Join our podcast: New episodes every Monday and only $5 per month! www.buzzsprout... Top tips on how to buy a vintage luxury watch: eBay, Chrono24, watch dealers.
This is what a watch discussion should be: educational, informative, honest, nuanced, and three guys giving opinions based on experience! Great work you three.
Regarding Andrew's wind up rant... it's so interesting that I've been to several watch meet ups here in Malaysia but hardly ever seen a Rolex. Collectors will bring their Breguets, GP, Omegas, vintage Seikos, independents, micros... but you'll just see maybe 1 or 2 Rolexes out of 30 watches. It's incredibly refreshing! 😆
I really dont understand whats the problem there. I have 2 rolexes both vintage and i love them completely. Why on earth should i feel ashamed of bringing them to a meet up? They make me smile…
@@ericpoupier8613 You should never feel ashamed of your watches (no matter what brand they are, frankly) and you have every reason to be proud of your two Rolexes. But think from a watch journalist’s perspective: when the whole watch industry orbits around a single brand (like it does Rolex), it’s hard not to feel a bit apathetic when 80% of the watches in a room are that brand - a brand you probably see every day anyway. For a guy like Andrew i’m sure a watch meetup is a place to escape the mania around Rolexes, so he’d probably be frustrated when that’s not the case. Most enthusiasts, even the most cynical, would probably be delighted to see your watches - so don’t be discouraged to show them off or bring them to a meetup!
I get that guys , honestly i do feel also tired about all the guys wearing the same sh… but lets not get jaded. My gmt coke is a rocket and the seadweller from 2006 is a 1000m resistance in a 40mm case. They are glorious watches…
Dear AET, I've been eagerly awaiting the discussion of this topic for an absolute age. My journey into watches commenced with vintage timepiece collecting, kickstarted by stumbling upon a simple Longines Le Grande Classique at an antiques market in Hong Kong for a mere US$15. That find set me on a path to building a substantial collection on a budget. While the so-called grails in the vintage realm are a tad out of my financial league, I manage to snag worthwhile purchases by diligently researching instead of succumbing to current trends. Oh, and do ensure to scrutinize the dealer and gather knowledge from seasoned collectors, scholars, and even watchmakers who'll dispense fair and sound advice on whether to proceed or not. Cheers!
I’ve just brought an Omega GMT worldtimer and my other half isn’t too pleased as it’s the 4th watch I’ve brought since finding you guys a few months back. I’ve kinda blamed you guys as I’m weak. On a lighter note…. Have an awesome Christmas and look forward to seeing what you guys bring next year… Also Mr Bamford I am buying one of your watches next…
Happy to hear Adrian call BS on “dot over 9” and “cracked dials” in terms of false value! Same with Andrew on vintage box and papers. Impressed to see George present attainable vintage watches, especially Zenith. Of course, they just went up in price. :-) Interesting fact on dial, bezel, and hands aging differently. All in all a practical, informative episode. I think you guys just expanded the vintage watch market. Oh yeah, loved you guys in Teddy’s compilation episode. Happy Holidays!!
@@duck2h465 The older Speedmasters had a dot over 90 (whoops, not 9) on the tachymeter. The Speedy community anointed them as being more desirable and thus more valuable. Adrian effectively pointed out “the emperor isn’t wearing any clothes” in this regard.
Prop movements! I note the helmet is just behind George's head? Who moved it? Is this a comment on him, or is he trying to get some more free attention for Tug Hammer? Anyway. Well done. Not so manic. Great content. Keep going on this arch.
George's best episode by far. Sometimes it''s difficult to forget that GB is in a different watch buying league to the rest of us, but in this episode his passion for all watches and enjoyment of attainable pieces really shone through. More please.
Vintage watches is often a cheaper way to get into a modern brands, and i have plenty of friend who got into Breitling that way or Omega. I love how the past of a company can and should influence the present and future. Question: When does a watch become vintage? I have a Navitimer from 1993 and i am not sure if i can call it "vintage" XD
I don’t agree with George about the lack of accuracy of vintage watches. If they have been well maintained and serviced, they are just as accurate. I have a 50 year swiss watch and a 66 year old Longines and they both run at plus -1.5 seconds a day! Age is not an excuse for inaccuracy! Otherwise a fantastic episode guys!
Loved this episode as a ‘vintage lover’ however after putting up with the eye candy fragility of older subs I have cashed in and bought the 50th anniversary sub which I wear with utter confidence knowing it will truly outlast me even if I make it to 100 years old!!! 😂 Still kept a few older subs but had to sacrifice the old for new to wear with everyday confidence.
If it was 1.2K to have Vacheron Constantin evaluate a watch then, I wouldn’t try to guess what it cost today for them to do the same. The vintage car analogy- a buddy of mine from the Netherlands has owned some 1970’s 12 cylinder Jaguars since the mid ‘80s. He was a at a filling one foggy night and was looking for the switch for his fog lights. He was getting nowhere fast. There happened to be a fellow filling up the same car at the station and asked him where to find the switch. His reply was not to bother, it doesn’t work anyway. That’s been his attitude with that car and all his other oddball projects since. He can fabricate and fix things himself, doesn’t sweat the details.
Burlington Arcade Rolex Store - Christmas Day every day to pick up that grail watch from your birth year. Wait for it to get there & then the watch journey is complete. That vintage grail watch is the end of the line.
What a great episode this was, I learned more from this episode than in the last 30 years of being a watch guy. This was Awesome, please do an episode 2 to this. Thanks guys.
