Pros & Cons Collecting Vintage Watches

[@shaverray4462]

I’d add a couple of things under the “Butchered” heading, particularly if you’re looking to spend a considerable amount on a vintage watch, and that’s to avoid overpolished pieces and learn how to spot redials. Great video for those who are thinking of venturing into the world of vintage pieces.

[@patricko9170]

A well thoughtout video. Thank you. I agree there is nothing like having the real deal.

[@PeterKotsa]

Absolutely 👍

[@edteach3r]

Thanks for this very educational video. Vintage watches can be a mine field, but oh-so satisfying when you get it right. I have owned my vintage watches for 30 to 50 years (I don’t flip) and I wear all my watches regularly. The benefit of Seiko is that you can still find parts for the vintage pieces if you know where to go. ‘My’ Seiko AD, a 72 year-old wizard who used to work for Seiko, can still find almost everything my vintage Seikos need, e.g. my 6139 Pogues. As you mentioned, my vintage Seikos have all increased in value over time, which is why I still rate name brand watches far above micro brands. I was shocked two weeks ago when someone wanted to buy my JDM SKX for double the price I paid for it, and it is not even vintage!

[@gijsbo2000]

Best overview of pros and cons I have seen to date. Concise and Complete. Thank you.

[@vicvictoras6071]

Greetings from Greece, 3 months ago I bought an eterna 1000 from the 70s and it's my favorite watch. I have a strange feeling of elegance when I'm wearing it, that I don't feel with my other modern well builded watches. Maybe it's because my loved grandfather was wearing an eterna, maybe is the aura of another era, I don't really know. Sometimes you cannot justify the reasons you like something so much, you just feel it. Peter your video was very nice, more vintage pieces please.

[@andrewd7586]

Peter I’ve got a number of vintage watches from WW1 trench watches, Art Deco, WW2 flieger/Wehrmacht, 1950’s, 60’s, 70’s & so on. To date I’ve bought well in my opinion. All work well, all keep pretty good time. I wear them as occasional watch pieces & don’t expect the world from them. But each time I put one on, I feel pretty good knowing there’s some real history associated with them. Only this morning I replaced the batteries from my late father’s Omega digital circa early 80’s! Now wearing a vintage Omega quartz Seamaster. I’ve bought from eBay mostly & also Chrono24. My modern pieces I wear day in day out just enhance the whole world of horology.😎👍🏼

[@PeterKotsa]

Brilliant Andrew, thank for sharing that 🙏

[@watchingbrief7072]

Andrew, out of interest, have you found Chrono24 overpriced? With eBay, I’m assuming that most watches are not serviced. Has this added a lot to final cost?

[@andrewd7586]

@@watchingbrief7072 Prices vary on both sites I’ve found. Most of the ones I’ve bought off eBay were not serviced. Surprisingly even so, they’re ticking away! Some will need a service at some point. Chrono24 however, I generally check firstly to see if it’s via a dealer, then servicing has usually been done. If through a private seller, I rely on a lot of pics, especially the mechanism! You’ll be surprised how the movement shows up SOME imperfections! Again it can be a lucky dip! Check respective ratings & again if the seller is a watch dealer!👍🏻

[@factorybear5264]

Great advice that kept me out of trouble. Thank you!

[@davidwarburton8890]

Do really like the Bullhead. Thanks for sharing Peter!

[@PeterKotsa]

You’re welcome

[@michaelniemer4449]

Really appreciate what you have shared here in this video. Your enthusiasm for vintage watches is very engaging, and the wisdom you have shared from your experience is the best part! I love the message, to go on our own journey, know what we’re really getting into, be patient, focus on what will spark joy on our wrists, and don’t jump at the first shiny beauty with a bit of patina.

[@TiMEworn]

Love how you built this video up, ending with the pros after laying out the obstacles, not the other way around! Not too fond of the value aspect, it might be true for some watches, but not most and many get hung up on this part. Enjoy the vintage piece for what it is first: an amazing (luxury) piece of history to enjoy right on your wrist. That's true and rewarding even if your particular watch does not increase in monetary value!

