Collecting watches. Where to begin? Watches for collectors

Some watch lovers at some point in time become interested in vintage watches. Often - pocket watches, because they are "older" than wrist watches.

There are quite a few reasons for this, as they say, to each his own and in general, the choice is a matter of life. But a few can be identified. The first is an interest in antiques and history. Many watch lovers are much more interested in looking at a piece with a 100-year history that “survived” the First World War, the 1917 revolution, the Great Patriotic War and other important historical milestones than a quartz piece in a standard case.

Secondly, antique pocket watches allow you to actively build up your collection without making a significant investment. If, of course, we are talking about accessible and simple models. Someone will be much more interested in "collecting" Swiss watches, moreover, famous brands such as Omega, Zenith and Chopard, rather than buying another faceless homage - for the same amount.

Zenith pocket watch (1917). Price category - up to 300 euros
Omega pocket watch (1926). Price category up to 300 euros
L.U. pocket watch Chopard (1890). Price category - up to 300 euros

Thirdly, some people just like the style inherent in the old watch. All these arrows, engravings and so on - this is practically absent in modern watches, if you do not take into account the premium class.

Also, collecting vintage watches is an investment. Such watches, at least, do not get cheaper. Many are rising in price. Unlike almost any modern new watch (he took off the films, put them on once - already minus 10%).

Of course, collecting old watches is not so easy. Watches require special care, cleaning, lubrication, often restoration, replacement of glass, hands and much more. Watches that run a day or more are relatively rare, so you will have to wind them often. And not to the end. Vendors, out of malice or ignorance, can slip you frank junk, a “patty” (watches assembled from various remnants of spare parts) or even a remake. Anything happens. But, if you do everything right and do not rush, then an old clock will delight you.

Some watches at auctions are sold in the form of "running for a few minutes." This usually means that someone tried to revive them with oil, but spilled it. The treatment, again, is cleansing. But if you are not a jack-of-all-trades, then cleaning will cost more than buying a good watch right away. Especially in the case of cheap mass hours of the Second World War. They cost 30-70 euros. Therefore, if you are not a master of mechanisms, then immediately take a normally working watch.

On your own, you can perform the following operations: wipe the watch case with a velvet cloth (possible with watch polish) and (this is already an advanced level) clean the watch case with a special paste or just toothpaste (after pulling out the mechanism). By cleaning, you will remove plaque from the case, patina, and sometimes even the smallest scratches. Large scratches will require a special tool and skills. Replacing glass is a simple procedure (for a master) and relatively inexpensive. But the dial is the face of the clock. If it has shortcomings, then they can often be eliminated, but this is painstaking and expensive work. Therefore, again, it is better to immediately choose watches with well-preserved dials. The “spider web” on the dial is not a very good sign, if it is very noticeable, then this dial will be replaced.

A separate issue is arrows. Often they are not original. A comparison with other watches of the same company or a simple observation can help here: whether the minute hand reaches the divisions on the dial. If not, then the arrows are definitely not the original. Glasses are also often changed, especially on the oldest watches, where there was originally ordinary glass (plastic glasses were invented in the mid-20s of the 20th century). In general, there are a lot of nuances.

All old pocket watches can be divided into 2 large groups. Of course, such a division is only suitable for residents of the former USSR. So, these are: Soviet and foreign watches. The first group is all kinds of Lightning, ZIMs and other Soviet-made watches, which cost very moderately, and give quite a lot of joy. Especially for a newbie. As they say, buy yourself a Lightning and think about whether you need all this at all? Of course, all watches are divided into time periods, the same model may cost differently depending on the year of production, but more on that later.

The second group is western clocks. Swiss, English, French, American and German. They can also be divided into several time periods. It will be exactly inexpensive mass simple watches (in the vast majority of cases, watches with the function of hours, minutes and seconds, that is, 3-handers in cases of maximum silver).

Well, pre-revolutionary Russian brands like Pavel Bure and Kalashnikov can be distinguished into a separate subgroup. These watches were assembled from European components, but in Russia, so they occupy a kind of intermediate position.

Pocket watch Pavel Bure, early 20th century. Price category - up to 300 euros

European watches in the affordable category are of 2 types: with a crown and with a key (key). Other things being equal, prices for keys are often lower, although it would seem that this is a more “vintage” type of watch. The reason is that they are very expensive to repair, repairs can cost more than buying the same watch in good condition. Therefore, it is better to immediately take a quality watch with a winding key.

