QFor so many of us, our appreciation of watches begins with our fathers. Sometimes it starts with a big birthday or graduation gift, but it can take root long before. I can still remember my fascination at the loud ticking of my dad’s Omega watch and the weight of it in my hand when I was a young child.
A luxury watch is special in its own right, but history and heritage only add value (however intangible). An heirloom watch is a physical connection with the past and, if you’re lucky, a memento of a loved one. And as we grow older, the watches we wear take on a new significance as items that we will one day hand down to our children. You don’t have to own a Patek Philippe to be looking after your watch for the next generation…
A collector´s rules
buy what yo can afford…
“I would never take out a loan to purchase a watch. Either I can afford it or I leave it.” Martin allocates a certain budget per year for buying watches and only stretches it “if it’s a one-off opportunity”.
there is nothing wrong with less known brands…
“Buy what speaks to you – and enjoy it!”
save for what you want…
“Whatever your budget may be, you’ll find something – there are so many brands around and so much to choose from.”
no fakes…
“I had a friend who once bought an A. Lange & Söhne for a few hundred dollars. After only 15 minutes, the crown came off – so that’s not very good value for money.”
There is more to this than just the watches…
When you’re chasing a certain type of vintage watch, chase the extras as well – boxes, tools, bracelets, even smaller parts. “From a collector’s point of view, the ‘full set’ is far more desirable.”
Open the watch before you buy vintage…
Check the condition and check to see that it’s the proper movement.
Wear your watches!
Enjoy them! Just be smart about it. “I wear all my watches. But if I go swimming or to the Oktoberfest, I definitely won’t wear a platinum watch. I’d choose a rubber Doxa instead.”
