The 5 most frequently asked questions about vintage watches
Everything you probably already wanted to know, answered.
Vintage watches are not only one of the nicest, they are also one of the most interesting investments you can make. But it can also be quite a jungle. We already gave you some tips from the connoisseur not to buy a cat in a poke, but there are still plenty of questions left.
That is why we asked Jasper Lijfersing, vintage watch expert at India Vintage Watches, which questions he hears most often in his store. And of course we wanted to know the answers to those questions, openly and honestly.
When is a watch vintage ?
The term " vintage " comes from vinology and does not only refer to the year in wine. There it is also a quality standard. Unfortunately, however, the concept has become quite stretched and in many branches it has even been milked out and hollow. ' Get more rado first copy watches
But when is a watch really vintage ?
It is not the case that a watch is labeled vintage before a specific year , although the pre-quartz crisis and the emergence of the sapphire glass in the 1970s have of course already earned this label.
'Unfortunately, however, the concept has become quite stretched and in many branches it has even been milked out and hollow'
'In my opinion, a model is only eligible for this if it has successfully stood the test of time, both in terms of design and mechanically functional.
To be able to judge this, it has to be around thirty years ago. It remains debatable, but this does not mean that all watches before 1990 deserve this title! ' Get 10% off on tag heuer first copy watches
Were all vintage watches made entirely by hand?
'No, in the past, mechanical help was used just as well. Although that was in a less sophisticated way and to a lesser extent.
At the time, a lot less watches were also rolled out of the factories and those low editions also benefit the charm. For example, there is more variation within certain models and references and there were generally more man hours, something that would no longer be profitable. '
Is there box and papers included?
Most vintage watches no longer come with the original purchase and warranty papers plus the box. Over the years, these have often been lost.
It was also not customary at the time to keep this, as the warranty lasts only one year, it was often thrown away afterwards. If you buy a vacuum cleaner, you don't keep your box and papers after the warranty has expired.
Moreover, papers absolutely do not guarantee the originality of the watch
It is therefore rare if it is still present and you sometimes pay up to twenty percent extra for it! It is better to invest this amount in the watch itself. You cannot carry the box and papers.
Moreover, papers absolutely do not guarantee the originality of the watch. Papers in particular can be forged more easily. And that's what happens, polluting the market and decreasing the value of papers. '
How do I know if I am not buying a cat in a poke?
Buy the buyer! Simply go for a reputable company with years of experience and reputation that offers a guarantee. '
What year is my vintage watch from?
Certain models have been produced for decades, but from which year did your watch exactly come from the factory?
Lists are known for many brands so that you can date the year it was produced by means of the serial number in the case or the timepiece.
Some brands also offer to look it up in the archives for you and print it out. (Such an " Extract of the archives " often costs a few hundred euros).
Is a vintage watch a good investment?
First of all, I would like to emphasize that it must be an investment in your pleasure! An additional advantage is that it is also financially interesting.
I know, past results are no guarantee in the future, but they have already proven that these watches retain their value. Some watches even increase in value to such an extent that you can also earn from them.
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