[@PeterKotsa]

Very well said 👍

[@owen1079]

I am *really* starting to love these vintage Seiko divers & WW2 RAF/field watches. A few years ago I'd have never looked twice at vintage.

[@markbyrum4743]

Purchased a vintage Gruen Auto about a year ago from eBay. Looked good in the photos. Got it delivered, It ran okay but would not self-wind. I opened it up and it had a different manufacturer, manual wind movement. Negotiated a discount from the seller who offered to take it back. Lesson: you need to see the movement, or you are just purchasing based upon the dial, hands, and case. Good vid. Keep at it!

[@PeterKotsa]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@watchtock8818]

Awesome video Pete. Love all that vintage eye-candy!!! You are right. There is something about wearing a watch that is 40-50 years old and still keeps time.

[@justice1902]

The Seiko Bullhead is a cool looking watch.

[@wikster6630]

Another great video! I have experienced the service cost when I was gifted my grandfather's Benrus last year. Small no frills hand wind watch with really neat patina on the dial. A watch he had recieved upon retirement from his employer back in the 60's. Maybe a 40$ watch back then? So for sentimental purposes as well as the nostalgia like you mention, I didn't have any issues with the 400$ it cost for servicing to get it working like new. Only wear it on occasions but it has made me think about the higher end vintage watches of the day and how that cost would be considerably more. Thanks for the great content in all your videos! P.S. After seeing the Fortis Flieger in your intro , any advice for finding one? I've been trying to find one since your review on it not to long ago. I'm in the USA with no authorized dealers. Reached out to Fortis directly but have never heard back. Cheers

[@PeterKotsa]

Thats terrible that there is no AD in USA for Fortis... I got mine from www.timeonly.com Maybe drop Fabio and email and ask for advice as to availability and purchase, he's a really nice guy and very helpful, tell him I sent you 'Cheers

[@wikster6630]

@@PeterKotsa Thank you for the information and I wll

[@garynguyen8977]

Good insight of vintage watch collecting. For me....the only reason of vintage collecting is.....You inherited a piece of history. Thru delicate care, you are the extention & remake of history. Proud owner of the "Bullhead" indeed.

[@jjSeventy2]

great video and sound advice. yes, patience is key!

[@rumatadestora]

I like that Bullhead. you are right about the condition of vintage watches we buy: at least, you need to look at them closely before buying, so it's better to buy vintage offline

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

A lot of completely trashed, tarnished, water damaged and rusted watches are being sold as viNtAgE when they're total junk.

[@yaaxarr8977]

You mentioned pure key elements to be in the game Bro... Ty so much and Stay Safe !

[@mattesr.8680]

Great video Peter 👍🏼 Most of your points are common sense but it is nice you reminded us! I have been into vintage watches for a little while now and it is crazy what errors/damages some of my purchases have. For example I have a old Vostoc that every hour stops for about 5 minutes before the hands move again. The condition of the movement is hard to see on the internet be aware of that guys!

[@eddieg849]

I have a 1972 citizen Bullhead the same one Brad Pitt wore in the movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and it's on a bun strap and I absolutely love it

[@yokosomike]

I’ve been in Tokyo for coming up to 7 years and still on the lookout for a certain vintage UFO. Done my homework and know exactly what I’m looking for. I’ve come across some absolutely divine bullheads and other models but as you’ve mentioned just be patient, don’t get tempted and it will come. It may pop up when you least expect it which is usually how it happens.!

[@PeterKotsa]

Very well said 👍

[@jaysterling26]

Good tip.Isn't Japan considered a mecca for vintage watches?

[@yokosomike]

@@jaysterling26 Yes, lot's of Rolex and European brands but I actually have had a harder time running into vintage Seiko. I know of a couple places that specialize in vintage Seiko but you will pay a premium and maybe that's what I will do in the end but I think most Japanese hold on to these items. I have also heard that its hard to come across vintage parts for Seiko and some places would rather deal with newer watches. But they are out there, you just have to keep an eye open when they do pop up.

