Hello guys,

As I've been reading around this awesome forum and wealth of knowledge, it occurred to me that it'd be interesting to hear why you buy vintage.

I raise it because seeing the debates about redials/replacement parts and their impact on value made me think. For example, I'm a sentimental little chap and I often look at Oakley timebombs (cue the boos and exasperation!). The reason though is that as a 16 year old, when the watch was first launched, I actually had the fhm full page advert on my wall and lusted after the £1000 beast (now realising that that is pretty much a drop in the ocean!). I also love a story, so for me, a watch that isn't all original but has an interesting story is almost more valuable than an all original example. In addition to said timebomb, im looking for a favre-leube (because my dad was given one many years ago when he was a youngster) and a specific seiko premier perpetual (because I looked at one when I got my first job but decided it was too expensive!).

Long winded post I know - but my wife really is interested in this so I'm hoping you like minded souls might take an interest! Give me your thoughts!

 

Why? Design, history, nostalgia, quality. Plus the agony of fretting over repairs and dwindling parts.

 

Because: omegaforums.net

 

I guess my interest is, would you rather buy a watch that is "pure" or one that isn't but that has a story? My guess is both!

 

Mainly due to the size. I have a pretty small wrist so I guess vintage size suits me best.

Also, the design. There is just something about those classic designs and details that I could not find on modern pieces unless I'm spending 5-6 figures.

 

I know that feeling! My wrists are about 6in circumference! If you're buying for aesthetics and size, would you be worried about orginality?

 

To me vintage watches just feel alive. Each one has its own personality and story to tell, and you can feel that when you hold it in your hand or strap it on your wrist. Every time I strap on a modern watch, regardless of how pretty it is, I just feel... nothing.

 

Having a unique piece.

Plus it's very fun to do the research and then camping on forums or eBay, waiting for the right piece to turn up. And when you finally get it, the satisfaction is immense and you'd be proud of it.

 

Eh, you can say that. I have four conditions in buying a watch :
1. Design as in dial design, case design, etc
2. Case size
3. Movement
4. Original or franken?

Well, usually if it's a Franken or redial, the watch would look like shit so the rule no. 1 would have been crossed out so no buy

 

Vintage sizes and designs tend to be better, more elegant - and then there's the nice patina on top of that... There are a couple of new watches that are starting to get it right, but look at that new Hamilton for instance. Sure the vintage 36mm might be too small for most modern tastes, but 39 would have been perfect. Instead we have yet another 42mm monster

 

I'm still a little upset about that... even 40 mm would have been acceptable for me.

 

The older the piece, the more hand made and rare. You can purchase a old watch of extremely high quality, often in a solid gold case, for far less than a new watch. A mid 50s Omega Tresor is a classy clean design with a high quality movement. They're always in 18K cases of the highest quality but can be had for between one and two grand. A new Tresor is worth over 10 grand and doesn't have the class of the vintage model.

Taking it further back, a nice 30s American made wrist watch can be a gorgeous thing with no real modern equivalent. (and yes, I've got skinny arms so I can get away with this stuff)

Thens there's the real porn... the turn of the century stuff, beautiful movements, high accuracy, beautiful cases, multipiece enamel faces, each one is one of a kind and nothing like them is made now.

Any monkey can wear a new Submariner, DeVille or Speedmaster, but nobody else has that survivor you lucked into...

1955 Tresor


1938 Waltham & 1908 Hamilton


1894 Waltham

 

Would have been absolute gangbusters at 39 or 40 for sure.

 

Because I do all my own servicing, I am able to spend watch money on watches rather than repairs on the watches I buy.

 

Vintage has an "affordable" entry point, and all that other good stuff.

 

Why wouldn't you and nothing beats that searching, finding and receiving a vintage piece
( some of my favourite box opening moments were these )

 

What watch is this you are referring to?!

 

https://omegaforums.net/threads/hamilton-intramatic-68.51384/