And a few words about prices. Of course, all with a high degree of conventionality. Prices vary greatly. The same watch at a flea market, in an antique shop, on eBay, or bought from a craftsman can cost completely different money. This is just a guideline so that the reader can get an idea of ​​how much it might actually cost. Since the situation with the ruble exchange rate is very unstable now, you will have to indicate the price in US dollars.

An ordinary Soviet lightning of the 70-80s in excellent condition will cost about $20-30 and more. According to Europeans - for $ 200-250 you can buy something like a simple Zenith of the 20-30s in good condition. Watches by Pavel Bure, produced before 1917, in average condition will cost about the same amount: it's all about limited competition, there are few such watches in the West.

Where to buy? Antique shops, flea markets, online auctions (specialized and global like eBay, as well as Russian), Western online stores. Everywhere has its pros and cons.
We will talk more about specific watches in the following publications. And what's more - we will have a corresponding section of pocket watches.

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Any Belarusian can afford Rolex watches, Armani jeans and Gucci glasses. Numerous fakes, which sellers prefer to adequately call replicas, are a logical continuation of many aspects of our life: not to be, but to seem. Our today's hero Sergey talks about his collection and sincerely believes that wearing a fake watch is like disrespecting yourself.

Currently, Sergey, who is also a farmer + forum member, works as one of the leaders of a large company. His collection of watches includes 70-80 items. Due to the specifics, it is not cheap, of course, but there are no copies at exorbitant prices.

- I got my first watch in the eighties, when I studied at the Leningrad Institute. It was Flight. Then my father presented me with a fashionable Elektronika watch from the Glasnost and Perestroika collection. Until now, they occupy a worthy place in the collection. Recently offered interesting options for exchange.

At that time, every man had a watch. Other gadgets have not yet been invented, and it was somehow necessary to keep track of time. Swiss Made was then available to a few. A more massive reference point for fashion and coolness was the Japanese Orient.

- About 20 years ago I spent a lot of time in the UAE. Once I stood, I remember, in front of the window of a watch boutique and dreamed of Tissot,- recalls Sergei.

But Tissot in his life did not happen like that. Returning to Belarus, Sergey bought Casio. And then, as a passionate person, he contracted that very “hourly disease”.

- When one desire appeared - to understand watches, another one disappeared - to run along with the crowd and the mass market.

Later, our hero, as expected, got Orient. Well, the first "serious" watch was the Titoni CosmoKing.

- Solid Swiss manufacturer. I just liked them, and now I understand why. This is a homage - a watch inspired by Rolex. Not copying, but styling. They cost me at a discount of around $850. I was sure that I would not have a more expensive watch.

But the interest hasn't waned. At some point, I wanted to collect watches from different countries geographically. Now I understand that this idea is specifically far-fetched. The design range is huge, the engineering range is not at all. Watch movements are made in Switzerland, Japan, China, India, Russia. Paradoxically, Belarus can also be included in this list. "Luch" is still actually a manufactory, since it can produce everything itself. Doesn't do much, but it can.

Most of the watches today are made in China - if not mechanisms, then their components, cases, hands, dials. The problem even affected the famous Swiss Made brand. Until recently, it could be installed if the mechanism and at least 50% of the parts were made in Switzerland. But still, the producers went for tricks. Since January 1 this year, the share of local production has been increased to 60%. Some consider this measure insufficient. For example, the manufacturer H. Moser & Cie, with the slogan “No “Made in Switzerland”, yes “Swissness”” (“No to Swiss Made, yes to Swissness”) removed the Swiss Made brand from their watches. Even earlier, Patek Philippe took this step, believing that its own brand already carries more value.

In general, the geographical collection is such a kind self-deception.

One of the parts of Sergey's collection is Soviet vintage.

- I give credit to that period. In the sixties and seventies, the Soviet watch industry competed with the Swiss.

"Komandirskie" is one of the most famous and authoritative watches of the Soviet period.

Curve and oblique "Glory". Asymmetry is not a marriage, but a good design solution.

- One of the best designs is the thin "Ray" on the movement 2209. This watch is still respected in the world. Some of them I bought, oddly enough, on eBay.

This Slava watch is very dear to me: my grandfather had the same one. Very harmonious design. I specifically searched for such a long time and eventually found them in Hungary.

Perhaps you still see ads offering to buy watches from the USSR era. It is unlikely that these are connoisseurs of retro - rather ordinary buyers of precious metals: the watch was covered with gold.