[@georgeredbranch652]

Japanese salarymen love their watches. Just standing in a train at rush hour looking at the men holding onto the poles for stability you get to glimpse their wrists. You see they put a fair bit of thought into their watches.

[@laughingman8578]

I agree with you on the bracelets. I like 1970s Seiko watches. The watches from that period are heavy but the bracelets are light and flimsy. So, they feel uncomfortable on my wrist. I usually swop the original bracelet for an Uncle Seiko one which looks the same but is heavier and feels more comfortable.

[@watchingbrief7072]

Great vid Pete. My focus is mainly Seiko vintage late 60s to late 70s. Having said that, I do love my 1992 7002 150m diver with great wabi. My top finds are a silver pogue, Monaco, 7006 sports diver and some 6119 sports watches that are getting harder to come by. I’ve been lucky as my retired watchmaker had a lot of great vintage Seikos stored away for decades. During the quartz crisis, so many customers just ditched their automatics and never returned to collect them. I’m slowly working my way through them. Some lovely Bellmatics among them. All original collection and never over polished or butchered.

[@PeterKotsa]

Thats incredible David and a great collection of vintage. very fortunate to have that watchmaker friend..👍 Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@watchingbrief7072]

@@PeterKotsa not wrong Pete! I’ve managed to get an amazing vintage collection together in less than two years. I’ve slowed the acquisition rate as my spending was becoming alarming!

[@PeterKotsa]

@@watchingbrief7072 yeah make sure you keep the cash flow in check, it can easily get out of control that for sure..

[@watchingbrief7072]

@@PeterKotsa I think Aurel Bacs of Phillips said in a recent video that true collectors must suffer/sacrifice for their obsession! 😅

[@AlexanderB.]

G'day Pete! Thanks for the insightful video. The vintage watch market is a real minefield.

[@PeterKotsa]

I’ve stepped on a few land mines myself in the past 😂

[@wilmergreen9480]

I bought a mint Seiko Pogue last year from 1972 exactly the same as the one I had as a teenager and I know what you mean about nostalgia, it brings me back there every time I put it on my wrist

[@PeterKotsa]

Wonderful

[@petercampbell3828]

Very good information. I agree with the hands on purchase when possible. I have a couple of Timex watches from the 70's that belonged to my father. I got them both running and wear them on occasion. There is also something cool about wearing a watch that is older than you are!

[@davidroland6431]

Thank you for this video. It was very useful for me as a new comer to watch collecting. It always makes me scared as i like to find vintage watches wheather quartz or mechanical that need service & repaire then take them to trusted watchmaker & bring'em back to life. Is that a good goal for collecting watches?

[@PeterKotsa]

Absolutely, as long as you keep an eye out for overall "condition" and originality, you should be fine 👍

[@davidroland6431]

@@PeterKotsa thank you so much for support & help. It worths so much for me. Good luck!!!!

[@maljones.8737]

Nice one Pete Love your stuff

[@PeterKotsa]

Thanks Mal 👍

[@85antone]

Great Video - Agree patience is the key to getting a great vintage piece 🚀

[@mywatchventure8875]

Nice vintage watches 👌

[@laughingman8578]

Good video again, sir. I have not watched any watch videos for a while because l was afraid of getting tempted to buy another watch beyond my set quota for this year. But l could not stay away from your channel!

[@PeterKotsa]

Self control 🙏

[@laughingman8578]

@@PeterKotsa 🤣

[@Bob.martens]

I recently bought my first vintage, a 1969 Omega Geneve, running ok, fully original excellent condition. I had it fully serviced by an independent. Cost me three times the purchasing price, because I made a very good deal purchasing it, and really good watchmakers are really expensive in Belgium.

[@PeterKotsa]

Mate, enjoy it and wear it (gently) in good health 👍

[@rolandbjr.1761]

Very informative and good advise as well. I inherited from my Dad two Seikos 6105 and 6309 which both had been serviced once and a 1975 Rolex Submariner 1680 which had been serviced twice. I do wear em on special weekends social meetings with friends but with the pandemic I just wore em at home on weekends.