Vintage bargains? Heuer Stopwatches. I picked up a pair for £120 from 1959 and 1961. They make a really cool Rallytimer and when put on a leather chain are a fun way to time cars at Historic motorsport events. One is even a flyback….where do you get that level of complication for £60…i wanted the Rallytimer on your videos but cant afford the £££….instead i have the original pieces for a fraction of the price. Proves you can have fun for less
Thank you George for taking me down this rabbit hole ( yes, I’m joking …sort of ) god knows I waste enough time looking at modern watches. Historically , I’ve been in Andrew’s camp , purchasing modern watches with a vintage vibe and sacred sh.tless to open the vintage can of worms for the reasons outlined in this video. I would like to know where to begin my search, any suggestions for good dealers or websites?
I prefer neo-vintage so 80's and 90's, you get most if not all of the character (Rolex in particular) of vintage but with good robustness and reliability, modern watches are really jewelry (fantastic technical watches) but Rolex is mostly bling and real vintage is a minefield of expensive franken watches. To me a 16610, tritium dial, patina and drilled lugs yet a robust and modern movement is the sweet spot.
Would George mind saying what his upper spend is on a watch? He's said many times he's got a price he won't exceed, how much though? Constant battle this, and George is actually very balanced on this issue
Absolutely loved this episode. Saved it for my flight back from London! George’s approach to vintage watches is just perfect!! Such a connoisseur Mr BadForm!! Thank you for another great video!
I love your show guys thank you so much. I learn something every episode. Andrew LOVE that Doxa! Your show introduced me to the brand. It Will be my next watch. Keep up the great work gentlemen!! Thank you!
This was a really good episode. I don't understand why they pulled the plug on the channel. I like Andrew and Adrian well enough on their own, but the 3 together are an excellent team.
One thing to consider as an alternative to vintage is that there are many microbrands producing vintage inspired pieces with modern features and more reliability/less servicing nightmares.
Truly appreciate the shout-out, guys. Far too kind. I'm a collector who has been fortunate enough to turn this into my career. Would be honoured to have you guys in the office for a coffee and get some quirky watches out!
As soon as I saw the "office" I said out loud while watching "Kibble!" I'm in the states and have never bought a watch from KW (yet) but visit the site every week to check out the new inventory. So many cool pieces.
The wind up section was a bummer to listen to. So many of us look to rolex as an aspirational target-- and here's a group of people lucky enough to go through that journey, fill their collection with a few pieces, and then put down those who dare to follow suit. The idea that you need to be different and not follow trends in order to gain approval from others in the community is just toxic.
I’ll cop that - I’ve had my share of Rollies and have worn them to GTGs - I guess you have to fight cynicism the longer you’re in the hobby. And the prevalence of ‘that’ conversation adrian and I played out is the real turnoff, but I’ll cop it square and I apologise for giving that impression - Andrew
I totally agree…James Kibble, owner of Kibble Watches is the best dealer I know and have bought from and consigned with complete confidence. He’s a real professional and a great guy.
When you're a collector of anything, rarity makes for a desire, hence the weird variables of vintage Rolex fetching crazy prices. Unusual patina makes for piece uniques, hence premium prices for tropical dials. But to each their own. Buy the pieces you like, not the ones you think somebody else is going to like.
George’s comments- once again- are all about wild colors. I would strongly recommend: buy the movement first. In other words: can you get PARTS. Vintage Omega or Rolex pieces typically can be repaired/serviced.
One of my favourite episodes so far. Thanks George with your bloody enthusiasm; just made me pull the trigger on a new old stock Herma from 1970. $95,00. Can't go wrong really. Great show guys.
I actually started to develop a passion for military watches, the range goes from new ones (I have a Christopher Ward that I actually had on my wrist at the AET Meeet) to a WW2 ATP Moeris. I agree that you have to have different expectations based on the age of the watch, a 80 year old watch that has been on a battlefield will never be without dents (quite the opposite usually) or be without defects. But everytime I see it running (quite accurately) there is a satisfaction that I am not getting with the more modern watches. For me, this is what vintage is all about, the history of the watch, its design but mostly, as George always says, it makes you smile
I guess part og getting into vintage watches is accepting what they are and what they are not. And having a clear idea what you want. I went looking for a watch made in my birthyear (74) and ended up with a lovely Lanco Diver - pedigree, a bit banged up and rough around the edges, definite 70ies vibe - just like the owner 😅 at a reasonable price of less than 300 USD. Im happy as a fiddle with in my opinion this vintage gem.
I also have a birth year watch (1971 Seiko Pogue) and was lucky enough to come across one on eBay with really bad photos. The watch is in amazing condition and looks perfect after having the crystal replaced. It's a bit of a hype watch, but the poor photos depressed the amount of people bidding.
Loved this Felt like a masterclass from George, someone who’s further evolved in their watch journey and seen more than more people you meet, and certainly way more than me! Vintage Zeniths were beautiful, not seen those before. My personal favourite was the Heuer Silverstone. I think I now need one on my life. So great video, but possibly an unexpectedly expensive one :-) Thanks for the awesome content through the year, have a great Xmas / NY
This episode is a perfect example of why I gravitate to this channel (and why I’ve subscribed to the podcast). Honesty, generosity and passion. The knowledge is incredible without arrogance and pretence. Thank you.
Having bought my first vintage, King Seiko High Beat 1973, last week I'm watching anxiously that I haven't made a huge mistake 😂. Love the content, keep it up!
