Are there any good websites for finding out watch history?
I go thrifting a lot and find vintage watches quite often, and I always wonder is there any way to find out more about what I picked up.
3 comments
Sort by
Hello! Im new to collecting watches and also new to horology and im glad to have a community to discuss these things with.
Member since
Last active: 3 months ago
For identifying movements the Advanced Search on Dr Ranfft's website is invaluable. You can select various characteristics like the position of the balance, winding gears, stem release etc and it will list movements with those features.
Microlisk is a handy database of historic watch companies and brand names. It also has info about trademarks and logos.
David Boettcher's site Vintage Watch Straps has a history section which is an absolute gold mine of information. Especially about precious metals and hallmarks but also things like the evolution of early waterproof cases.
To assess the condition of a vintage watch's movement in a thrift store I use the timegrapher app Watch Accuracy Meter. Using the phone's mic it shows rate and a trace. If you can ID the movement then you can also assess amplitude by using the Experimental algorithm in the settings, provided you've entered the correct lift angle. Lift angles for many movements listed here.
For identifying movements the Advanced Search on Dr Ranfft's website is invaluable. You can select various characteristics like the position of the balance, winding gears, stem release etc and it will list movements with those features.
Microlisk is a handy database of historic watch companies and brand names. It also has info about trademarks and logos.
David Boettcher's site Vintage Watch Straps has a history section which is an absolute gold mine of information. Especially about precious metals and hallmarks but also things like the evolution of early waterproof cases.
To assess the condition of a vintage watch's movement in a thrift store I use the timegrapher app Watch Accuracy Meter. Using the phone's mic it shows rate and a trace. If you can ID the movement then you can also assess amplitude by using the Experimental algorithm in the settings, provided you've entered the correct lift angle. Lift angles for many movements listed here.
Thanks! This will be useful!