Please Don't Buy a Vintage Watch...

The question of whether or not you should buy a vintage watch is one that every watch collector will face. However, I say that you should instead ask when in your watch collecting career you should purchase a vintage watch. That is what we discuss in this video as I tell you my experience with vintage watches!

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:17 Buying My First Vintage Watch
1:07 Why You Shouldn't Buy a Vintage Watch
2:20 What To Do Before Buying a Vintage Watch
3:08 Buying Your First Vintage Timepiece
3:48 A Note for Seasoned Watch Collectors

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About this video:
Buying a vintage watch is something that every watch collector should do at some point. However, most people shouldn’t buy a vintage watch until they are a seasoned collector. Here’s my vintage watch experience and when and why you should purchase a vintage watch.

You see, I have dabbled in vintage watches over the years and one of my first watches was actually a vintage 1960s OMEGA Seamaster. This watch was purchased from a reputable seller on eBay who assured me the watch had been recently serviced. I was even shown photos of the movement disassembled.

Despite this, when the watch arrived, there was a small crack in the crystal that I didn’t see in the photos. It kind of seemed like the seller may have been trying to hide it with how the photos had been taken.

No big deal though, the watch was as otherwise described, and I got about 18 months out of it before the crack in the crystal expanded to the point where it needed to be replaced. This is where the story takes a turn, and the real reason why vintage watches should be avoided by new collectors is service.

To send this watch back to OMEGA, you are looking at $550 at current prices. I paid $800 for this watch meaning over half of the original price would be added just to service. For this reason, I took it to a local watchmaker. Now, when I dropped this watch off, it was fully working and running.

About 6 weeks later, I finally got a call that one the crystal had been replaced, and two it is no longer working. Miraculously, during this trip to the local watchmaker, the crown and winding stem had started pulling completely out of the watch.

I’m not one to get angry or to even make a big fuss about things like this. However, I was informed that “There was no way this was their fault and that it must have been doing that when I brought it in.”

Despite my assuring them that wasn’t the case, we were at a stalemate. They weren’t fixing the watch. So with that, I was left with a stunning crystal and a vintage Seamaster that doesn’t function.

I tell you this story to caution those who are inexperienced with vintage watches from purchasing them early in their collecting career.

Sure, every watch collector will have their first vintage watch, and every vintage watch has it’s own growing pains. However, I would suggest buying a few modern timepieces before moving into vintage territory. Anything after 1990 is usually considered modern.

However, I would say for your first couple of watches, try to stay newer than 2005 or, even better, buy them new. Then, once you know you love this crazy watch hobby, start looking at vintage pieces. At first, I’d stay off eBay and stick with reputable dealers who have their own warranties.

That way you can get the feel for a vintage watch and learn the ins and outs of them before diving into eBay listings that may or may not be so reputable.

Finally, though, buy that vintage watch for a deal off eBay. Once you are 4-6 watches into this hobby, one being down and out for a while isn’t a big deal.

On top of that, you’ve probably figured out if there are any good watchmakers in your area. If not, at least you know you’ll be traveling to the nearest large city or sending it back to the manufacturer when it does need some work done.

Lastly, I want to finish this off by saying the reason we made this video is because we target new collectors, and that’s who shouldn’t buy vintage watches. Those of you who have been collecting for 30 years aren’t the target of this video.

Our goal here is to help new watch collectors with their journey. We were all new watch collectors at one point or another. Truthfully, I would still consider myself a new watch collector in the grand scheme of things.

So, nevertheless, that is when you should buy a vintage watch and how to make sure that when you do, you won't be disappointed if you have issues with your vintage watch.

#luxurywatches #vintagewatches #watchcollector

[TheGrenadier]

In my opinion the niche of vintage watches is a minefield, specially in the higher value. The old inexpensive Timex, odd swiss piece or soviet watch isn't a bank-breaker if it turns out to be a mistake, plus, in this case you can use them to learn more about watches; but going to certain levels requires maturity as you mentioned.

[Valera_Scotland]

Just got an IWC Mark 16. 11 years old. Fingers crossed... its losing 3-5 seconds per day and the crown is quite stiff. The winding is very subtle too , not a very pronounced clicky sound. So I'm guessing it's due a full IWC service (based on your experience, it's probably sensible to go directly to the manufacturer)....last service was 6 years ago, so I guess it's fair enough
... no wonder it was cheaper than other models eh!

Thanks for the vid

I'm really drawn more to older watches which are just more elegant and slim in the whole. Love old omega, and jlc...


So I think I'll take future risks on vintage

P.s. that cushion case omega is STUNNING!!

I've been lusting after jlc master ultra thin 34mm silver dial.. stunning

I actually think your advice is very good. Mainly because of what you said about being put off the hobby... start with new. With a warranty..or even casio! I started big with an 1861 Speedy ... sold it as needed the money back and it was too large for me.. then it was Hamilton khaki 38mm and seiko turtle. Both sold. Then Speedy again ha ha. Also now sold

Now all I have is the iwc and g shock and an old Enicar 35mm dress watch similar to your first omega. Only £100 and it steams up in certain weather! Still very accurate and lovely, but one to only wear rarely to a nice meal or something

This is such a journey and I'm glad I wasn't put off by initial failure. We all get there in the end. I'm very happy with iwc and will now look for a very good quality 35-36mm little dress watch from Omega, JLC, Blancpain perhaps... we shall see

It will definitely need to come from a reputable seller and not on ebay for sure

[rickfowler]

life's too sort. If you want a vintage watch then do it. Buy from a good dealer who will address any issues or just buy with the knowledge you may have to shell out for a full service. I've never had a problem with any vintage piece. Just be aware of what to expect from it. If you're buying a very old watch then don't expect to bang it around and have it keep good time or take it swimming and not leak. Make sure your watch maker can obtain parts for it and most importantly research how the watch should be in terms of dial, hands, bezel, bracelet codes etc. and make sure the price reflects the originality and condition. Most vintage watches are more robust than some might think so dont let that put you off. Nice Cosmic by the way

[justmeeagainn]

I think you missed your own point; don’t be a cheapskate. Send it to the manufacturer, or a trusted and well recommended watchmaker. You’re kind of embarrassing yourself here.