Vintage watches have always caught the attention of watch enthusiasts. I know no person who wouldn’t want a vintage timepiece, even though he might have a full collection of modern watches. In fact, it is impossible not to adore them; the love for watches begins from vintage samples. These preserve history in them, they have a special sort of charisma that no modern watch can convey. Currently, the hunt for vintage timepieces is more assiduous than ever. If you wonder why, I can’t tell you in a single word. There are at least 10 reasons I know impulse people buy vintage timepieces. I’ve exposed all of them in this article, and I kindly invite you to get familiar with them. Who knows? It’s not excluded that your next watch will be a vintage one…
To begin with…
Many watch enthusiasts wonder where they can buy vintage watches and if it is safe to buy them online. After the covid period, online shopping is a common practice, but there are also many risks associated with this hobby. In such a context, my answer is Yes, it is safe to buy a vintage watch online. But, there is always a But. My only advice for this procedure is to focus on the SELLER and not on the WATCH. I know it sounds a little confusing, but I’ll try to explain that to you.
The point is that the dealer is the key element in the entire process. Once you find a trusted one, you can be sure that your purchase is safe enough and that you are exempt from all associated risks. Certain certified platforms take full responsibility for the quality and buying process transparency. Opting for such a dealer protects you against possible fraud. So, all you need to do is to do your research about the dealer and if it is a trusted one, you are one step closer to your vintage timepiece.
Reason no 1: traces of time
It might sound weird, but mainly those specific scratches and patinas on the vintage watches are the main factor attracting people to have them. A certain category of persons thinks that objects and accessories that have passed the time test are the most valuable. They see the accessory value behind the scratches and don’t care much about the imperfect aspect. Moreover, imperfection is what attracts them. A watch that has been running flawlessly for more than 50-100 years is an object of art for them.
Many watch brands produce timepieces getting inspiration from certain old models, adding a couple of new modernized features. Such models don’t convince enough vintage lovers and these would still opt for the old genuine version. More than that, they are ready to pay cosmic prices for them, and their value can’t be estimated in money. Old things remind us of the majesty of old times. And a watch that preserves that old charisma is a must-have accessory in every watch enthusiast’s collection.
Reason 2: watch’s history
This reason is closely related to the previous one, yet has some differences. Vintage timepieces speak about a certain history. It can be the history of the entire brand and the whole pathway it took to go through, or it can be the history of a specific historical event.
Take for example the Rolex 3525 model. This one received the nickname “Prisoner of war”. Do you know why? Because these timepieces were bought by Allied prisoners during WW2. Given that the prisoners were caught in Nazi camps and they couldn’t pay for them, Rolex allowed them to pay for the watches only after the war would be over. Incredible historical background, in my opinion. And I suppose you understand why a vintage watch collector would want to have such a watch in his portfolio. The emotional connotation is much more potent than the price.
In addition…
Looking from another perspective, vintage lovers seek timepieces of brands that proved hard ambition throughout their history. Take for example the quartz crisis period. Many watch brands didn’t survive that tough period and simply disappeared. On the other hand, other brands weren’t willing to adapt and struggled in continuing to produce mechanical timepieces.
The result of that strong ambition was the invention of phenomenal mechanical systems allowing some watches to function for more than 100 years. Now, imagine the charisma of such a watch. It’s all about challenges and victory. Do you really think those scratches and minor cosmetic defects really matter, when the watch has that huge historical background behind it?!
In the same context, these watches have assisted so many historical events. Also, they have “seen” so many life histories, passing from one generation to another, from fathers to sons, from wars to peace periods. I hope you can feel the power of time in these watches the way that I do.
Reason no 3: uniqueness/ exclusiveness
Many people do their best to keep up with modern trends. At the same time, people look somehow similar to each other, wearing the same trendy shoes, clothes, bags, or accessories. On one hand, they want to be fashionable, on the other hand, they are not exclusive at all, as all of them hunt for the same fashionable pieces. Thus, their term ”uniqueness” is rarely met.
But, such a phenomenon is excluded with vintage watches. It’s almost impossible to own a similar vintage timepiece as our CEO, roommate, neighbor, etc… All vintage timepieces are unique and it’s impossible to not observe them from the crowd. A vintage timepiece makes the wearer look more elegant, especially if he wears a vintage dress timepiece on his wrist. Even though it is somehow possible to find two identical vintage models, they will still look different because of the different patins on them. Therefore, each piece is memorable and intriguing.
Modern people are eager to have the latest models of timepieces without even considering that the market is already supra-saturated with such types of watches. And while 99% wear a trendy watch, only 1% opt for a vintage one. Guess which one will stand out in the crowd?!
Reason 4: professional assistance
History shows us that watchmaking art began around the 16th century. In fact, the main boost was the invention of the portable spring-driven clocks that first were created in the 15th century. From then on, the horology industry evolved gradually to phenomenal inventions, integrating the most complex and revolutionary systems in watches.
However, the biggest names in horology such as Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet still use old techniques to create their watches. This is a true form of art that can’t be replaced by modern machinery.
The good news is that certain companies have taken over the manufacturing model of the biggest and oldest brands and are able to service vintage watches at the highest level possible. This means that they use the same techniques in repairing vintage watches as the big brands do. In addition, most of them assemble timepieces by hand, preserving the vintage concept of the watch.