KS and GS vintage are stupidly good watches. From experience buy from Japan with a good reputable dealer. Even with 20% import costs you inevitably get a beauty!!! Same with the omegas £5-900 will get you a stupendous watch with a recent service
Love the content gentlemen! I’m always looking forward to a new episode. Thank you for all that you guys do 👍🏻 those Zeniths and that Breitling were 🔥 btw. Can’t wait for more AFT!
Great episode as usual. I agree with others, there is definitely more than one episode in the world of vintage watch buying. Thank you, keep safe and have a cracking Crimble.
Great episode, guys! I'm hunting for the last few month for some cool vintage which won't break a bank and would tick my heart. I do very like the process itself as you don't know what you can expect sometimes.. Thanks, especially George, for giving more insides.
I first started on watch forums in 2007. They really started in around 2003 so missed the boat on some real bargains / esp. 70’s omega. It was the Omegamania auction that really kicked it off globally albeit there were several frankins unwittingly listed. I bought an Omega Chronoquartz (albatross) which was a train crash from Brazil. I sent it off to Tony at STS where it was fully referb’d good as new. Problem was the alloy was soft and the brushing so delicate I struggled to wear it. It was at that point that I realised I was not a collector but a hobbyist. Shortly afterwards I sold pretty much all my vintage collection which included some beautiful examples from JP, JLC, IWC, Heuer, Omega, Bucherer etc. to raise a family. Today that collection would be worth a small fortune. I did however hang onto my ‘67 Doxa Sub Pro which is the watch that started it all for me as a 13- year old boy when I read about it in a Clive Cussler novel.
Being a systems engineer, the critical non-negotiable criterion for me is Total Cost of Ownership (TOC). And that alone I bought a modern watch which is a vintage throwback. E.g. Tissot PRX. The TOC makes me stay away from vintage watches.
Dear AET, Going vintage is fun but a few rules applies for me ... do you homework at least go google images to see if your target looks same as others. The chances are of you've landed on a blue dial and there no other blue ones on google images, the watch you're lookin at is pretty iffy. The 2nd advice is know what is more important on a vintage watch. Ie a dial and / or bezel thats swapped or screwed with is an absolute no go cuz 90% of your money goes to the looks. Buy the condition cuz as with humans, old watches tend to ve more fragile than modern watches and be prepared to spend some money on initial repairs. Dont expect an old watch tp run like a modern one. And lastly, and old saying always goes " if it looks too new to be old, then it probably is. "
Great video, boys, but whether by accident or design, George, you may have fucked the vintage Zenith market by starting a skyrocket in their prices! Particularly great video for George. Bravo, Mr Bamford. Well played.
I can vouch for Kibble Watches - I bought a piece from them (actually the exact Fears Archival 1930 rectangular shown at 39:54). It arrived promptly, exactly as described, with a personal note from James KIbble. Excellent service, and I would buy from him again.
A bit off topic but are there any Vacheron owners that could fill me in on the average service cost? I have always dreamed of haviging one and have no idea what I would be getting into for the service. I have a few IWC's and 2 JLC but for every watch I own I had to save every penny for a long time to aquire each piece. I would love a Traditionnelle or a Patrimony, but am I biting off more than I can Chew going from IWC to VC? Thanks in advance!
Good video. I have a vintage Tavannes tank which I believe is from the 1930's though the movement may have worked on/ updated in the 1950's. I recently had it serviced (broken mainspring) in Glasgow for less than $200. But when I attempted to have it serviced in the US, the guy was going to charge me over $4000. Not sure why it was cheaper in the UK than USA. But vintage watches can certainly be pricey when it comes to maintenance.
Interesting. I’m in vintage watches also. In my opinion modern watches no longer have the charm of vintage watches. The archives are being plundered and old designs reissued. Why is that? Because these old watches represent the pinnacle of design. You can't make a 50s Omega, a 60s Rolex or a 70s Heuer any better, in the sense of more attractive. It's like a 2000-year-old Greek temple or a Mozart sonata.
The key to buying vintage is the same as any purchase, knowledge is key. Do you research, enjoy learning, buy with eyes open. The difference is water resistance, vintage hates water. Even vintage divers as the seals will have gone over time.
Blast you AET for telling everyone about Kibble Watches. I'm saving up for one of his watches, but now I bet it will be sold before I have enough! A pox on your house! 😜
Great show! Few days ago I found a Mr. Porter's Solar Blue Zenith Bamford at a watch dealer. Nice looking face, great feeling strap (although little short for me). I have been thinking about it....
I own a Vintage 911 and a Vintage Explorer and I know my Porsche will not compete with a new 911 and I know my old explorer will not compete with my new Explorer, that’s just the charm of loving vintage cars and watches and their own beauty
For a vintage watch win, I got very lucky last month. I was browsing eBay, and stumbled upon a Glycine Vacuum from the early 60s. The photos were all out of focus, but the seller had great feedback. I tossed in a bid at the starting price, and won the watch uncontested for just under $200 USD. It looks much better than I had expected, and runs wonderfully too. Mine gains about 8 seconds a day, which is nuts for a watch of that age. It’s also a fairly unknown piece, which makes it much cooler to me. It came with a period box and a receipt from 1964, which while doesn’t increase the value for me, it certainly makes it all that bit cooler.
Thanks George, you've dropped a ton of good knowledge on us. That military monopusher Chrono is gorgeous. Now I have to ignore the voice in my head saying "BUY VINTAGE!"
