Vintage Watches

Why Buy Vintage Watches

Choosing a vintage watch is great because you won’t see anyone else wearing. You can also find old watches which are discontinued or only have a few models available.

Vintage and antique watches also hold a lot of history and are much more valuable and desirable than newer pieces. It’s possible to acquire the original papers, boxes and sometimes personal inscriptions, making you wonder who owned the piece before you and what this watch must have gone through.

Second hand vintage watches are also high-quality pieces, much like a new watch, and it will last you years to come. This is because of the finest materials used, hand-crafted technologies, and the incredibly precise movements on these watches. Although old, these timepieces will stand the test of time more than newer machine-built ones.

And finally, buying a vintage watch is great value for money. You can find high-quality timepieces from a range of popular luxury brands such as Omega or Rolex on the market. So, with a preowned model you can get a unique piece for less.

Not only can you buy a vintage watch but sell one too! If you have an old watch inherited from family laying around, you can get a quote for your piece if you sell your watch to us at Ramsdens Jewellery.

When Does A Watch Become Vintage?

Some consider any pre-1980 model to be a vintage watch, while others say it’s anything over 2 decades, or 20 years old. But the answer differs, however once a watch is around 30 years old, it’s safe to say it’s a vintage model. Timepieces that are 100 years old or older are usually considered to be antique watches.

How Do I Identify A Vintage Watch?

Check for the watch’s model numbers and serial numbers, these are usually located on the back, and you’ll be able to identify when it was manufactured and who by. Whether you are selling your watch and want to know it’s worth, or checking the details of vintage watch before your purchase, you can get an idea of the authenticity and value.

Types Of Vintage Watches

On the market you can find vintage models from Rolex, Omega, Longines, and other brands which means you can own a rare and unique model still holding the luxury of the name. Choose from leather or bracelet straps to silver or vintage gold watches to different styles of dials, numbers and hands.

Retro watches carry the look and feel of history and can make great vintage watches for men or for women. If you are looking for a specific older model, we can help, fill out our find a watch form and our watch experts can source a watch for you.

Here at Ramsdens we sell second hand vintage watches, meaning our stock changes frequently. So, if you like one of our vintage watches make sure to get it before it goes! But remember that because there is only one in stock, that you double check it’s your size, to help we have a Watch Size Guide.

Investing In Vintage Watches

If you’re wondering if old watches appreciate or if it’s worth investing in vintage watches – the simple answer is yes. Watches increase in value over time anyway, but many older watches are so rare and highly sought after so the prices will reflect this. Depending on the collection and brand name as well as how unique the piece is, they will increase in value as the years pass as long as it stays in good condition.

Things To Consider When Buying A Vintage Watch

As with buying any preowned piece, you should make sure that you are buying from a reputable seller. As well as double checking the serial numbers on the watch to identify the manufacturer and how old the piece is. Many second hand vintage watches will also come with its original box and papers, making it easy to prove that your piece is genuine. Many retailers, including us, have watch experts which will check the watch before putting it on sale. But, before you buy a vintage or antique watch, make sure you go into the store and look at it yourself. Here at Ramsdens, you can have the watch you want shipped to your nearest branch to take a look at it as well as ask our watch experts any questions you may have.

Vintage Watches For Sale At Ramsdens

We have a wide collection of old and retro watches and a range of newer luxury watches, for men and women which are all preowned so you can find discontinued or unique pieces.

All of our watches, including our vintage or antique watch range are all checked for quality and still hold the luxury of the brand name. Once you find and purchase your vintage watch, you’ll want to make sure your piece of history lasts, to help we have a handy watch care and cleaning guide. If you have any questions or need any help you can take a look at our watch guides or don’t hesitate to contact us, we’d love to help!