[@PeterKotsa]

Thanks for sharing! Enjoy all three, lovely pieces..🙏

[@Andrew.W75]

Great video Peter, I'm wearing my Seiko UFO 6138-0017 at the moment! Research is key with Vintage & also knowing a good watchmaker. I only buy watches in as is original condition & avoid buying 'restored' watches on Ebay or anything where the seller has a ton of disclaimers in the description! Cheers

[@PeterKotsa]

Well said Andrew

[@MyAlan999]

Nice video Pete and all great advice , personally i'm a modern watch guy but being in a few FB groups i see some really cool vintage watches being posted that I've never seen before and it makes you wanna jump down the vintage hole so to speak but i feel it's a bit of a minefield and i worry about the cost of servicing and parts etc

[@PeterKotsa]

Very true, however after servicing a modern Omega, and paying a few $$, I feel the vintage stuff ain't that bad after all...haha Cheers mate

[@abdullatifchowdhury4887]

Another awesome review 🙂 thanks again Peter 😊

[@PeterKotsa]

My pleasure!

[@martinharrison4245]

Well My Mrs came home with the doxa triple calender chronograph. Apparently it's been sitting in the drawer for 41 years. To my amazement it's seems to be running well , but I've got to find out that the movement is a valjoux 72c. Do you think I will get more money selling it on eBay or try a reputable vintage company ? I would like to get a fair price for her mum. Interesting video Peter, thanks for your help again mate.

[@PeterKotsa]

Try a reputable source Possibly a second hand watch dealer as well 👍

[@martinharrison4245]

@@PeterKotsa cheers peter

[@MrPleers]

I have a Omega (bumper automatic) from 1950. I wear it on special occasions . (I did wear it at my own wedding for example.) But I prefer to wear a modern one on a daily basis. I went for a hamilton Pan europ, because I love that 1970's style in watches..

[@cdav5552]

Hi peter, what is the orange strap that you’ve got on your seiko monster? It looks great 👍

[@PeterKotsa]

Hi Calum, 'That's a Seiko Samurai, the strap is a Tropic style.. cheers mate

[@kevingilhooley2064]

Nice vid Peter and good to see you calling out the"homages" which seem to be hawked on most YT channels nowadays.Personally I just can't see the attraction in owning a "knock off/homage".....but each to their own.On a personal note(being an avid diver) I have two Doxa's,a Wakmann and a Memosail all bought new back in the early 70's and all are working as well as the day they were bought.Had all 3 serviced and maintained every couple of years by a close friend(watchmaker).Now is it just me, but I do find the the modern day watches a tad bland and uninteresting in comparison with the early day models....nostalgia kicking in perhaps?....have a great day and stay safe.

[@PeterKotsa]

Well said Kevin and thank you for sharing. There is definite magic in the watches from yesterday, that's for sure. Cheers mate

[@violinmke]

I learned that daily wearer stuff the hard way. I bought a 60's watch with the plastic crystal from ebayand wore it outside in the winter while playing the violin. It worked great til the crystal and hands fell off on the ground and I didn't notice for a while. I

[@PeterKotsa]

Oh man, tough lesson

[@darrenlathrope2282]

Hi Peter, As a rough guide where do you see the time that a watch becomes a vintage piece. Cheers and keep up the great videos 👍

[@PeterKotsa]

For me I’d say at least 30+ years Something that belongs to a period, eg the 80’s, 70’s etc Cheers

[@idletime]

G'evening Peter 😇 . Great video, the Vintage Market is truly a slippery slope, however Ilike to pick up vintage Sears & Roebuck Tradition's watches that were made by both Heuer & Seiko. The manual wind skin divers are awesome 😶 ..

[@simonwright6882]

Hi Peter, if you had a 1961 speedmaster would you sell now or sit on it for a few more year's?