- Profitable to sell? Of course, they certainly have some value. You can get several tens of dollars, for a rare model - several hundred, but this is much less common. These are more expensive - these are the new old Slava, new old stock, that is, they have never been used. Such collectors value more than "used" ones.

Some models and mechanisms have successfully survived the country. Here is an interesting Russian mechanical watch with an alarm clock. Inside the mechanism "Flight", produced back in the eighties. The alarm clock works in vibration mode for a few seconds.

- During the World Hockey Championship I bought Luch. All partnership rights of the IIHF belong to Tissot, so this is an unofficial version. But all the same, they are frankly hockey: a hockey player, dividing the hour scale into three periods. Inside is a Japanese Miyota movement. The end result is a good looking model. I constantly advise my overseas colleagues on the American watch forum where you can buy it. In general, Luch, Vostok, Polet, like other Soviet brands, are well known in the American watch community.

- We have on the forum thread good rule: if a person is looking for advice, then he needs help. And the question is usually asked like this: you need a watch for every day from a reputable manufacturer, not a well-worn brand, with a twist for 400-600 rubles. I recommend considering Japanese watches with such a budget,- says Sergey and shows that he came with Citizen Eco-Drive Super Titanium on his hand. - This is one of my favorite models, and I would recommend something like this to half of the interested beginners. In it, instead of a battery (I appreciate the mechanics, but I am aware that quartz is enough for many lovers), there is an accumulator that is charged by light. It will last up to 10 years. The technology is called Eco-Drive. Seiko has a similar energy-saving technology called Kinetic - the battery is charged by movement. At the same time, such watches are relatively affordable and are made of a very pleasant and light alloy.

The set (this is a regularly used part of the collection) by Sergey consists of a dozen models.

- Something is chosen according to the mood, something - according to the rules of good taste. For example, with a suit it is customary to wear a three-hander of small diameter without complications. For example, this one. An interesting watch, although many may doubt the manufacturer - Indian HMT.

- James Bond wore Omega under the suit, the size of which is not at all small ...

- Dmitry Medvedev puts on a Casio G-Shock under his jacket. This is fine. Style boundaries are blurred. I'm talking about canonical rules. For example, Alexander Lukashenko's watch - Patek Philippe Calatrava - falls into the classical style.

There is an intermediate option between classic and casual. I call these “suit diver” - this is a classic model plus some functions. For example, Eterna KonTiki. This iconic model commemorates Thor Heyerdahl's famous Kon-Tiki voyage in 1947. It has already gone through several reprints, but is still popular, including on our forum. However, if there are those who want to call the model pure casual, I will not argue.

A daily watch is suitable for 90% of situations and outings.

Along with large companies, there are microbrands. Watch enthusiasts accumulate ideas, raise money through crowdfunding, buy movements, order cases and parts. By analogy, these can be called craft watches. At first, the production is small, but over time it can grow into big company. This path, for example, was taken by the British Christopher Ward.

- The Canadian company Cobra De Caliber is one such micro-brand. Their watches do not have crazy authority in the watch world, but they have a memorable design and interesting functionality: a rotating inner bezel that allows you to measure time intervals. As a result, the entire circulation of these watches has already been sold out, a real hunt has begun for them at specialized watch forums.

- Wristwatch today is not a source of information. It is an accessory and enjoyment of engineering genius. I cannot determine the character of the interlocutor at a glance, but his watch will help me. For example, two people are standing in front of you: one with Tissot, the other with Hamilton. These are approximately the same brands in terms of cost, but only the second is given out by the desire to find one's own, interest in the topic, individuality.

All stories about female hunters who can immediately determine the condition of a man in a club by his watch are journalistic inventions. Of course, there are connoisseurs, but for the most part this is not so. In addition, there great amount replicas that are difficult to distinguish from the original even at a second glance. And there are some that can not be determined without an autopsy. The level of fakes is high, although we usually get something that does not stand up to scrutiny.

From my point of view, a replica is always and everywhere bad. Passers-by may not recognize it, but you yourself know the truth. For what? This is dishonest and even dishonorable in relation to oneself. Better to prefer good Seiko or honest "Ray".

15/12/2008

Watch collecting is a very young occupation, extremely fashionable, extremely interesting and exciting. But is it really profitable to collect watches?

