TICKING TRENDS

If you are looking for a new watch, you might be tempted to buy a brand-new model from a modern manufacturer. After all, new watches are shiny, trendy, and these days come packed with loads of features.

However, before you make a decision, you should consider buying a vintage watch instead. For the sake of argument, in this article a vintage (or classic) watch will be one that was made at least 20 years ago, and usually has a distinctive style and charm that new watches cannot replicate.

Buying a vintage watch has many advantages over buying a new one. In this article, we will explore four of them: elegance, sustainability, history, and value. Read on to find out more.

Elegance

One of the main reasons why people buy vintage watches is because of their classic elegance.

Vintage watches have a unique style and charm that new watches just unfortunately cannot replicate. They are often designed with classic proportions, refined details, and timeless aesthetics. They reflect the taste and craftsmanship of their era, and they can complement a multitude of outfits and occasions.

Whether you are looking for a dress watch, a sports watch, or a casual watch, you can find a vintage watch that suits your personality and preference.

Some examples of iconic vintage watch models and brands are:

Rolex

Rolex is one of the most famous and prestigious watch brands in the world, and it has produced many legendary models over the years. Some of the most sought-after vintage Rolex watches are the Submariner, the Daytona, the GMT-Master, the Explorer, and the Datejust and these watches are known for their durability, functionality, and versatility.

Omega

Omega is another renowned watch brand that has a rich history and heritage. Omega has been involved in many important events and achievements, such as the first moon landing, the Olympic Games, and as worn by 007 himself in the James Bond movies.

Some of the most popular vintage Omega watches are the Speedmaster, the Seamaster, the Constellation, and the De Ville and these watches are particularly known for their accuracy, reliability, and elegance.

Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe is widely regarded as the pinnacle of watchmaking, and it has created some of the most exquisite and complicated watches ever made. Patek Philippe watches are highly coveted by collectors and connoisseurs alike, and they can fetch astronomical prices at auctions.

Some of the most famous vintage Patek Philippe watches are the Calatrava, the Nautilus, the Aquanaut, and the Grand Complications and these watches are known for their sophistication, refinement, and exclusivity.

Sustainability

Another key reason why you should buy a vintage watch instead of a new one is because it is sustainable.

Buying a vintage watch is a form of responsible shopping that reduces waste and environmental impact. Vintage watches are made with durable materials and craftsmanship that can last for decades or even centuries. They do not need to be replaced or disposed of frequently, and they can be passed on as heirlooms to the next generation.

By buying a vintage watch, you are preserving a piece of history and culture, and you are minimising your carbon footprint.

On the other hand, buying a new watch can have negative consequences for the environment. New watch production involves many processes and resources, such as mining, manufacturing, transportation, packaging, and marketing.

These processes and resources consume a lot of energy, water, and raw materials, and they can generate a lot of pollution, greenhouse gases, and waste.

By buying a new watch, you are contributing to these environmental issues, and you are increasing your ecological footprint.

History

A third reason why you should buy a vintage watch instead of a new one is because it has history.

Vintage watches often have a story behind them that makes them more meaningful and valuable. They are not just objects, but witnesses of time and events. They can tell you about the people who made them, the people who wore them, and the people who admired them. They can also tell you about the historical events and personalities that are associated with them, such as wars, explorations, inventions, and achievements.

Some examples of historical events that are associated with vintage watches are:

World War II

World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, and it involved millions of soldiers and civilians from different countries and regions.

During the war, watches were essential tools for military operations, such as navigation, communication, and coordination. Many watch brands supplied watches to various armies, navies, and air forces, and some of these watches became icons and memories of the war.

Space Exploration

Space exploration began in the late 1950s, and it has achieved many milestones and discoveries since, such as the first artificial satellite, the first human in space, the first moon landing, and the first space station.

As an historic part of space exploration, watches have been important instruments for measuring time, recording data, and performing experiments.

Many watch brands participated in supporting space exploration, and some of their watches became symbols of the space age.

Value

A fourth reason why you should buy a vintage watch instead of a new one is because it has and retains value. Vintage watches can be more affordable and profitable option than new watches.

They can often offer you a better quality, a better design, and a better experience for a lower price. They can also appreciate in value over time, especially if they are rare, limited, and remain in good condition. They can therefore be a smart investment that can bring you future financial returns.

To illustrate the value of vintage watches, let us compare the prices and values of some vintage watches and new watches, using some examples from the previous sections:

Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner is one of the most iconic and popular dive watches in the world, and it has been in production since 1954. The current retail price of a new Rolex Submariner is about £10,000, but the actual market price can be much higher due to the high demand and low supply.

The average price of a vintage Rolex Submariner from the 1960s however is upwards of £18,000, varying depending on the model, the condition, and record of ownership. However, some vintage Rolex Submariners can be worth much more, such as the one that belonged to Steve McQueen, which sold for $234,000 in 2009!

Omega Speedmaster

The Omega Speedmaster is one of the most legendary and prestigious chronograph watches in the world, and it has been in production since 1957.

The current retail price of a new Omega Speedmaster is about £6,000, but the actual market price can be a bit lower due to the high availability and low demand.

The average price of a vintage Omega Speedmaster from the 1960s however is about £18,000, but again it can vary depending on the model, the condition, and the provenance. However, some vintage Omega Speedmasters can be worth much more, such as the one that was worn by Buzz Aldrin on the moon, which could be worth $millions.

As you can see, the prices and values of vintage watches and new watches can differ significantly, depending on various factors. However, in general, vintage watches can offer you a better value proposition than new watches, both in terms of cost and appreciation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, buying a vintage watch instead of a new one has many benefits, such as elegance, sustainability, history, and value.

Vintage watches can provide you with a unique style and charm, a responsible shopping choice, a meaningful and valuable story, and a smart investment that can bring you financial returns. Buying a vintage watch is not only a personal choice therefore, but also a social, economical and environmental one.

By buying a vintage watch, you are supporting the preservation of the watchmaking heritage, the protection of natural resources, and the appreciation of human achievements of the past. You are also expressing your own style, taste, and personality.

Buying a vintage watch can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, and it can change the way you look at time and life. So, why not give it a try? You might discover a new passion, a new hobby, or a new treasure.

You never know what a vintage watch can bring you, until you buy one.