The Vintage Watch Buying Guide
● Is the watch signed? The company logo should be visible on the crown, dial, and movement. Replacements of the parts diminish the value of the watch.
● Is the dial fixed? A sellers’ trick is to reapply luminescent substance to the markers to make it more attractive. In fact, it reduces the value.
● Is the case polished? The metal of a watch that has been polished too much and too often, becomes fragile.
● What is its provenance? Look for engravings that given an idea of who used it, or how it was used. A watch with a backstory is pricier than ones without it.
Check for Original Accessories
An ideal situation is that the box, papers, and service records are all there. But getting all of them is a bonus.
● What to look for: Lange & Söhne, Lange 1. Yuri Gagarin’s 1961 Sturmanskie was the first watch in space. Put your money on Strela Chronograph. Hamilton watches have World War 2 cachet. Top buy: Ventura
● What to pay: Seiko and Longines cost between EUR 200 and EUR 1,000. An Omega will cost from EUR 1,000 to EUR 5,000. Rolex and Patek Philippe start at EUR 5,000, and could cost over £50,000 for rare pieces. A beginners budget should be around EUR 2,000 according to vintage watch experts.