[@PeterKotsa]

Depends on what you want from the watch? Are you after a profit?..any time you sell it, I am sure it will get the right dollar signs for you. If you move it on and then desire to get something back from the 60's, best of luck in finding a watch in good condition without the premium$ At the end of the day, choose in your heart what you really want from this watch,.the cash of the originality and real deal. Sometimes, one in the hand is so much better than two in the bush 🙏

[@abdullatifchowdhury4887]

Peter 😊 is it possible for you to do a review on a 5 watch collection, many thanks again for your review

[@PeterKotsa]

I'll keep it mind..cheers Abdul 👍

[@georgeredbranch652]

So, l shouldn't expect my Steel Dive "Tuna" to increase in value in 20 years? BTW, love the Orange strap, where did it come from?

[@PeterKotsa]

Thats just an ebay purchase...Tropic rubber straps..available anywhere..👍

[@M3LTUP]

Those orange samurai are moving up in price. I had chance to get one for $200 new. I passed on it. Wish i would have bought it.

[@cedarcanoe]

Research is key with vintage. Know which parts are original, examine the entire watch before buying. And avoid refinished cases and dials. Ps. I made a clear distinction between my collection (vintage chronographs) and my daily wearers (Sinn, Damasko, Archimede, San Martin, Smiths etc): I only wear my vintage watches inside my home.

[@PeterKotsa]

Wisdom 👍

[@oceanwatchesclaudejolly1742]

I have the bull head Seiko same color working like a tank

[@mywatchventure8875]

Always look to buy with original bracelets, where possible.

[@paulhiggins8774]

The trouble with vintage watches is the availability of parts especially if they are Swiss.

[@edteach3r]

Agreed! I can still find parts for my 70s Seikos, but I can’t order a bracelet for my five year-old Christopher Ward 😀.

[@Carbonisation]

Did you delete your lens reviews? I like to get back to them at times

[@PeterKotsa]

Yeah, I took them down so as to concentrate more in just watches

[@Carbonisation]

@@PeterKotsa Yeah, I thought so. I usually watched your reviews among other great reviews whenever I considered selling my manual focus lenses. I often did so, as I’m simply an enthusiast that spends too much on this passion, and I need both a few expensive AF and MF lenses to satisfy my needs. I have decided to keep using MF lenses, as there’s just something about the rendering and handling of Voigtländer and Zeiss lenses. I have made a lot of changes to my MF kit, though. This kit seems to gap nicely and not overlap with my AF lenses; Laowa 9mm f/5.6, CV 15mm, Loxia 25mm, CV 50mm APO, C/Y 100-300mm. AF kit; Sony 20mm G, Sony 35mm GM, Sigma 85mm DN. I will perhaps add a long telephoto prime if somebody releases a compact one around the same price range as the 200-600 G. I will pair all of this with the a7R IV. Is there any way I still can watch your reviews?

[@PeterKotsa]

@@Carbonisation I have kept ALL my MF lenses, the Zeiss and Voightlanders are superb bang for buck. As for the reviews, I took them down and no longer available, sorry man🙏

[@Carbonisation]

@@PeterKotsa Ah. For sure, and they don’t age as quickly as all of the latest and greatest AF lenses. They are gems that will last a lifetime if that’s what one wants. Simply put; gems or even collector’s items, like watches. Heck, once I am done studying, I will collect more MF lenses and even watches. Anyway, I respect your path, and if that’s your inner drive of passion, continue to do so

[@code6400]

All day everyday vitanage watches if you want clever investment :). But you have to study all movements, dials, cases etc...

[@factorybear5264]

So quick question. If someone is serious about spending many thousands on a vintage watch , what guarantee does one have it’s all original parts? Do you make the seller take it to an independent watchmaker to disassemble and reassemble the entire watch? And who picks up that cost? And if after ten years of value appreciation one decided to sell it for profit, does the watch have to go through the same process again to demonstrate to the prospective buyer that it’s all legit?

[@PeterKotsa]

Not really, usually with the majority of vintage used, the tell tale sign are evident, especially lower tier watches. For example replaced handset, or a different bezel insert, something usually that can be detected (if you KNWO what the exact model SHOUDL look like) With more expensive watches, if there has been tampering with movements and replaced parts, its a little harder to spot and needs a trained eye, one who knows the watch Cheers

[@andrewd7586]

I’d either go through a recognised dealer of vintage watches or a recognised site that deals with vintage watches such as Chrono24. They provide an escrow service, meaning the money is held by them until you approve/sight said purchase. You could then either keep it on face value or take it a watch dealer to view it & go off his recommendation. I’ve bought from Chrono24 & had no issues. They offer good buyer protection. Also Chronext.