Wonderful episode guys! Adrian, get yourself a Fortis B42 Cosmonaut Chronograph. Legend has it that a Cosmonaut actually used one as a hammer on an EVA, because his hammer was missing in his kit. I guess that Fortis should be Adrian-Proof too ;-)
That was the best wind up ever!!!! Andrew channeling his inner me :))) Excellent episode, wish I'd watched it a few years ago but (thank the gods) I haven't made any giant mistakes (yet) in my vintage adventures...
Can you make an episode that each of you have a limited budget like 300$ and show us how you search and find a watch and at the end compare the watches you got, please.
George, what incredible finds! 🙌 Esp the GP - I will be scouring the internet for 1. Captain Wildorf - owner of 4 (that we know of) modern Rolexes agreeing with Andrew’s wind up rant about the snobs all wearing Rolexes. 🤦♂️ Great episode, happy holidays.
Would like to see an episode where every viewer submits a photo of the 1 watch they own which they would wear to a get together.... Almost a virtual get together as some really interesting watches would appear. It is regularly mentioned about watches seen at events and the conversations it leads to
Really like the look of vintage but with all the potential pitfalls i feel like i need at least another 20 - 30 years experience before i feel its safe to dip my toe in the water 😂
Love it, a great topic! Vintage a real nightmare when spending 4/5 figures anything for a few hundred is just fun. Picked up an old Seiko tank for under £100,
Damn it Lads, I've been thinking about some of the Vintage Zeniths & other brands, after this episode the prices will have gone insane 😢😂 Great episode 👏
This was one of my favourite episodes ever and I’ve seen them all. I absolutely love vintage but aside from a 1960’s Aureus that I bought at a flea market in my home town (Torreira, Portugal) for 15€, I’ve always been to afraid to get into vintage. I’ve been collecting for about 17 years, more seriously for about 6 years and I’ve had about 40 or 50 watches that have come in and out of my collection. Presently and though I feel that my collection isn’t anything particularly special, I feel it’s special for me and and there is nothing in my collection that I want to change… there is no modern watch that gets my blood boiling. That being said, at this moment I feel that I’m done collecting… except for vintage. One or two vintage pieces is the only direction I feel my collection can go. So this was a particularly interesting episode for me and it got me wanting to explore this path more.
Bought an Enicar from 1960s for £115. A few years ago in a little vintage shop in Whitby... the best sounding manual wind watch I've ever experienced... the slow beat movement sounds like an old clock.. loud clear ticking. It's beautiful. The hand winding just feels lovely to operate too.. It's 35mm , around 8mm thick... beautiful golden caramel dial that changes from beige caramel to golden yellow in certain light. I wear it on special occasions only, and enjoy it just as much a I would a vintage Rolex at 50x the cost. I agree with George... look for outliers and don't go with the hype. For me, vintage is to be enjoyed at the lower price bracket... less risk, and just pure enjoyment
A relevant and insightful episode well done Ultimately you can get a beautiful cheap watch if you go vintage but with caveats as described by these chaps Treat them as delicate dress watches and they will be fine some wonderful horology out there. For me the vintage heuer nicki lauda edition is the balls
I have been on George's vintage voyage of discovery and the thrill of the chase when you're onto something is indescribable, you dont get that with modern watches. It's also more of an illness than George described, mine 'flares up' uncontrollably every so often and ends with me spending g more money than I should on some vintage tissot, or even a vintage digital watch - now vintage digital watches are a whole separate rabbit hole! Great video as usual lads.
When you have a vintage collection - mine are 1960s sports pieces, black, tritium, no date, acrylic, radium, bakelite... - you also have a set of modern pieces for normal, day-to-day, rough treatment, like a modern Aqua Terra or a SuperOcean. Collecting vintage - in my case - is a journey into your own childhood, into memories very dear to you.
![Getting Screwed on Ebay & Chrono24? | Vintage Watch Buying Guide [2024]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Wn-cCBWsvYo/mqdefault.jpg)
This is what a watch discussion should be: educational, informative, honest, nuanced, and three guys giving opinions based on experience! Great work you three.
Regarding Andrew's wind up rant... it's so interesting that I've been to several watch meet ups here in Malaysia but hardly ever seen a Rolex. Collectors will bring their Breguets, GP, Omegas, vintage Seikos, independents, micros... but you'll just see maybe 1 or 2 Rolexes out of 30 watches. It's incredibly refreshing! 😆
Heaven
I really dont understand whats the problem there. I have 2 rolexes both vintage and i love them completely. Why on earth should i feel ashamed of bringing them to a meet up? They make me smile…
@@ericpoupier8613there's no shame! Just that the oddball watches are extra colorful, but of course vintage rolexes are brilliant no denying
@@ericpoupier8613 You should never feel ashamed of your watches (no matter what brand they are, frankly) and you have every reason to be proud of your two Rolexes. But think from a watch journalist’s perspective: when the whole watch industry orbits around a single brand (like it does Rolex), it’s hard not to feel a bit apathetic when 80% of the watches in a room are that brand - a brand you probably see every day anyway. For a guy like Andrew i’m sure a watch meetup is a place to escape the mania around Rolexes, so he’d probably be frustrated when that’s not the case.
Most enthusiasts, even the most cynical, would probably be delighted to see your watches - so don’t be discouraged to show them off or bring them to a meetup!