Old, new and almost new

Collecting watches is akin to collecting vintage and classic cars. Both require certain theoretical training, knowledge, patience and large funds.

You need to be prepared for the fact that you won’t earn quick money here, and your collection can only be in demand in good times from all points of view - and above all economic ones.

Unlike collecting paintings and art objects, numismatics and philately, there are still no clear pricing principles for one or another item in the secondary watch market.

The fluctuations of "hourly stocks" cannot be tracked by daily stock reports, and there are no watch catalogs comparable in level and completeness to philatelic or numismatic catalogs.

What can I say, even ten years ago, the owners of vintage Rolex and Patek Philippe were perceived not as rich people, but as noble eccentrics. In watch boutiques in the center of New York, one could easily find and bargain for $4,000 a rare copy of a perpetual calendar in a yellow and gold case from Patek Philippe.

And the legendary Officine Panerai, produced during the war for the Italian submarine special forces, were sold on the streets of Naples in their "native" box for only $600.

Today, the price for them starts at 20,000 euros, and for the mentioned Patek Philippe - from 80,000. In those good times, fantastic stories happened - for example, with the Omega Speedmaster Professional chronograph, which, apparently, belonged to astronaut Buzz Aldrin and was the first to visit Moon.

It was stolen from the Smithsonian in the 1970s, and in 1994 it suddenly resurfaced in the secondary watch market, and a mid-range California businessman purchased it for just $400.

When the ranks of watch collectors began to grow, the situation on the market for vintage models of the pre-quartz period stabilized. And this circumstance gave rise to two other trends: collecting and active resale in the secondary market of modern and even the latest watches.

Classifications such as LNIB (Like New In Box) for used watches and a special abbreviation NIB (New In Box) for the newest ones appeared in collector's catalogs. But collecting old and modern watches is a completely different type of collecting, with different rules and priorities.

Brand investment

Any collector will not hesitate to say that the leaders in the vintage watch market are Patek Philippe and, more recently, Rolex. At the same time, they almost do not intersect in consumer niches.

During the quartz boom, Rolex was the only company that did not reduce its very significant output of mechanical models. Therefore, there are many high-quality mechanical Rolexes on the market, and no one gave more than $40,000 at auctions for them for a long time.

Rolex shares in the secondary market have skyrocketed due to the fact that Guido Mondani sold his huge collection at Antiquorum auction two years ago. At the same time, he showed how to collect Rolex, which models are valued and which movements should be paid special attention to.

The Italian helped people take a fresh look at the work and heritage of the most massive of chic brands. In addition, Rolex prices have crept up u1080 and due to the fact that this year the company celebrates its centenary.

Usually stamps hold special auctions before round dates, looking for and buying rare models from collectors for their own museum. Just look at the price dynamics of the 1997 Rolex Daytona chronograph in a steel case.

At the time of its release, it cost about a thousand dollars, in 2002 the price for it was already 5 thousand, and now they are offering at least 25 thousand for this model. And prices will only rise, experts are sure. Patek Philippe is another matter. The company is struggling to position its watches as an investment in the future.

A well-thought-out advertising campaign, a sales strategy (new sophisticated models are sold only to trusted customers) and an auction policy, when Patek Philippe representatives stubbornly bargain for their watches, raising prices, work for this image.

So if you are lucky enough to become the owner of real Patek Philippe in good condition, you can be absolutely calm: the price for them will rise over time. The same can be said about Audemars Piguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC watches (especially in Lately) and other famous manufactories.

Even those who have acquired the status of a manufactory recently. Yes, companies like Omega or Blancpain are far from the records of Patek Philippe and even Rolex. But complex Blancpain watches have a very promising future. This applies especially to the very first models produced by the F.

Piguet in the 1990s, when company president Jean-Claude Biver was just testing refined complications on the brand. If in 1996 ultra-thin Villeret cost 6 thousand francs, now they can be bought for 15-20 thousand dollars.

At the same time, models with the very first in-house ultra-thin calibers will always be valued higher. The same can be said for the first Omega Co-Axial models, created by George Daniels in 1999. Now co-axial descent is business card Omega.

Almost all mechanisms of the brand are equipped with it, but the first working copies have already become true history watchmaking, and therefore will always be of interest to connoisseurs.

Invest in originality

The first Santos de Cartier, the first wristwatches by Patek Philippe, Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, IWC Portuguese and Rolex Oyster Perpetual premiere series - all these models can certainly become the brightest stars of collections.