In such a context, lovers of old watch versions have to know that these timepieces will most probably need regular servicing. And luckily, professional experts in vintage watches can help them, without being concerned about the service quality. Therefore, owners of vintage watches usually build a strong and long-lasting relationship with watch experts, in which both parties (the owner and the watch repair expert) share the same passion for vintage pieces.
Reason 5: good price (or not?!)
Looking for vintage timepieces can be a highly intriguing hobby. You never know where you can come across a rare timepiece and have it for half of its factual price. Obviously, the hunt for vintage pieces ain’t an easy task. It requires a lot of patience and vigilance. Therefore, “right now” people are highly unlikely to have fun with this hobby. Either way, it is extremely rewarding and satisfying when you get the right deal.
As for the vintage watch prices, they can be cost-effective or not. As a general rule, these are cheaper than the new models, but not always. At this point, you should know that some watchmaking houses sell their vintage watches at cosmic prices. In most cases, such examples are not only old samples but also associated with celebrities, which doubles the watch value. A great example illustrating my idea is the Paul Newman Rolex Daytona timepiece. Its’ price at auctions was estimated at almost $18,000,000, being the most expensive Rolex watch of all time.
Reason 6: ROI or return on investment
If you have some basic knowledge of marketing and sales, you have probably heard about ROI. In simplistic terms, it’s a formula calculating the monetary value of a certain investment versus its initial cost. In other words, it just takes to divide the profit minus cost by the cost and you get the final RI value. Still too complicated? Let’s exemplify it in watches.
There is a category of people who invest in the stock market. Their main goal is profit. After investment in certain goods, in our case- watches, they just wait until the value of the goods grows. Obviously, it doesn’t happen overnight. It can take years until the owner gathers some financial benefits. Therefore, a vintage watch is likely to grow in value over time and the owner simply re-sells it to gain some revenue.
You already know from the previous sections that some vintage watches can cost millions. Currently, some watchmaking brands grow significantly in value. Some good examples are Longines, Glashutte & Hamilton, and Doxa. Investing in these watches now will likely bring you revenue in a couple of years. But, don’t take this suggestion as absolute truth. If you think of investing in vintage timepieces, it’s highly recommended to talk to an expert in the field.
Reason 7: no need to hurry
Buying vintage watches is a hobby to enjoy and savor. These timepieces are usually purchased by mature customers. And their maturity is not necessarily related to their ages, but rather to their horological knowledge. In the modern era, online shopping usually creates a sense of urgency. Time-limited discounts, limited edition collections, bonuses with “now” ordering- all these generate compulsive and impulsive purchases.
On the other hand, vintage lovers have all the time in the world to look for old watches. They search for them, inspect them carefully, talk to one another dealer and finally buy them. So, buying a vintage watch is actually a whole ritual from which vintage enthusiasts cherish every single moment. Unlike modern watches, buying an old one is a “moment of respite”.
Reason 8: Diversity
It takes patience, without any doubt. But if you are patient enough, you will be pleased to discover what spectacular models you can find in the vintage collections. There are hundreds if not thousands of discontinued models that big brands no longer release. So, imagine the beauty you can discover among vintage models.
More than that, it’s not only about design. Old timepieces can have intricate and unusual movements that are unlikely to be found in modern watches. Also, watch enthusiasts are likely to come across specific features that are no longer available in the latest timepieces, no matter how revolutionary they are. To conclude the main idea, the hunt for vintage watches is in fact, a must for historical treasures.
Reason 9: Having fun
As previously mentioned, buying a vintage timepiece is not a quick process. It is an ongoing and long-lasting activity in which people have a lot of fun. They share their own experiences, talk to other people that also love vintage style, and build communities and friendships. Generally speaking, “vintage” is a whole concept that touches not only watches but every other aspect of our lives. Vintage livings, decorations, clothes, and accessories are particular for creative and artistic people that can see the beauty behind the scenes. As a result, such people find it funny and engaging to hunt vintage elements, be they watches or other accessories.
So, if you landed on this page, it means that you might have strong creative and artistic skills inside you. If so, I’m sure that you will embrace the whole process while looking for your next vintage timepiece.
Reason 10: Specific dimensions
Currently, the watch industry is full of generous diameters and bulky aesthetics. However, not all watch enthusiasts are fond of such dimensions, and finding a slender timepiece might be challenging. The good news is that vintage timepieces usually have pretty tiny shapes, measuring no more than 34-38 mm. That is just perfect for people with small wrists, on which modern watches look too heavy due to the big dimensions.
Cartier, Omega, Alpine, and many other resounding brands have spectacular vintage examples. More than that, not only small-wrists people look for them. To prove that, consider the following picture in which the person on the right is wearing a Tank slender watch…
That person is no one else than the famous boxer Muhammad Ali, whose wrist isn’t small, for sure.
Final thoughts
Your interest in vintage timepieces made you land on this article. And I hope I could prove to you that these must have a special place in your watch collection. There are no accessories showing the beauty of time passing better than vintage watches. So, if you have any doubts about it, it’s time to get rid of them.