I get that guys , honestly i do feel also tired about all the guys wearing the same sh… but lets not get jaded. My gmt coke is a rocket and the seadweller from 2006 is a 1000m resistance in a 40mm case. They are glorious watches…
Dear AET,
I've been eagerly awaiting the discussion of this topic for an absolute age. My journey into watches commenced with vintage timepiece collecting, kickstarted by stumbling upon a simple Longines Le Grande Classique at an antiques market in Hong Kong for a mere US$15. That find set me on a path to building a substantial collection on a budget. While the so-called grails in the vintage realm are a tad out of my financial league, I manage to snag worthwhile purchases by diligently researching instead of succumbing to current trends. Oh, and do ensure to scrutinize the dealer and gather knowledge from seasoned collectors, scholars, and even watchmakers who'll dispense fair and sound advice on whether to proceed or not. Cheers!
I’ve just brought an Omega GMT worldtimer and my other half isn’t too pleased as it’s the 4th watch I’ve brought since finding you guys a few months back.
I’ve kinda blamed you guys as I’m weak.
On a lighter note…. Have an awesome Christmas and look forward to seeing what you guys bring next year… Also Mr Bamford I am buying one of your watches next…
80% modern rolexes sounds like la dudes at any function wearing submariners and gmts trying to get your attention to ask about what’s on their wrist….
Cpt Boring living up to his moniker wearing the most derivative £5k watch design on the market 😉 😂😂
Happy to hear Adrian call BS on “dot over 9” and “cracked dials” in terms of false value! Same with Andrew on vintage box and papers. Impressed to see George present attainable vintage watches, especially Zenith. Of course, they just went up in price. :-) Interesting fact on dial, bezel, and hands aging differently. All in all a practical, informative episode. I think you guys just expanded the vintage watch market. Oh yeah, loved you guys in Teddy’s compilation episode. Happy Holidays!!
So how is a dot over a number going to add value to a watch?
@@duck2h465 The older Speedmasters had a dot over 90 (whoops, not 9) on the tachymeter. The Speedy community anointed them as being more desirable and thus more valuable. Adrian effectively pointed out “the emperor isn’t wearing any clothes” in this regard.
Unfortunately George has just doubled the price of vintage zeniths 🤣
@@DeanWilliams-y9x The colorful, sub $1K Zeniths are now gone on eBay. They were there shortly after this episode dropped.
Prop movements! I note the helmet is just behind George's head? Who moved it? Is this a comment on him, or is he trying to get some more free attention for Tug Hammer?
Anyway. Well done. Not so manic. Great content. Keep going on this arch.
George's best episode by far. Sometimes it''s difficult to forget that GB is in a different watch buying league to the rest of us, but in this episode his passion for all watches and enjoyment of attainable pieces really shone through. More please.
What is George’s favourite clothing brand?……..Billionaire’s Boys Club 🤷🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
You always know George is about to make a serious point when he starts with “what I would say to you is….”
Love it!
Great episode, as always.
That's the tell
Vintage watches is often a cheaper way to get into a modern brands, and i have plenty of friend who got into Breitling that way or Omega. I love how the past of a company can and should influence the present and future.
Question: When does a watch become vintage? I have a Navitimer from 1993 and i am not sure if i can call it "vintage" XD
the Heuer Audi Sport is supercool!
I don’t agree with George about the lack of accuracy of vintage watches. If they have been well maintained and serviced, they are just as accurate. I have a 50 year swiss watch and a 66 year old Longines and they both run at plus -1.5 seconds a day! Age is not an excuse for inaccuracy! Otherwise a fantastic episode guys!
Loved this episode as a ‘vintage lover’ however after putting up with the eye candy fragility of older subs I have cashed in and bought the 50th anniversary sub which I wear with utter confidence knowing it will truly outlast me even if I make it to 100 years old!!! 😂
Still kept a few older subs but had to sacrifice the old for new to wear with everyday confidence.
If it was 1.2K to have Vacheron Constantin evaluate a watch then, I wouldn’t try to guess what it cost today for them to do the same.
The vintage car analogy- a buddy of mine from the Netherlands has owned some 1970’s 12 cylinder Jaguars since the mid ‘80s. He was a at a filling one foggy night and was looking for the switch for his fog lights. He was getting nowhere fast. There happened to be a fellow filling up the same car at the station and asked him where to find the switch. His reply was not to bother, it doesn’t work anyway.
That’s been his attitude with that car and all his other oddball projects since. He can fabricate and fix things himself, doesn’t sweat the details.
Burlington Arcade Rolex Store - Christmas Day every day to pick up that grail watch from your birth year. Wait for it to get there & then the watch journey is complete. That vintage grail watch is the end of the line.
I have 2 neo vintage Zenith El Primero Chronographs with the 400 series movement. 😊
What a great episode this was, I learned more from this episode than in the last 30 years of being a watch guy. This was Awesome, please do an episode 2 to this. Thanks guys.
Vintage bargains? Heuer Stopwatches. I picked up a pair for £120 from 1959 and 1961. They make a really cool Rallytimer and when put on a leather chain are a fun way to time cars at Historic motorsport events. One is even a flyback….where do you get that level of complication for £60…i wanted the Rallytimer on your videos but cant afford the £££….instead i have the original pieces for a fraction of the price. Proves you can have fun for less
Thank you George for taking me down this rabbit hole ( yes, I’m joking …sort of ) god knows I waste enough time looking at modern watches. Historically , I’ve been in Andrew’s camp , purchasing modern watches with a vintage vibe and sacred sh.tless to open the vintage can of worms for the reasons outlined in this video. I would like to know where to begin my search, any suggestions for good dealers or websites?
I prefer neo-vintage so 80's and 90's, you get most if not all of the character (Rolex in particular) of vintage but with good robustness and reliability, modern watches are really jewelry (fantastic technical watches) but Rolex is mostly bling and real vintage is a minefield of expensive franken watches. To me a 16610, tritium dial, patina and drilled lugs yet a robust and modern movement is the sweet spot.
