Important Details to Consider When Buying a Vintage Watch
Before moving on to the important details to consider when buying a vintage watch, let’s take a look at what this term means. What is vintage? However, in the fashion industry, the word vintage is used for individual or collector products from the past.
While vintage watches are collected especially for collecting, they are also preferred in some cases because they have emotional connotations. Especially in recent years, the interest in vintage watches has increased tremendously. With the widespread use of the Internet, the knowledge of watch brands and models has increased considerably. Especially the abundance of replica wristwatches in the market has led watch enthusiasts to vintage watches in recent years. However, unfortunately, people do not know what to consider when buying vintage watches, since there are still not enough resources for wrist watches in our country. Unfortunately, they are also deceived by bad sellers (In fact, most of the sellers do not know about the product they are selling). That’s why we ‘ ‘vintage watches have prepared a guide to guide you while buying. Here are the most important details to consider when buying a vintage watch.
Do not buy the product without doing a solid research
It is one of the most common mistakes to be caught in the wind and buy a vintage watch with a wonderful design that you see in an antique shop or watch store. The purchases you make in this way are often very disappointing because such situations are also unprepared and you may be caught in one of the traps found in the vintage watch market. Don’t get me wrong, we are not saying this to disparage the seller, as we mentioned above, even the seller probably doesn’t know about this. That’s why you should do rigorous research about the vintage watch you are going to buy and make sure that you know the product completely. Do not focus your research only on the vintage watch industry. Make an effort to specialize, especially in certain brands and models. Being mistaken on a 300 Dollar vintage watch may not hurt too much, but, Especially if you think that there are watches sold for 1 thousand of Dolar in the vintage watch market, you should elaborate your research. As you deepen your research, you’ll notice that there are similar-looking watches at a lower price. It is important to know the reason for such a large price difference in almost the same watch model. Especially if you are thinking of buying a vintage watch from any internet site, you should definitely go to a store and touch the watch before you buy it.
After you determine the vintage brand and model you will buy, check the forum sites, if any, that are accepted as relevant authorities. You can find a lot of resources about vintage watch brands and models. Of course, if the watch is a brand that has not existed for a long time, this can be a bit difficult. Finding resources is much easier if you have a foreign language (English). There are countless foreign books written about specific brands, diving watches, chronographs and iconic watch models. Once you have found enough resources about the vintage watch model you have decided to buy, try to find similar watches. Make a note of the conditions and prices of the models. After a while, you will be able to understand the differences between the watches available in the market and vintage watches quite well. Pay attention to details features, all watches of the same model must have similar details. Same hands, prints on the dial, bracelets, bezels, date discs, you should carefully check them all. These details should be the same. In vintage models of watch brands such as Rolex or Patek Philippe, small differences between these details can cost thousands of dollars.
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The best thing about watch enthusiasts is that they share their pleasure without hiding it. So are vintage watch collectors. You can find most collectors on forum sites. They constantly share information about their favorite watch models or brands. You can find these people online. You can subscribe to watch forums on the Internet, read the experiences of others. Be sure to use the search section of the forum before asking any questions. Especially on large forum sites, the question in your mind may have been asked dozens of times before.
Contact the Manufacturer of the Brand
Especially old and well-established watch brands keep an archive of everything they have produced in the past. Its archives are also very rich. These brands can provide detailed information about the year of manufacture, the countries of distribution, the number of units produced, the caliber number, the case and the reference number (especially for luxury watch brands, this information can be a bit costly). Also, some luxury watch brands have contact points for questions about vintage watches and movements.
Find a Reliable Watchmaker
In fact, when buying a vintage watch, this is the best thing to do. Besides educating yourself for watch brands and models, the best thing you can do is find a reliable, knowledgeable watchmaker. Find a watchmaker who works for an independent watchmaker or a large wholesaler. Take care to establish good relations with this watchmaker. This person will befriend you for years about your passion. You can get help from forum sites for this. Prefer watchmakers that many people refer to. Most importantly, research the competency of this watchmaker. Can you supply spare parts? Some watchmakers specialize in certain brands and in certain subjects. He has solid knowledge of certain movements. Do not hesitate to ask this watchmaker about prices and the service and repair process of watches. Some repairs can take quite a long time, Some parts may take longer to supply. One of the biggest problems of vintage watches is this procurement process. However, if your problem is solved, do not worry too much about the time passed. Ask the watchmaker you find all these in detail. If he says he can’t do these things, ask him to give you directions.
Find the Right Price of the Product
For some people, the most important thing when buying a product is the price. As we mentioned above, even very similar watches can vary. The most important thing, after applying the above items, is to check the prices on the internet and watch stores, and compare the price of the watch you want across all platforms. In the vintage watch market, very small details can determine the price of the watch. While some people are looking for watch models that have not changed all the details and are in good condition, some people may be attracted to vintage watches with faded dials. In this market, sometimes the buyer determines the price. A detail that is valuable to you may be a problem for someone else. However, despite all this, you should not pay for watches that are in very bad condition. You have to compare in detail over and over again. You don’t want to pay for a replica watch that is too close to the original. Be sure to ask the seller for warranty. While doing this, do not expect the warranty conditions of a brand new product for a watch that has passed years since it was produced. Be realistic, ask about return conditions if you are not satisfied. In order to avoid all these problems, it is important to find a reliable seller for selling vintage watches. Word of mouth is important in this kind of shopping. Because you will no longer be shopping with the manufacturer of the model, but with people directly. In order to avoid all these problems, it is important to find a reliable seller for selling vintage watches. Word of mouth is important in this kind of shopping. Because you will no longer be shopping with the manufacturer of the model, but with people directly. In order to avoid all these problems, it is important to find a reliable seller for selling vintage watches. Word of mouth is important in this kind of shopping. Because you will no longer be shopping with the manufacturer of the model, but with people directly.
It is customary to bargain a little when shopping for watches, whether new or vintage. But being overly negotiable can result in the seller not being attentive to you later on when you have a problem. In addition to the things to consider when buying a brand new watch, much more attention should be paid when buying a vintage watch.
You can also review our website for the Best Watch Brands.