[@factorybear5264]

@@PeterKotsa Thank you Peter!

[@factorybear5264]

@@andrewd7586 Thank you Andrew!

[@PeterKotsa]

Welcome

[@galaga8834]

If the Pogue is ever reissued I'll be buying it. I think it will be soon.

[@PeterKotsa]

Fingers crossed

[@void1984]

Vintage offers a classical size, without going jumbo.

[@leonidaskaragiannis7875]

Friend Peter, between Audaz Octomarine ADZ-2070-05 (289 Euro) and Phoibos Proteus 300m PY028C (285 Euro), which do you think is better? Can you suggest something better with the same money? Please don't forget the customs for the countries of the European Union. Thank you very much! Leonidas

[@PeterKotsa]

Hi Leonidas, which one is better? I think there is no answer to such a question from anyone except from yourself. I think the Proteus will wear little better on the wrist, but subjectivity and personal opinion varies greatly bro. You need to decide which watch speaks to you personally 👍🙏

[@darkphotographer]

i like cheap vintage watch , from the 70is pay like 20-50euro , ther are a lot of seiko or orent , some soviet or off brad swiss , just like the look ,and using them , and if they brake or are fake , not big deal ,don t have spend that much , had a manual wand that had broken movement , i install on it a quartz and still work and look good ,

[@factorybear5264]

That bullhead is minty fresh!

[@laughingman8578]

Yes, you should keep vintage watches away from moisture and water. Even if they are diver's watches.

[@M3LTUP]

Agree. My policy is this. Any watch over 20yrs should be retired from water duties. Sure , you can dive with a 6309 from 1985. But why ?

[@violinmke]

I like vintage vostoks. They're cheap and durable.

[@zillsburyy1]

TGV loves vintage!

[@Furniture121]

Reason enough be suspicious...

[@MrPleers]

TGV also loves to talk about his supposed noble English lineage.

[@zillsburyy1]

@@MrPleers if you doubt him then call him out on it

[@MrPleers]

@@zillsburyy1 I stopped watching him years ago. I want to keep it that way.

[@zillsburyy1]

@@MrPleers stop also watching CASEBACK WATCHES. that guy is jealous AF

[@leonm2407]

Caveat Emptor

[@SecondHourWatches]

👍

[@japd7897]

Hola Peter, Could you call Mr. Hattori and tell him that I want a Pogue Reissue?, Thank you. P.D.: under 2.000 €.

[@PeterKotsa]

Shinji won’t return my calls 😂

[@japd7897]

@@PeterKotsa He will call yor later, I´m sure! 😂.

[@PeterKotsa]

I’ll stay close to my phone 📞

[@Furniture121]

Vintage does nothing for me, but I see the appeal.

[@Csibu89]

people are delusional with water resistance. i wouldnt trust a 200m diver that's like 5years old and i just bought it, to survive a swim. water resistance is usually guaranteed for 3years max after a service.

[@emm_arr]

No apos'trophe's - EVER - when you make word's plural. It i's jus't wrong.

[@PeterKotsa]

Point taken

[@emm_arr]

@@PeterKotsa Thank you!

[@leonidaskaragiannis7875]

Why buy a used watch? Why buy a 1980s Mercedes and not a 2021 Mercedes, if you have the money. If you want troubles and courts, your right.

[@MrPleers]

Simple. Either because there isn't a contemporary version of that vintage model. Or someone wants that watch that he (or his father) did wear in the 1970's. Could be that someone has fond memories of a certain decade and likes to wear something that was made (and represents) that time.

[@daddykool9507]

I am not going to touch vintage watches

[@stevenkuan7787]

beware of frankenwatches

[@PeterKotsa]

Correct..👍