Would George mind saying what his upper spend is on a watch? He's said many times he's got a price he won't exceed, how much though? Constant battle this, and George is actually very balanced on this issue
Absolutely loved this episode. Saved it for my flight back from London!
George’s approach to vintage watches is just perfect!! Such a connoisseur Mr BadForm!!
Thank you for another great video!
The World of Vintage Seiko is VAST, varied and affordable. You can get some killer watches for £200
I love your show guys thank you so much. I learn something every episode. Andrew LOVE that Doxa! Your show introduced me to the brand. It Will be my next watch. Keep up the great work gentlemen!! Thank you!
This was a really good episode. I don't understand why they pulled the plug on the channel. I like Andrew and Adrian well enough on their own, but the 3 together are an excellent team.
One thing to consider as an alternative to vintage is that there are many microbrands producing vintage inspired pieces with modern features and more reliability/less servicing nightmares.
Truly appreciate the shout-out, guys. Far too kind. I'm a collector who has been fortunate enough to turn this into my career.
Would be honoured to have you guys in the office for a coffee and get some quirky watches out!
Funnnnnn
Well deserved great dealer, hopefully I’ll purchase many watches. Bought a cool 1970 Zenith!
As soon as I saw the "office" I said out loud while watching "Kibble!" I'm in the states and have never bought a watch from KW (yet) but visit the site every week to check out the new inventory. So many cool pieces.
Another rabbit hole to go down! This was super interesting, many thanks for the tour of the vintage watch morass. Must stay away…
If you love the watch, shouldn’t you keep it healthy and functioning properly?
The wind up section was a bummer to listen to. So many of us look to rolex as an aspirational target-- and here's a group of people lucky enough to go through that journey, fill their collection with a few pieces, and then put down those who dare to follow suit. The idea that you need to be different and not follow trends in order to gain approval from others in the community is just toxic.
I’ll cop that - I’ve had my share of Rollies and have worn them to GTGs - I guess you have to fight cynicism the longer you’re in the hobby. And the prevalence of ‘that’ conversation adrian and I played out is the real turnoff, but I’ll cop it square and I apologise for giving that impression - Andrew
Please do an episode just on 70’s Omega. For me it the pinnacle of watch design bar none.
I totally agree…James Kibble, owner of Kibble Watches is the best dealer I know and have bought from and consigned with complete confidence.
He’s a real professional and a great guy.
Far far too kind. I'm lucky to do what I love, thank you for the support!
im 1k unique vintage timex deep and counting - collecting vintage doesnt need to be about spending big bucks
When you're a collector of anything, rarity makes for a desire, hence the weird variables of vintage Rolex fetching crazy prices. Unusual patina makes for piece uniques, hence premium prices for tropical dials. But to each their own. Buy the pieces you like, not the ones you think somebody else is going to like.
I keep all the boxes and papers of my watches, like Adrian, all in the loft.
Just received my Richard aquamax from 1950. Also got a tissot pr516 from 1968 and (shame on me!) 2 vintage rolexes. Love vintage!
"The table lifted" just spat my wine across the room 😂 love you guy's ❤
George’s comments- once again- are all about wild colors. I would strongly recommend: buy the movement first. In other words: can you get PARTS. Vintage Omega or Rolex pieces typically can be repaired/serviced.
One of my favourite episodes so far. Thanks George with your bloody enthusiasm; just made me pull the trigger on a new old stock Herma from 1970. $95,00. Can't go wrong really. Great show guys.
I actually started to develop a passion for military watches, the range goes from new ones (I have a Christopher Ward that I actually had on my wrist at the AET Meeet) to a WW2 ATP Moeris. I agree that you have to have different expectations based on the age of the watch, a 80 year old watch that has been on a battlefield will never be without dents (quite the opposite usually) or be without defects. But everytime I see it running (quite accurately) there is a satisfaction that I am not getting with the more modern watches. For me, this is what vintage is all about, the history of the watch, its design but mostly, as George always says, it makes you smile
Topic for about effing time - why does scarcity matter??
I guess part og getting into vintage watches is accepting what they are and what they are not. And having a clear idea what you want. I went looking for a watch made in my birthyear (74) and ended up with a lovely Lanco Diver - pedigree, a bit banged up and rough around the edges, definite 70ies vibe - just like the owner 😅 at a reasonable price of less than 300 USD. Im happy as a fiddle with in my opinion this vintage gem.
I also have a birth year watch (1971 Seiko Pogue) and was lucky enough to come across one on eBay with really bad photos. The watch is in amazing condition and looks perfect after having the crystal replaced. It's a bit of a hype watch, but the poor photos depressed the amount of people bidding.
Loved this
Felt like a masterclass from George, someone who’s further evolved in their watch journey and seen more than more people you meet, and certainly way more than me!
Vintage Zeniths were beautiful, not seen those before. My personal favourite was the Heuer Silverstone. I think I now need one on my life. So great video, but possibly an unexpectedly expensive one :-)
Thanks for the awesome content through the year, have a great Xmas / NY
Back at you
this episode comes from heart its without doubt the best episode i have seen from you since i subscribed to this channel
This episode is a perfect example of why I gravitate to this channel (and why I’ve subscribed to the podcast). Honesty, generosity and passion. The knowledge is incredible without arrogance and pretence. Thank you.