But only under one condition - complete authenticity. This, of course, is not about fakes. The former owners of most of these watches were unaware of their potential value decades later and used them daily.

This means that the watch has been in the workshop more than once. But in the secondary watch market, the main rule of watch collecting applies: all details, even the most insignificant ones, must be authentic.

On this came across a lot of novice collectors. As you know, in watches, the dial and glass are primarily affected, and many dealers, trying to attract the client with the ideal condition of the object, replaced them.

The same applies to mechanisms. For example, it is no secret that the Jaeger-LeCoultre manufactory supplied its calibers to dozens of brands, including the most prestigious ones. So it sometimes happens that a historical Vacheron Constantin model has a balance-spring assembly from other watches that used the base JLC caliber.

Meanwhile, any non-original, and even more so “non-native” part in a mechanical watch can reduce their cost by 80 percent. The only place where you can be guaranteed a 100% authentic watch is at a reputable auction house.

The rules of the largest auction houses even provide for a refund of the amount with compensation for moral damage if it turns out that, due to an oversight of experts, there is an inauthentic part in the watch you purchased. Only models that have successfully passed the examination for authenticity are included in the catalogs of solid houses.

Investments with a guarantee

In these catalogs you can find thousands of Breguet, Cartier, Omega, Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre or Audemars Piguet models, which, for one reason or another, most collectors do not pay attention to, and therefore they are three times cheaper than in stores.

The exhibited lots should be treated objectively, and not chased after sensations (sometimes inflated out of the blue) and the so-called “wombs” (rare models on which the organizers of the auction for various reasons plan to earn the main profit).

It is now possible to independently evaluate the watches that are put up for auction without leaving your own chair. Sotheby's was the first auction house to open an online sale, followed by Christie's. But they just went the way of Antiquorum, which has been practicing electronic trading for three years now. In addition, Antiquorum has an additional website www.C2Ctime.com , whose visitors have the opportunity to trade watches directly without intermediaries and commission fees.

By the way, this practice was first applied by the founder of Antiquorum, Osvaldo Patrizzi, who was removed from the leadership by the new Asian owners. Now Patrizzi, together with the team that left Antiquorum after him, has opened a new Patrizzi & Co Auctioneers, which also provides a lot of services at: www.patrizziauction.com.

Watchmaking connoisseurs who have participated in many auctions say that there is only one rule that ensures a successful purchase: to know exactly what attracts you to this watch. Not a name, not a PR and not a beautiful story, but an original dial, an unusual function, a rare mechanism, a “catchy” design.

Sometimes even a defect in a watch can turn out to be so interesting that it will significantly increase its value. For example, the story of the largest collector of Rolex Guido Mondani, who accidentally came across a Daytona chronograph, is known: its dial changed color in sunlight and artificial light. As a result, it was this model that Mondani sold on Antiquorum for ten times the price for which he bought it.

Investing in the future

However, many experts began to note that interest in authentic vintage models is gradually waning. There are several reasons for this. The sale of antique watches has recently turned not into a business for buyers, but into a PR of the manufacturer's brand, that is, into a business for the watchmakers themselves.

For example, Antiquorum (especially in recent times) has practically not sold watches of dead brands, refusing to those who do not produce expensive watches or do not invest enough money in advertising.

in catalogs for last years you will find that brands such as Gruhen, Whittnauer, Bulova are extremely underrepresented and their models are sold for quite modest amounts. But the relatively young brand Gerald Genta, which provided funds for its own thematic auction, has dozens of models.

In addition, all the most interesting specimens went through auctions and resales, which means that one cannot count on significant profits and magical discoveries. Another thing is modern watches in NIB and LNIB condition.

Many very young brands managed to become famous in just a year or two thanks to the invention of hitherto unknown innovations and complications.

In the "ore" of beginners, it is easier to find watches that are interesting from an investment point of view than thousands of times processed historical "breed". In addition, modern examples of complex mechanics and unusual design seem to most of us a much more understandable and close source of investment.

Manufacturers have already seen this trend for a long time, so they specially produce watches aimed at collectors. For the latter, specialized publications and websites are organized, exhibitions, salons, presentations are organized for them, they are even invited to private dinner parties with the presidents of great brands (the latest marketing novelty).

In general, everything is aimed at drawing attention to the watch as a profitable financial investment. Another question: how profitable is this investment?

Investments in interest

How to start collecting watches if you've never done it before?

