A Collector’s Guide to Buying Vintage Watches

By Desmond Guilfoyle

Collecting vintage watches is a growing hobby in most parts of the western world. Men, particularly, are attracted by the romance and novelty of having a micro-engine on their wrist as both a time-teller and an image statement.

One of the most frustrating aspects of collecting vintage watches is the number of fakes, frankenwatches and fraudsters one encounters in pursuit of this noble, but increasingly costly, passion.

The comeback of the mechanical watch has drawn out all sorts of insects from under their rocks. The pursuit of one’s passion for old timepieces will inevitably lead to numerous encounters with rogue repairers who charge house prices for inferior work, linear decendents of horse theives who palm off fakes as the real thing, Doctor Frankensteins who create sought-after models from parts of other watches, the usual bevy of shonks, crooks and tricksters out to convince the gullible and the unwary to swipe their well worn credit cards.

In a recent seven day survey and follow-up I completed on the listing of vintage Omega Constellation watches on a major on-line trading site, more than 50 percent of all listings were of watches that were inauthentic in some way – that gives you some idea of what collectors are up against.

Read more…

Used Watch Winders

Executive summary about Used Watch Winders  By Marcus Peterson

Mechanical devices such as watch winders are designed to mimic the action of human arm movement to wind self-winding watches when they are not in use. It is also used to evenly circulate the lubricating oil present inside wristwatches, which is necessary for the proper functioning of automatic self-winding watches. Users who do not have requisite funds for a new watch-winding device can buy a used winding device that is relatively cheap.

Used watch winders can be classified into different categories. They include used winders in operating condition, rebuilt winders with warranty and used winders in non-operating condition. While buying a used watch winder, it is important to understand how the device works and check the availability of spare parts.

In comparison to new winding devices, used watch winders are available at discounted rates. They have all the features available in new watch winders such as standard winding mechanism, cushioned interior surfaces, and grasping mechanism to firmly secure the watch. Used watch winders that were properly utilized in the past need only a few repairs whereas other devices may require costly repair works.

While purchasing a used watch winder, potential buyers must have a basic knowledge about how the device functions. It is advisable to inspect the inner working of a used watch winders.

It is better to buy warranted used watch winders as unwarranted devices might start malfunctioning in a few months.

The Benefits Of Buying A Used Watch

Executive summary about The Benefits Of Buying A Used Watch  By Victor Epand

Whoever coined the phrase “better late than never” clearly didn’t own a watch. Watches are a valuable investment for any individual, young or old, and serve a variety of purposes. Ornate, luxurious watches are a necessity to some, while others place the focus on function. Extravagant watches can be very expensive but there are ways to acquire lavish watches for a fraction of the cost. Most watches are manufactured to last indefinitely, making used and refurbished watches a practical investment.

Used watches are desirable because of their cost; purchasing a second-hand watch allows shoppers to acquire a solid piece without compromising quality. All watches depreciate as soon as they are purchased, so buying a used watch allows consumers to avoid this initial drop in value.

When looking for a used watch, it is often helpful to consider refurbished pieces. These watches have been carefully inspected and repaired by a watch specialist. Some resellers offer a warranty on refurbished watches, providing the consumer with piece of mind. These vendors are confident that a used watch is as dependable as a new watch. More expensive watches often come with papers that declare their authenticity and confirm their value. Any watch owner who appreciates the value of their piece will keep this important document, especially if they have any intention of selling the watch in the future. There are also many practical advantages to buying a second-hand watch. Second-hand watches require the same maintenance and care as new watches.

For buyers concerned with the environment, used watches are being incorporated into some recycling programs.

check other article about gold ladies watches and lady watches