Millennials are known for upgrading their belongings as soon as they can have the next best thing. Whether it be the latest IPhone, smart watch or even shoes! We are all constantly upgrading our precious belongings.
Many horologists believe that a vintage watches give the users better value for money. If you are interested in buying a luxury timepiece, there is a lot to learn. Becoming a part of the collector community means that you not only start to collect jewellery but you begin to collect pieces of time history.
What is a Vintage Watch?
Let’s start with the basics, watches qualify as vintage if they are 20 years or older. Forgot what you have heard, a vintage watch counts as anything from being new in its box, new old stock, pre-owned or used.
Technically, vintage is a blanket term for watches that are “used” or “pre-owned” and often these watches are not as glamourous as they sound. Vintage watches can be sourced in various ways, anywhere from a pawn shop to an antique store.
Tips For Buying A Vintage Watch
Look out for the following ratings when you are buying a vintage watch. The main things that should be in good condition are the case, dial and movement. A horologist would suggest that if a vintage timepiece doesn’t hit the B rating mark, to avoid it. The ratings for vintage watches go as the following:
- AAA = Excellent Condition
- AA = Very Good
- A = Good
- B = Fair
Vintage Watch Restoration specialists, Repairs By Post, believe that “vintage timepieces hold a lot of emotion with their owners and often these rare pieces are irreplaceable”. This is something most horology collectors would agree with, however, a modern luxury watch can still be extremely tempting.
Luxury Watch Brands 2016
Ariel Adams from “A Blog To Watch”, argues that those who are not interested in the vintage aspect of watches, should just buy a modern timepiece:
“In my personal opinion, watch buyers today are, for the most part, better off buying new watches if they plan on wearing them regularly. The best analogy for me are cars. Sure, there is a nostalgic charm in buying an old American muscle car, but what are they like to drive? How reliable are they?”
With that in mind, if you are looking to buy a timepiece that is wearable and tech savvy, it may be in your interest to invest in a luxury timepiece instead. Three of the best brands you can choose are Rolex, Breitling and TAG Heuer:
- Rolex without a doubt is the most popular choice for expensive watches. Rolex’s tagline “There is no word for what we do”, captures the artistry that goes into a Rolex timepiece. The brand is way ahead of their competition as they have been breaking boundaries in watch innovation for centuries.Just like a vintage watch, if you do invest in a Rolex it is important that you keep it in its best health through watch repair and servicing.
- Breitling is another key player in the luxury watch market. Knowing their status, their tagline states: “You simply don’t become official supplier to world aviation by chance”. Breitling have built a brand that is known for creating timepieces with precision and innovation.
- TAG Heuer are known for creating iconic models such as the TAG Heuer Carrera (1963). For years TAG have been designing iconic pieces for both males and females. If you are thinking about investing in a watch that is sustainable and will stand the test of time, TAG Heuer are pioneers in modern watch ergonomics.
What’s For You: Vintage or New?
If you are a fine watch collector, then you will understand the element of the chase that comes with vintage watches. Watches have an element of romance about them, which convinces their owners to keep them maintained and serviced to the highest standard.
On the other hand, if you are someone who is constantly looking for bigger and better, modern options may be the best option for you. A modern watch will still need regular maintenance, around every 3-5 years is usually a general guide.
Whatever your choice is, a timepiece has its own story and unlike smartwatches and Fitbits, this is something that can be passed down for generations.
Author Bio: Melissa works for watch repair brand Repairs By Post. With a background in fashion and styling, Melissa has a keen interest in watches and accessories.
admin
teechymantra