Having bought my first vintage, King Seiko High Beat 1973, last week I'm watching anxiously that I haven't made a huge mistake 😂. Love the content, keep it up!
KS and GS vintage are stupidly good watches. From experience buy from Japan with a good reputable dealer. Even with 20% import costs you inevitably get a beauty!!! Same with the omegas £5-900 will get you a stupendous watch with a recent service
Love the content gentlemen! I’m always looking forward to a new episode. Thank you for all that you guys do 👍🏻 those Zeniths and that Breitling were 🔥 btw. Can’t wait for more AFT!
Watch Clash
What's the reference on that Zenith that George showed off? That's like what I've been wanting for a LONG time!
Happy hunting!
Could listen to the lads talk watches all day
Well done guys, you are back on track! Great discussions on this episode 👍
Great episode as usual. I agree with others, there is definitely more than one episode in the world of vintage watch buying. Thank you, keep safe and have a cracking Crimble.
Great episode, guys! I'm hunting for the last few month for some cool vintage which won't break a bank and would tick my heart. I do very like the process itself as you don't know what you can expect sometimes.. Thanks, especially George, for giving more insides.
My vintage heart jumped at the sight of the thumbnail 🙌
Do you guys realize that you have a soothing tone of voice? Watch content is great, but the calming effect of your videos is greater :D
Make the vintage discussions a permanent rotation. Absolutely spectacular, naturally valuable conversation.
Are you guys still doing this?
BTW there are a few of the NEPRO LED for around £400 on the net.
Kibble watches, top bloke!
I love watching Adrain re arranging the props so they look good on the camera even when its not in frame, just so it looks good at the next cut.
That ADHD / OCD lyf
I first started on watch forums in 2007. They really started in around 2003 so missed the boat on some real bargains / esp. 70’s omega. It was the Omegamania auction that really kicked it off globally albeit there were several frankins unwittingly listed. I bought an Omega Chronoquartz (albatross) which was a train crash from Brazil. I sent it off to Tony at STS where it was fully referb’d good as new. Problem was the alloy was soft and the brushing so delicate I struggled to wear it. It was at that point that I realised I was not a collector but a hobbyist. Shortly afterwards I sold pretty much all my vintage collection which included some beautiful examples from JP, JLC, IWC, Heuer, Omega, Bucherer etc. to raise a family. Today that collection would be worth a small fortune. I did however hang onto my ‘67 Doxa Sub Pro which is the watch that started it all for me as a 13- year old boy when I read about it in a Clive Cussler novel.
Being a systems engineer, the critical non-negotiable criterion for me is Total Cost of Ownership (TOC). And that alone I bought a modern watch which is a vintage throwback. E.g. Tissot PRX. The TOC makes me stay away from vintage watches.
Dear AET,
Going vintage is fun but a few rules applies for me ... do you homework at least go google images to see if your target looks same as others. The chances are of you've landed on a blue dial and there no other blue ones on google images, the watch you're lookin at is pretty iffy. The 2nd advice is know what is more important on a vintage watch. Ie a dial and / or bezel thats swapped or screwed with is an absolute no go cuz 90% of your money goes to the looks. Buy the condition cuz as with humans, old watches tend to ve more fragile than modern watches and be prepared to spend some money on initial repairs. Dont expect an old watch tp run like a modern one. And lastly, and old saying always goes " if it looks too new to be old, then it probably is. "
Great video, boys, but whether by accident or design, George, you may have fucked the vintage Zenith market by starting a skyrocket in their prices! Particularly great video for George. Bravo, Mr Bamford. Well played.
I can vouch for Kibble Watches - I bought a piece from them (actually the exact Fears Archival 1930 rectangular shown at 39:54). It arrived promptly, exactly as described, with a personal note from James KIbble. Excellent service, and I would buy from him again.
A bit off topic but are there any Vacheron owners that could fill me in on the average service cost? I have always dreamed of haviging one and have no idea what I would be getting into for the service. I have a few IWC's and 2 JLC but for every watch I own I had to save every penny for a long time to aquire each piece. I would love a Traditionnelle or a Patrimony, but am I biting off more than I can Chew going from IWC to VC? Thanks in advance!
Good video. I have a vintage Tavannes tank which I believe is from the 1930's though the movement may have worked on/ updated in the 1950's. I recently had it serviced (broken mainspring) in Glasgow for less than $200. But when I attempted to have it serviced in the US, the guy was going to charge me over $4000. Not sure why it was cheaper in the UK than USA. But vintage watches can certainly be pricey when it comes to maintenance.
Interesting. I’m in vintage watches also. In my opinion modern watches no longer have the charm of vintage watches. The archives are being plundered and old designs reissued. Why is that? Because these old watches represent the pinnacle of design. You can't make a 50s Omega, a 60s Rolex or a 70s Heuer any better, in the sense of more attractive. It's like a 2000-year-old Greek temple or a Mozart sonata.
awesome doxa!!
Military watch , get a CWC
The key to buying vintage is the same as any purchase, knowledge is key. Do you research, enjoy learning, buy with eyes open. The difference is water resistance, vintage hates water. Even vintage divers as the seals will have gone over time.
Blast you AET for telling everyone about Kibble Watches. I'm saving up for one of his watches, but now I bet it will be sold before I have enough! A pox on your house! 😜
Great show! Few days ago I found a Mr. Porter's Solar Blue Zenith Bamford at a watch dealer. Nice looking face, great feeling strap (although little short for me). I have been thinking about it....
