Some things, like red wine, classic cars, and jewelry, improve with age. The same can be said about timepieces. With auction houses buzzing with big-ticket sales and specialists all over the world, vintage watch collecting is becoming more popular than ever.
Because vintage watches aren’t sold by watch companies, customer demand determines their price. You can find vintage versions of the watch you want for a lot less than the current retail price if you look around.
There are some steps you should take before purchasing vintage luxury watches to ensure that you get exactly what you want. You can find the vintage watch you want and get a great deal on it if you do your homework.
Following the right steps will lead to the right watch, whether you’re buying vintage luxury watches for sentimental reasons or as an investment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to buying vintage luxury watches for the first time.
Consider What Kind of Watch you Want
When it comes to the vintage watch you want to buy, you essentially want to become an expert.
Avoid impulse purchases when purchasing vintage luxury watches at all costs. While browsing through different watches online or in a watch store, you might be tempted to buy a vintage watch on the spur of the moment. That, however, is almost never a good idea.
After you’ve decided to buy a vintage watch, spend at least a few days looking at photos of different watches on the internet. After that, decide which watchmaker you prefer. Whether you choose Rolex, Patek Philippe, or another brand, you’ll be able to quickly narrow down your options.
There are a plethora of vintage watch forums on the internet. Visit one or two of them and see what you can learn about specific watches by conversing with people who are passionate about them.
You’ll be in the prime position to buy a vintage watch if you do all of this. You’ll have no reservations about adding the watch to your vintage collection or purchasing your first vintage timepiece.
Find the Right Watch for the Right Price
The cost of vintage watches varies depending on a variety of factors, including the watch’s manufacturer and condition.
You don’t want to fall in love with a vintage watch and learn everything there is to know about it only to find out it’s way out of your price range. It may be difficult to justify purchasing it at the end of the process.
While looking for information on the vintage watch you want, you’ll almost certainly come across the price you can expect to pay today. However, if you don’t, make sure you find out the price for the vintage watch of your dreams as soon as possible.
Look for a Store that Specializes in Selling Vintage Watches
You’ll have all the information you need to go about purchasing vintage luxury watches at this point. But first, you’ll need to find someone who is selling the watch you want.
There are numerous physical and online stores that specialize in selling vintage timepieces. Find a shop that you can trust and that sells the watch you want.
Inspect Before you Buy a Vintage Watch
You already know which vintage timepiece you want. You’ve discovered a store that carries it. And you’re all set to put your money down and walk away.
Everything sounds fantastic. However, you should always inspect vintage luxury watches thoroughly before purchasing them.
Examine the exterior of the watch for any signs of wear and tear. Examine the watch’s various functions to see if they all work. Inquire with your vintage watch shop if the watch has any paperwork or service records.
It’s time to get out there and buy some vintage luxury watches now that you know how.
Begin by locating the watch you desire and then learning everything you can about it. Set your sights on purchasing the watch and bringing it home once that’s done. It will be well worth your time and effort in the end.
