Consider these Handy Tips on How to Buy Vintage Watches

Vintage watches have been in the limelight for the past ten years. The growing interest puts every watch collector to wonder how to buy vintage watches properly. In addition, the rapid exchange of information on the internet and community brings out a myriad of wonderful timepieces to the public. The less expensive price does play a role. Yet, vintage watches have a distinct charm to the eyes of watch lovers. They have a character of being unique, the old classic yet reliable piece. For those who like to own several watches, buying vintage ones is definitely a good choice for their fair share of history and vivid personality.

What are vintage watches?

If you want to know how to buy vintage watches, let's get familiar with the definition first. Most watch aficionados agree that every watch over 20 or 30 years of age is vintage. Of course, the definition is open to any kind of watch's brand and design. It doesn't really matter whether the watches work or not, as several watch collectors assess some old watches to have a considerable value. However, it's better to get the functioning one if you want to wear it on the wrist. Another point to consider is the discontinuation of the watch's model. Meaning, it's no longer in production. You can only buy a vintage watch through other persons or sellers.

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Why buy vintage watches?

Enjoyment, for those who like to learn how to buy vintage watches and expand their collection of watches. The road to searching for a proper vintage watch might come as arduous. Yet, I can say that the final share is worth it. Vintage watches have lived for a long time. They are filled with stories or some histories from past events, trends, and styles. You aren't just looking for "a watch". You also look for the things that stay within it. That's the first enjoyment that comes from vintage watches. The fun is even greater when the watch is still ticking with the initial inner and outer parts, a complete set with its original box and document.

Despite the pros and cons of how to buy vintage watches, some of them are valuable. The older the watch, the more value it has. Antique watches for around 100+ years especially entice many watch collectors. Needless to say, age might not be the only sole factor. The watch's current conditions, materials in use, records of ownership, and manufacturers are the deciding aspects. If you want to invest in this field, you can consider buying vintage watches from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Omega, and Vacheron Constantin. Keep in mind that a vintage watch's value might fluctuate from time to time. 

As a hobby, you can have fun getting an ample number of vintage watches on the wrist. The affordability of these watches won't cost an arm and leg. Let's say you have $1500 to spend on watches. Should you research and know the ins and outs of this field, you can discover many fine vintage watches under the initial budget. For example, a vintage Omega Seamaster Deville prices at $600 to $800. For less than $800, you can put your hands on a classic, minimal dress watch released in 1967. Another option under $500 is the vintage Vulcain Cricket watch. The President's watches, if I may, were popular in the past 1960s with President Harry Truman wearing one on his duty time.

How to buy vintage watches?

Do your research

The first step on how to buy vintage watches is research. Research, research, and research to educate yourself. It may take a while yet it's important to know your stuff. In the present day, you can gain a lot of information on the internet. Just a click to ask around when you find a vintage piece that you want to buy. Find watches' forums to get the opinions of other experienced collectors. Alternatively, you can search for pictures of a similar model, if any. This is obvious but knowing the basic knowledge of a watch's parts is equally essential. The most to avoid in buying vintage watches are the fake ones and fraudulent sellers on the market. Should you know the difference between the original and fake parts, then you're good to go.

Buy the seller

You might have heard this saying on how to buy vintage watches, "Don't just buy the watch but buy the seller." In other words, if you feel dubious and can't trust the seller, then walk away from the deal. No one would like to experience a bad deal that costs enough money to break your bank. That's why you must ask the seller to send ‘personal request’ pictures of the watch. Just like how social media verification works when you have to input a unique number or picture, inquire of this to the seller in question. Also, throw questions about the watch's latest conditions. If by any chance, they can't provide you with a plain and clear answer, you can find another trusted seller on the field.

Inquire more details

The surface conditions of the watch aren't enough. Of course, you want this piece to run perfectly on your wrist. So, inquire more details about the watch's movement, the other inner workings. In addition, it's a good thing to get a grasp of the watch's previous records, the provenance. Who's owned the watch in the past? How many people? Has it been altered in any way? Or, anything related to the assurance that the watch is real.

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