I own a Vintage 911 and a Vintage Explorer and I know my Porsche will not compete with a new 911 and I know my old explorer will not compete with my new Explorer, that’s just the charm of loving vintage cars and watches and their own beauty
In reference to George's comment and why some people like and appreciate vintage inspired and/ or re-made new made watches.
For a vintage watch win, I got very lucky last month. I was browsing eBay, and stumbled upon a Glycine Vacuum from the early 60s. The photos were all out of focus, but the seller had great feedback. I tossed in a bid at the starting price, and won the watch uncontested for just under $200 USD.
It looks much better than I had expected, and runs wonderfully too. Mine gains about 8 seconds a day, which is nuts for a watch of that age. It’s also a fairly unknown piece, which makes it much cooler to me.
It came with a period box and a receipt from 1964, which while doesn’t increase the value for me, it certainly makes it all that bit cooler.
Thanks George, you've dropped a ton of good knowledge on us. That military monopusher Chrono is gorgeous. Now I have to ignore the voice in my head saying "BUY VINTAGE!"
Shame the lovely Heuer chrono has ‘Audi’ on the dial though 😢 - can’t George afford a 22mm canvas strap? 😂😂
I could be wrong but i can relate to Adrian in this episode...there are just too many red flags with vintage, its not just worth the hassle....
Wonderful episode guys!
Adrian, get yourself a Fortis B42 Cosmonaut Chronograph. Legend has it that a Cosmonaut actually used one as a hammer on an EVA, because his hammer was missing in his kit. I guess that Fortis should be Adrian-Proof too ;-)
❤yeah London calling
Sorry Adrian..🥱😜😜😜
Andrew's comments from about 40mins are spot on, for some time now the Rolex "vibe" has not been very positive, great watches though they are.
That was the best wind up ever!!!! Andrew channeling his inner me :))) Excellent episode, wish I'd watched it a few years ago but (thank the gods) I haven't made any giant mistakes (yet) in my vintage adventures...
Can you make an episode that each of you have a limited budget like 300$ and show us how you search and find a watch and at the end compare the watches you got, please.
George, what incredible finds! 🙌 Esp the GP - I will be scouring the internet for 1.
Captain Wildorf - owner of 4 (that we know of) modern Rolexes agreeing with Andrew’s wind up rant about the snobs all wearing Rolexes. 🤦♂️
Great episode, happy holidays.
Just picked up a vintage heuer 2 tone diver on a jubilee braclet(quartz) 37mm has a great presence on the wrist❤
ITS ABOUT EFFING TIME FOR ANOTHER PODCAST!!!!! Bring it back Gents.
Would like to see an episode where every viewer submits a photo of the 1 watch they own which they would wear to a get together.... Almost a virtual get together as some really interesting watches would appear.
It is regularly mentioned about watches seen at events and the conversations it leads to
Really like the look of vintage but with all the potential pitfalls i feel like i need at least another 20 - 30 years experience before i feel its safe to dip my toe in the water 😂
Love it, a great topic! Vintage a real nightmare when spending 4/5 figures anything for a few hundred is just fun. Picked up an old Seiko tank for under £100,
Damn it Lads, I've been thinking about some of the Vintage Zeniths & other brands, after this episode the prices will have gone insane 😢😂
Great episode 👏
This was one of my favourite episodes ever and I’ve seen them all. I absolutely love vintage but aside from a 1960’s Aureus that I bought at a flea market in my home town (Torreira, Portugal) for 15€, I’ve always been to afraid to get into vintage. I’ve been collecting for about 17 years, more seriously for about 6 years and I’ve had about 40 or 50 watches that have come in and out of my collection. Presently and though I feel that my collection isn’t anything particularly special, I feel it’s special for me and and there is nothing in my collection that I want to change… there is no modern watch that gets my blood boiling. That being said, at this moment I feel that I’m done collecting… except for vintage. One or two vintage pieces is the only direction I feel my collection can go. So this was a particularly interesting episode for me and it got me wanting to explore this path more.
Bought an Enicar from 1960s for £115. A few years ago in a little vintage shop in Whitby... the best sounding manual wind watch I've ever experienced... the slow beat movement sounds like an old clock.. loud clear ticking. It's beautiful.
The hand winding just feels lovely to operate too.. It's 35mm , around 8mm thick... beautiful golden caramel dial that changes from beige caramel to golden yellow in certain light.
I wear it on special occasions only, and enjoy it just as much a I would a vintage Rolex at 50x the cost.
I agree with George... look for outliers and don't go with the hype. For me, vintage is to be enjoyed at the lower price bracket... less risk, and just pure enjoyment
I won’t even buy a watch without box and papers. I like a full set! To me the box is as important as the watch, it’s part of the experience
A relevant and insightful episode well done
Ultimately you can get a beautiful cheap watch if you go vintage but with caveats as described by these chaps
Treat them as delicate dress watches and they will be fine some wonderful horology out there.
For me the vintage heuer nicki lauda edition is the balls
I have been on George's vintage voyage of discovery and the thrill of the chase when you're onto something is indescribable, you dont get that with modern watches. It's also more of an illness than George described, mine 'flares up' uncontrollably every so often and ends with me spending g more money than I should on some vintage tissot, or even a vintage digital watch - now vintage digital watches are a whole separate rabbit hole! Great video as usual lads.
When you have a vintage collection - mine are 1960s sports pieces, black, tritium, no date, acrylic, radium, bakelite... - you also have a set of modern pieces for normal, day-to-day, rough treatment, like a modern Aqua Terra or a SuperOcean. Collecting vintage - in my case - is a journey into your own childhood, into memories very dear to you.