Top vintage buying tips...

[StuartM1970]

Folks

I'm writing a series of short articles about tips for vintage watch buying.

So far the tips have been...

Buy the seller
Do your research
Be patient; act quickly

Next up will probably be something about originality and then maybe thinking about getting a watch you really like (seems obvious).

All of these have come from alive I've received here.

What other non-model specific tips do folks think would be good for those who haven't found the forum yet?

[andromeda160]

always take off the caseback and gasket to check for pitting or corrosion

[phillycheez]

Don't buy into that NOS and never polished crap.

Have a model in mind and dig deep into the different variations of that model. Choose one and know all... down to movement, dial variations, correct crown, correct insert, correct endlinks, bracelet and insure it's as original to the period it reflects. You will NEVER know if it was swapped for another dial or any other period correct part. You will never be 100% positive but research, research, research will help you lower the risk of buying a franken.

See with your eyes and know what the model SHOULD look like.

The more original the higher the price. Know what RSC Service parts look like... Service dials, hands, insert, crystal, crowns, datewheels... etc. drive the price down. Know what those individual parts go for on the market too which will help you justify prices... for ex. a service insert can cost as little as $100-125 while an original fat font insert can go for $500+! That's a big difference.

Other characteristics that significantly drive price up and down is case condition (over-polished? chipped? deep scratches?), patina color, matching hands, dial and pearl, faded insert, dial texture/color, rarity... you'll figure out real quick and it takes and eye and many sales ads to figure out the "formula" in how these prices come about. You will begin to understand what's over-priced, what's a good deal and what to stay far far away from at just a glance.

Beyond the model, understand the maintenance side of it... Some movements are so old that finding parts is rare and/or expensive and can also result into getting parts custom made as the only solution. Watch for rust that can be commonly found around the rehaut and caseback which can lead to failed pressure tests. Watch for bracelet stretch as well.


Biggest advice is RESEARCH and patience.

[mks4]

A lesson learned...if you like things original or at least with parts that could be original to the time period (especially dials), buy a watch with the right parts in the first place.

Making an emotional decision on what seems like a good deal for a "fixer-upper" only to search endlessly for the right part can be awful. Just ask my GMT that needs an OCC dial!

[Shade]

It would be easiest to meet face to face, and have a legitimate rolex service centre inspect it (at a cost). And you're done.

[jolimont]

ask here first before buying!

[Rogdogg]

All very interesting and great tips guys.

[springer]

Originally Posted by phillycheez

Don't buy into that NOS and never polished crap.

Have a model in mind and dig deep into the different variations of that model. Choose one and know all... down to movement, dial variations, correct crown, correct insert, correct endlinks, bracelet and insure it's as original to the period it reflects. You will NEVER know if it was swapped for another dial or any other period correct part. You will never be 100% positive but research, research, research will help you lower the risk of buying a franken.

See with your eyes and know what the model SHOULD look like.

The more original the higher the price. Know what RSC Service parts look like... Service dials, hands, insert, crystal, crowns, datewheels... etc. drive the price down. Know what those individual parts go for on the market too which will help you justify prices... for ex. a service insert can cost as little as $100-125 while an original fat font insert can go for $500+! That's a big difference.

Other characteristics that significantly drive price up and down is case condition (over-polished? chipped? deep scratches?), patina color, matching hands, dial and pearl, faded insert, dial texture/color, rarity... you'll figure out real quick and it takes and eye and many sales ads to figure out the "formula" in how these prices come about. You will begin to understand what's over-priced, what's a good deal and what to stay far far away from at just a glance.

Beyond the model, understand the maintenance side of it... Some movements are so old that finding parts is rare and/or expensive and can also result into getting parts custom made as the only solution. Watch for rust that can be commonly found around the rehaut and caseback which can lead to failed pressure tests. Watch for bracelet stretch as well.


Biggest advice is RESEARCH and patience.

There is some great info in this post. The only thing I would add is, if the case looks too good to be true - it probably is. Laser welding lugs or cases to bring back their original chamfers seems to be the new trend now.

[StuartM1970]

Thanks for the contributions. There's some good stuff here and it's well worth breaking it all down into bite size bits.

When I finish the short series, I'll slap it on the forum too.

Keep 'em coming.

[Knappo 1307]

Originally Posted by StuartM1970

Thanks for the contributions. There's some good stuff here and it's well worth breaking it all down into bite size bits.

When I finish the short series, I'll slap it on the forum too.

Keep 'em coming.

I would love to read it. Thanks for doing that....

[swish77]

One seemingly obvious point that burned me once: Make sure model and serial numbers are clearly legible between the lugs. Back in the early days of my watch madness, I just assumed the numbers would be there, but I bought a 1680 that had the serial number intentionally polished away. I was able to return the watch, but others might not be as fortunate. Great advice above!

[StuartM1970]

It's the obvious stuff that gets everyone. If you're new to it, nothing is obvious.

[StuartM1970]

Thanks to the tipsters.

Phillycheez features heavily in http://vintagewatchesmiddleeast.com/...han-you-think/

Will post one big story when I get to 10!