1. Do not confuse vintage with antique.
Until the mid-1970s, most watches were resold privately at estate sales or through local jewelers. However, in 1974, an Italian watchmaker and restorer, Osvaldo Patrizzi, founded his own auction house exclusively for watches and clocks. Soon after, large auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christies followed suit and began hosting auctions dedicated to watches alone.
Until the mid-1970s, most watches were resold privately at estate sales or through local jewelers. However, in 1974, an Italian watchmaker and restorer, Osvaldo Patrizzi, founded his own auction house exclusively for watches and clocks. Soon after, large auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christies followed suit and began hosting auctions dedicated to watches alone.
Therefore, it’s surprising to some new collectors that vintage watches are classified as any watch over 20 years old—which, given the centuries-old history of watch-making, is not that long ago.
2. Set your sights on a specific model.
Because a lot of research is required for vintage watch collecting, we suggest focusing on a single model to delve deeply into. You’ll want to read up on the watch’s significance in the watch industry and its historical context—especially for watches that were originally built as time-keeping tools for the army, divers, and outdoorsmen.
Because a lot of research is required for vintage watch collecting, we suggest focusing on a single model to delve deeply into. You’ll want to read up on the watch’s significance in the watch industry and its historical context—especially for watches that were originally built as time-keeping tools for the army, divers, and outdoorsmen.
Furthermore, within a particular model’s history, there may have been updates or inconspicuous changes to the watch’s design or production that will significantly sway its resale value. In order to be a shrewd collector, you need to be acutely aware of these different periods.
3. Research the original design extensively.
In addition to knowing the watch model’s history, you should know the original design—inside and out—incredibly well. And that’s not just for bragging rights; it’s to protect your investment.
In addition to knowing the watch model’s history, you should know the original design—inside and out—incredibly well. And that’s not just for bragging rights; it’s to protect your investment.
A thorough knowledge of the watch’s original parts will help you recognize any parts that may have been repaired or replaced. Any replacement parts (particularly if they’re modern or after-market pieces) will significantly decrease a watch’s value. Credible sellers will always disclose this information in their listing. However, unscrupulous sellers may not be as direct and prey on less-informed shoppers. Safeguard yourself from being duped by recognizing which bezel, hands, logo, and metal-type were specifically used on your watch’s model for that specific era.
4. Inspect the vintage watch’s condition.
The overall condition of your vintage watch can greatly sway its cost. Most collectors prefer a watch with a little wear-and-tear that signals a watch has real history and hasn’t been laying in a safety deposit box its entire life. Moreover, a damaged but all-original watch is preferred over one that was restored.
The overall condition of your vintage watch can greatly sway its cost. Most collectors prefer a watch with a little wear-and-tear that signals a watch has real history and hasn’t been laying in a safety deposit box its entire life. Moreover, a damaged but all-original watch is preferred over one that was restored.
Father Time Antiques
2108 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
773-880-5599
www.fathertimeantiques.com
2108 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
773-880-5599
www.fathertimeantiques.com
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