A classic timepiece can be among the most valuable possessions, elevating one’s sense of style and overall personality by leaps and bounds. Owners can wear excellent pieces in mint condition, drawing attention to themselves at any public event or occasion they grace.
While the market for spectacular vintage watches is vast, choosing which one to buy can be tricky for those who know little about these items. For instance, you may end up with a beat-up, new model, assuming it is a vintage item simply because the seller claimed so.
Invariably, keeping a few essential things in mind can help avoid such blunders, enabling you to land a valuable piece for a reasonable price. You can begin by considering the following points to buy the best possible item.
Quality and size
The global luxury watch market is ever-expanding, with classic collections forming a prominent part of the industry. The quality of a piece determines its true worth, affecting the price depending on the changing industry trends. For instance, if you want an old one, it may be best to avoid the ones with newer-looking glasses because they indicate that the timepiece was manufactured relatively recently. Likewise, notice the hands, bezel, bands, and other features that might point to its age.
Size is another fundamental factor when looking for an antique timepiece, with older ones typically smaller than the latest models. That’s because one of the chief goals of wristwatches for men was to make them easier to wear than pocket timepieces. Invariably, classic styles featured an ergonomic design combined with a reasonable size, allowing people to enjoy comfort and style simultaneously.
Movements
Any watch’s motor, or internal mechanism, is referred to as its movement and does not include the hands and face. Typically, classic models have two variants – automatic and manual.
The mechanical (or manual) ones do not require batteries, instead relying on the user to physically wind the piece at least once a day. In contrast, the automatic ones operate on a rotor that depends on the motions of the wearer’s wrist to wind itself.
You should consider both variants carefully to understand which suits your needs the most. For instance, if you wish to wear the device daily with minimum hassle, opting for the automatic version is best because it eliminates the need for physical labour to keep running. Manual ones are good for collectors and those who do not mind winding the timepiece daily.
Know where to buy
It is not wise to purchase vintage watches from dealers you know nothing about or cannot trust. Instead, look for reputable suppliers who list high-value classic models on their websites. Some classic models incorporate an auto calendar, daily alarm, resin glass, and other fantastic features. Remember, traditional models can date back to the 70s and need not necessarily be much older. So, investing in an older albeit functional model is good if you wish to use the item.
Besides the product lists, you should check their prices, warranties, shipping details, payment modes, and similar information to gauge authenticity. Finally, a website that allows you to locate physical stores if you wish to see the product before making a decision is the safest way to go ahead with the purchase process.