Here are few pointers to prepare the newcomer for vintage mechanical watch ownership:
The Bad Stuff:
1) Vintage mechanical watches are less reliable than modern quartz watches. Don’t confuse Quality with Reliability. Rolex and Jaeger Le Coultre represent quality but please don’t expect these watches to work any more reliably than a battery powered Timex or a Casio for a few pounds. There are many good reasons why vintage watches are worth many times the value of a modern quartz but dependability in all situations isn’t one of them.
2) Vintage watches are less accurate than modern quartz watches. The average £5 quartz LCD watch bought from a garage forecourt will be more accurate than a Rolex from the 70s or 80s. Again if you can accept this point and the previous one you are well on your way to being able to enjoy vintage watches. If you are the sort of person that becomes apoplectic when your watch has lost a second in one day, then you need to move on, there’s nothing for you here.
3) Vintage watches need care and attention. I’m afraid if you want your watch to last a lifetime, swimming, surfing, rock climbing and other activities are not a good idea. Expensive old pieces are very easily broken. Inappropriate force to the crown, dropping the watch to a hard surface, water, magnetic sources, inappropriate storage, damp, humidity and numerous other environmental factors will conspire to harm your pride and joy. You also need to wind them, sometimes everyday!
The Good Stuff:
4) Vintage watches will generally increase in value over time, especially those from prestige makers such as Omega and Rolex.
5) Vintage watches can be worn and enjoyed everyday. Be sensible about where you use it and keep it away from harmful environments. Don’t buy a vintage Rolex Submariner expecting to use it for diving and don’t wash the car wearing a vintage 1930s Art Deco Bulova. It’s easily possible to buy one vintage piece, use it everyday of your life then pass it on to your kids so they can do the same. Try that with a £5 Casio. You will need to budget for a handful of services, numerous straps and a few glasses and other repairs.
6) Owning a vintage watch is satisfying and rewarding experience. The appreciation of fine craftmanship, marvelling at the mechanical intricacy of the movement and knowing you have something of worth.