Watches

[Hacker7]

Is anybody collecting antique wrist watches? I think I am intersted in this hobby. I am looking for any tips, advise on how to get started. Thanks in advance.

[pixelfixed]

Is anybody collecting antique wrist watches? I think I am intersted in this hobby. I am looking for any tips, advise on how to get started. Thanks in advance.

Join the NAWCC,go to the local and regeonal marts,Never pay retail prices.

[thebigspendur]

Learn about watch movements and how they work. Learn how to examine one and spot obvious issues. Also plan on doing your own routine service work unless you have a lot of money to burn.

Unless you buy really top end and highly collectible watches you won't make money collecting watches. Personally, I think if you are interested in collecting antique watches pocketwatches are the better way to go. Of course I'm biased because I collect them.

[Otto]

I used to be into classic wrist watches. I've had Seikos, Omegas etc. until I found my one and only wrist watch and was cured.
If you like old wrist watches, read a lot, and buy a few top of the line watches, rather than a bunch of decent ones. And remember: if the price is too good to be true, it's probably a copy.

[Hacker7]

I used to be into classic wrist watches. I've had Seikos, Omegas etc. until I found my one and only wrist watch and was cured.
If you like old wrist watches, read a lot, and buy a few top of the line watches, rather than a bunch of decent ones. And remember: if the price is too good to be true, it's probably a copy.

Thats a great watch. I have been reading a bit. Watches are very expensive. I agree with buying quality. Beside Rolex what other watches would you look at. Don't think I will be able to afford a case of WAD. I bought a few lower end pieces. A 67 Bulova Caravelle it was a watch I remember my father had. I remember wearing it as a kid although it was way to big on me. Lol. Thanks for the advise.

[thebigspendur]

There are probably as many watch brands as vintage razor brands. Once you go over 2 grand or so watches are luxury items and it's strictly what the market will bear. There is no magic in a watch, just a bunch of mass produced gears and other parts. For less than a grand you can get a quality piece that will last the rest of your life.

Want the top names? Be prepared to spend big.

Tell us what you want to spend and the types of watches you like (sport, dress,casual, case material, size) and we'll give you recommendations.

[Hacker7]

Well i'm trying to feel my way around. I've always been drawn to the mechanics of watches. When I was a kid I would take a part watches or anything that was broken to see what was inside. I have never owned a watch as an adult until last week. When I saw a Bulova Caravelle it brought back memories of watches my father had. My father inlaw worked for Bulova some time ago. Well I know I can't afford the top end. I think I would like to learn to take apart clean and oil a wrist watch or a pocket watch. Thanks bigspender and otto. I still have a bunch of razors to finish. So much fun to be had so little time.

[Scareface]

Breitling!

[Hacker7]

Breitling!

Yes I was reading an old thread otto referenced in his reply. Good reading in that thread.

[feltspanky]

You should google Seiko and read their history. They have hundreds of watch patents. They make their own mechanical and quartz movements. It takes a high tech company with lots of dollars to patent their own watch movements.

In years past watch manufactures would outsource their movements from a few Swiss companies. (Swiss Eta, Valjoux, Japanese made Miyota, Grand Seiko, Chinese Sea Gull, just to name a few. The Swiss have stopped this outsourcing practice and forced watch companies to patent their own internal movements. Do some reading and your head will begin to spin. Collecting watches is an expensive and fascinating hobby.