Thats a smart question. Always varify the prominence and the functionality of the timepieces. Verification of authenticity is key here. It's the easiest market to get ripped off in. I avoid it like the plague.
My 10cents worth is to keep the features relatively simple and get a watchmaker to check it as you don’t want to get caught with a huge service/repair cost. Well before they became part of the Swatch Group they made higher luxury watches, oldest registered logo, first patent for inventing the flyback, etc. For years I’ve been on the look out for a bargain gold 34-38mm dress watch in the period 1950-70’s with a seconds sub dial but just keep getting distracted with other watch purchases.
When looking to buy vintage (not just longines) always do your research. Cross reference models with old sales catalogs or find pictures of other ones like the one your interested in. Make sure it's all correct. Make sure to see the movement if possible to check if it is in good condition and is the correct one for the model. Unless you are going to service the watch yourself, always factor in a service cost you may need to pay later. Even if the seller says it was recently serviced, 90% of the time it was not or was poorly done.
First step is find a good watchmaker. Vintage watches require specialist maintenance more often and specific parts. A good mechanic like a good watchmaker, who’s passionate and knowledgeable, I feel is essential.
Second step. Research, research, research. Know what you’re looking at and for. There is plenty of Frankenstein watches out there. You can never be 100% sure how a previous owner has treated your new pride and joy. So educate yourself and enjoy geeking out on all the fine detail.
Third step, factor in the cost of a service to the purchase price. Just like with a classic car, you won’t necessarily know the work or quality of work that has been done. Preventative maintenance is the best way to stop big headaches later down the line.
Vintage watches, like classic cars, can be a wonderful and unique experience. Look after them and they’ll look after you. Best of luck with your Longines, looking forward to seeing it posted on here!
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Same!
Thats a smart question. Always varify the prominence and the functionality of the timepieces. Verification of authenticity is key here. It's the easiest market to get ripped off in. I avoid it like the plague.
My 10cents worth is to keep the features relatively simple and get a watchmaker to check it as you don’t want to get caught with a huge service/repair cost. Well before they became part of the Swatch Group they made higher luxury watches, oldest registered logo, first patent for inventing the flyback, etc. For years I’ve been on the look out for a bargain gold 34-38mm dress watch in the period 1950-70’s with a seconds sub dial but just keep getting distracted with other watch purchases.
When looking to buy vintage (not just longines) always do your research. Cross reference models with old sales catalogs or find pictures of other ones like the one your interested in. Make sure it's all correct. Make sure to see the movement if possible to check if it is in good condition and is the correct one for the model. Unless you are going to service the watch yourself, always factor in a service cost you may need to pay later. Even if the seller says it was recently serviced, 90% of the time it was not or was poorly done.
I feel vintage watches are like classic cars.
First step is find a good watchmaker. Vintage watches require specialist maintenance more often and specific parts. A good mechanic like a good watchmaker, who’s passionate and knowledgeable, I feel is essential.
Second step. Research, research, research. Know what you’re looking at and for. There is plenty of Frankenstein watches out there. You can never be 100% sure how a previous owner has treated your new pride and joy. So educate yourself and enjoy geeking out on all the fine detail.
Third step, factor in the cost of a service to the purchase price. Just like with a classic car, you won’t necessarily know the work or quality of work that has been done. Preventative maintenance is the best way to stop big headaches later down the line.
Vintage watches, like classic cars, can be a wonderful and unique experience. Look after them and they’ll look after you. Best of luck with your Longines, looking forward to seeing it posted on here!