and attention to detail it is often possible to tell a fake watch from a genuine timepiece.
Often you can tell a fraud through colour variation or newness of the parts. Watches that are not of one colour hue may indicate forgery.
Many of the higher end vintage watches have case back numbers that can be checked with serial number to see if they match.
Before buying, obtain a library of details pictures of vintage watches that you know are genuine and match a prospective purchase against them. On-line forums are a great way to acquire and swap pictures.
Look for scratches or gouges on the non-replaced parts, and look for corrosion or other signs of wear and tear. Ask the vendor for a detailed report on the history of servicing of the watch and its current condition. If the vendor cannot supply such information it may be better to let the watch go rather then be disappointed with a poorly maintained corroded or faulty watch.
Maintaining a Vintage Watch
If you expect the value of these watches to appreciate and you want to preserve the art and history of these watches then this will take a lot of care.
Unlike conventional modern watches, vintage watches are not water proof. Keep them away from water and moisture to avoid rust. Temperature also plays a large role in maintaining a vintage watch. Try to ensure they do not become overheated. They are also less shock resistant then modern day watches so you should consider when you should carry these watches around with you.
However If you accidentally damage a vintage watch or it just stops working due to age there are experts who can perform repair and restoration.
What Vintage Watches Should I Collect
Many experienced collectors may suggest you focus on a particular type of watch and become an expert on that type rather then collecting a diverse range of vintage watches you know less about. You may therefore want to start with one make or a specific era of watch making and build up your knowledge before moving on to other makes.
Also the condition of the watch is important. The purist will say that only mint condition is acceptable, but to me the reasons for collecting need to be considered. If you are only interested in the money, then mint condition may be the way to go but insure you have the budget first.
My main interest is having a nice collection of vintage pocket watches regardless of condition. Whatever vintage watches you choose to collect you will find a diverse range of wonderfully made timepieces that reflect the era that they were made and the expertise involved.