First, you need to acquire certain basic knowledge in this area. All collectors make mistakes at first, and that's okay. It doesn’t matter what your first watch will be, the main rule here is to buy what you like. Gradually, model by model, the sample will narrow. Over time, you will have your own base of collectors and dealers. There are also specialized forums and resources where collectors share their knowledge. Study the booklets of watch companies - for example, we issue them for each collection, they are all available on the Internet.

Let's say I chose a particular model and bought it. What's next? Looking for watches from the same line or choose others?

It's just a matter of taste. What specifically attracts you? Motorcycle racing and racing theme? Then you can stop at special collections dedicated to racing, such as Monaco or Silverstone. Among them there are also many vintage watches, once owned by famous racers. Or maybe you are more interested in the history of a particular brand - then you can start collecting a collection of a certain year of release. Now the models of the 1980s and 1940s are very popular, the design of which has an imprint of wartime. There are far fewer of the latter, plus they are less documented, so working with them is very exciting and very difficult at the same time. Your budget also matters, how much you are willing to invest in a watch, as models from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s are more expensive than models made during the war period.

There is a stereotype that collectors are very rich people and that without an impressive fortune there is no point in collecting. Is it really true?

No, it's not. You don't have to be a multi-billionaire. Expensive lots at Philipps and other auction houses are just the tip of the iceberg. We have a lot of clients of different incomes, and just the main backbone is made up of ordinary people who buy watches on eBay or Amazon. Also, do not forget that until the 1960s, TAG Heuer was not a luxury brand - in order to collect your collection of watches, it is not at all necessary to spend all your savings, the main thing is to know when to stop and not lose common sense. Of course, you can invest in very expensive vintage items: say, Steve McQueen's Monaco watch he wore in the Le Mans movie, or some gold watch that belonged to a famous race car driver. Of course, this is the highest class and worth the corresponding money. But the main market is not based on this.

Is there any way to predict which time period watches will be in demand in the future?

I think that collecting just for the sake of money is wrong. After all, the essence of collecting is to acquire watches that you like in the first place. You will amass an invaluable collection if you put meaning and personal attitude into things. Therefore, I recommend buying for the soul, and not for commercial purposes.

Are there any additional factors, besides the year of issue, that affect the formation of the cost of a watch?

Of course. The cost will also depend on the previous owners: McQueen's watch will obviously cost more than your neighbor's watch - though I don't know who your neighbor is. (laughs). The materials from which watches are made also affect the cost. By the way, interesting fact, but steel watches are often more expensive than gold ones - the bottom line is that steel is better for making a case. Also, the cost depends on the complexity of watch movements - it is clear that assembly requires skillful craftsmanship.

What is the price range of the vintage watch market right now?

Pretty wide. The scene for vintage stopwatches starts at 1,000 Swiss francs (about $1,010). There is no upper bar: McQueen's gold watch sold for more than $800,000. If such offers appear on the market, it is difficult to say how much they will cost. For example, we have several products that are valued at five and six zero sums.

Are there many fakes on the vintage watch market?

Say, for a thousand original watches, there are about 10 fakes - this is when the case, the hands, and the clock mechanism are completely faked. Much more often I come across "individual assembly" watches, when they are assembled from parts from different periods of time. That is, they did not go in one set. Plus, any watch requires regular inspection and repair. In the course of service work, the hands, dial, case, mechanism parts change, so it is not so easy to say that certain watches are less authentic.

How can a non-specialist recognize vintage by eye?

Unfortunately, I can’t give any hints: to define vintage, you really need to have a certain education. By the way, many of our young customers prefer to buy reissued vintage watches. This makes life much easier if something happens to your vintage watch - for example, you break it. If you have a reissued watch, then you can come to any watch repair shop, where you will be immediately accepted and served. With vintage watches, things are a little more complicated, because only a special watchmaker can work with them.

How to properly care for vintage watches?

You have to constantly wind them up, otherwise the lubricating oil inside the mechanism will dry out, and because of this, the parts will begin to wear out. Also, the clock must be stored in a dry place - high humidity has a very negative effect on their work. If the watch case is covered with patina, then it should be stored away from ultraviolet radiation and not left in direct sunlight. In principle, this is enough, provided that once every four years you will show the watch to a specialist.

I can't name any specific cases. But many of our collectors bought their first watch 20 years ago when it was much cheaper. Therefore, if they maintained the watch in good condition, today it costs two or three times more. So you could say they made good money.