hello everyone.
This may be a sudden question, but do you know the clear definition of a "vintage watch"?
First of all, what is the definition of a "vintage watch"?
In fact, even watch enthusiasts often have a surprisingly inaccurate understanding of this definition.
This time, I would like to explain the definition, appeal, and points to consider when purchasing (selling) it in as easy-to-understand a manner as possible.
Men, in particular, are weak creatures when it comes to "vintage." (laughs) If you're interested, I've compiled some content that's worth a read, so please read to the end.
What is a Vintage Watch?
It is generally believed that a watch manufactured before the 1980s is considered a vintage watch. *There are various opinions on this matter.
By the 1980s…recognition had begun.
Around the '90s...?
It has been,,,?
?
???
Yes. In fact, there is no clear definition of a vintage watch.
No
That is it.
In other words, it may be better to think of it as a "watch manufactured in the old days when production was discontinued." In other words, watches currently on sale have the potential to be treated as vintage watches in 30 to 40 years.
What are the best things about vintage watches?
1. Changes due to aging
The best thing about vintage watches is that you can enjoy the changes that occur as they age. For example, the dials will have beautiful tanning, and white dials will turn cream, and black dials will turn brown, giving them characteristics not seen in current products. Products that were widely sold at the time are all unique in that they are all unique, making them even more special. Also, the fact that you can get a glimpse into the historical background of the time they were made may appeal to men.
❷Suitable for a wide variety of fashions
Vintage watches go well with any outfit, from suits to casual wear, and not only do they have the new, clean image that current models have, but they also have the unique aura of being a one-of-a-kind item that makes you stand out from the crowd just by wearing it.
3. The asset value of watches
Many vintage watches are very rare, and in recent years, the number of people who own them as assets has been increasing. The criteria for judging them are condition and originality. Naturally, these are watches from decades ago, so those that remain in the same condition as they were back then can fetch prices that are hard to believe.
*For more details, please read my previous article on asset value.
⇒ 『MASTER'S COLUMN』 Why successful people want luxury watches
What precautions should be taken when handling this product?
The materials and technology used at the time of the manufacture of many vintage watches are different from those used today, so please pay attention to the following points when handling them.
▼Waterproof
In the first place, they may not have a waterproof function, or even if they do, the function may deteriorate over time. Therefore, you should refrain from using them on rainy days. Also, when washing your hands, be sure to remove them from your wrist to avoid getting them wet.
▼Impact resistance
Compared to current products, dropping or hitting it can cause it to break and parts to come off. For example, more and more people are riding bicycles these days, but bicycles can cause more shock from vibrations than you might think. I've heard of cases where the needle came off due to the impact, so be careful.
▼Maintenance
This may not be a well-known fact, but if you take your watch to an authorized store for maintenance, while they will repair it carefully, there are cases where the original parts will be replaced with new ones. This is one of the great attractions of vintage watches, and no one would want the original parts that determine their value to be replaced, right? The tricky thing about vintage watches is that you can't just take it to an authorized store and be safe! When you need maintenance, it's a good idea to find a store that specializes in vintage watches and consult with them.
As you can see from the above, it is very important to handle it with care and with great care.
What are the points to consider when choosing a restaurant?
Next, we will talk about what kind of stores you should go to to buy (or sell) a vintage watch.
The point is,
Do they have appraisers with extensive experience in vintage watches?
You may be wondering why this is a key point, so let's go through it step by step.
Amount of knowledge
The charm of vintage watches lies in their deterioration over time, so it is necessary to know the condition of the watch when it was first sold and to correctly judge what changes have occurred and to what extent. This judgment absolutely requires a certain amount of knowledge. Is it possible to correctly judge the value of an item without knowing the item? The answer is obviously no.
Experience points
Vintage watches are rarely available on the market, so there are very few opportunities to see them in the first place. How do you gain experience in a situation like that? By participating in overseas auctions where you can see many vintage watches. Many appraisers who participate in the world auctions held every year and see many real watches are knowledgeable about vintage watches. There is a big difference between seeing the real thing and seeing it as an image on the Internet. Have you ever bought something on the Internet and then received the product and thought, "Huh? It's not what I expected..."? The same thing happens to appraisers.
As mentioned above, the presence of an appraiser who can correctly judge the value of a vintage watch based on their knowledge and experience is very important. If you purchase from a store that employs an appraiser who does not have the ability to make correct judgments, there is a high possibility that you will end up paying a higher price than the actual market value. Also, when you try to sell it, you may be offered a lower price.
summary
This article was a bit long, but I hope you enjoyed it. Vintage watches are very attractive and can be a valuable asset, but there are many points to be aware of when purchasing or owning one.
Therefore, the points to increase your chances of meeting a good store or appraiser are:
☆Many vintage watches in good condition are on display and for sale
☆The appraiser is knowledgeable about vintage watches
If you keep the above points in mind when searching for a store or appraiser, you may be closer to finding a special watch that is just for you.
Of course, our store has experienced appraisers who have seen many watches, and we will do our best to meet your requests, such as "I want to know more about vintage watches!" or "I want to buy a watch in good condition!" If there is a watch that interests you, please feel free to contact us or come and visit us.
Click here for a site specializing in vintage rolex ➡ C/V/W/D