Why do people collect vintage watches?

[@cedarcanoe]

My reason for collecting vintage watches: 1) there is so much value and quality in vintage watches. Often the quality is far superior compared to modern movements and watches 2) Also I find the search for interesting pieces, learning about them, and trying to find them a very educational activity 3) third and not last, vintage watches are so much more beautiful than modern watches. There is a reason why many brands are releasing their vintage models.

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

Thank you for taking the time to write this comment. I couldn't agree more.

[@Ricelord4]

1) Out of all the watches you've shown, I like the 1965 Chronograph 101.010 with the 321 caliber movement best. 2) I like vintage watches because it just feels like I'm wearing a piece of history when I put it on my wrist. Currently, I'm wearing my dad's late 70s/early 80s Omega De Ville ST 162.0060. I had this one serviced by Omega because it wasn't running, and now it runs great. Sure, my quartz Citizen Eco Drive and Timex Q watches are more accurate, but I don't mind that this is a few seconds fast every day. There's something about winding it up and watching the hands sweep that brings me joy, especially on a beautiful dial like this sunburst gold one.

[@lislearnitalianwithsongs]

I’m torn between the chronograph and the moon-phase omega. Both beautiful pieces! Almost unwillingly I have started collecting vintage watches by going through drawers at my parents’ house. My father gave me his omega from the late 50s telling me “if you can have it fixed, it’s yours“. I had it fixed and your channel gave me a lot of information about it. It’s pretty battered up, but I love it. I’m having my father-in-law‘s Omega repaired right now. It’s a jumbo size, I guess from the late 50s. And, I agree with you, this is just a great hobby! Thanks for the channel!

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

Thank you for your comment and watch the journey. This is why I asked for viewers to leave their comments as every watch story is unique to their own.

[@zillsburyy1]

because they are so damn cool

[@Isaac-px4wy]

I like the omega chronograph. Vintage has that wow factor that in my opinion has been forgotten, unique style & class. And those classic beaded bracelets give them that extra pop.

[@stefanxgc2558]

I inherited two different grandfathers' vintage Omegas at a very young age, so I've always had a soft spot for 1) watches, 2) vintage watches, and 3) vintage Omega. I've said it before, but the triple date moonphase will forever be my grail (even having already watched your other video on it 😉).

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

Thank you for the comment and for sharing your thoughts. I'll make sure to make more videos that showcase the triple cal moonphase! haha

[@thegameclub6509]

I stumbled across your Chanel by mistake while searching for information of my silver Omega pocket watch from the 1930s, and I was not dissapointed!! Very awesome videos!!! The Omega watch i have belonged to my great grandfather and he got it in 1933.

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

Thank you for the comment. Glad that my channel is able to help many people people out there with their watch questions.

[@fakenewsisthenews3542]

I also love that Omega you show near the end, with the numbers around the chapter ring area. And, in the intro there is a watch with a red arrow tipped seconds hand on a rice bracelet, also very nice.

[@deedee8568]

Wow, amazing condition. Love the quality and variety of straps. Love crosshairs !

[@yewyongswee9869]

hand down to the CK2852 constellation, such a gorgeous piece in pristine condition. Love the crosshair feature and it definitely add a big + to the watch character!

[@1in7.8b]

It’s really hard to find original Omegas online that haven’t been refinished and messed with. So many refinished dials done poorly

[@jerrycny5519]

Thank you for making such excellent videos. I find them informative, interesting, very well produced and beautifully filmed. Your present your knowledge in a very articulate, intelligent, yet humble manner. I'm relatively new to vintage watch collecting. I have always loved watches since a child admiring my Father's blue faced 1960's Seiko Chronograph, and my late Grandfather's (who was a railroad Engineer) Hamilton 922 pocket watch. What started my collecting is finding a nearly unworn Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark II at an estate sale for $325.00 about 10 years ago. I didn't know its value at the time. It keeps great time today, and has never been opened nor cleaned to my knowledge. That kind of engineering is impressive to me. I too appreciate older things, made by the hands of skilled men generations ago. You have a beautiful collection, and superb taste, in my opinion. I really enjoy looking at your website, but the difficult part is deciding what to buy, given your selection. Please continue your great work.

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

My friend, thank you so much for this comment. With the mass amount of new and young collectors and dealers surfacing the vintage watch market, it is almost unfeasible to find a good deal nowadays, like 10 + years ago. So take good care of what you already own and cherish every motion while you wear or stare at it. I will continue to work hard and provide my audiences with more great videos!

[@seikoskx]

Beautiful collection

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

Thanks a lot

[@fakenewsisthenews3542]

That triple calendar is beautiful!

[@billthurmond3333]

Agree with Tommy and they look fantastic

[@cocoyc495]

That chronograph is beautiful.

[@aswehbf5630]

simply stunning collections! 😍

[@russellalfonso2962]

I have a gold Seamaster DeVille, 1960s, and a stainless steel Omega dress watch from the 1940s

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

Thank you for sharing. Enjoy them with good health

[@donkroh4986]

Steel pie pan Connie, definitely but I'd go for a 1960's iteration.

[@jadedarby7290]

Chrono. have always like additional complications. My collection started with automatics but having a increased interest with wind. Why I started collecting vintage? Wonder what this watch has been through and the simplicity of them. Will never sell always collecting. EO, absolutely love this video ... Great advice for collecting and encouraging good behavior ..

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

I thought you started collecting vintage after you met me! haha, just kidding. Thank you for your comment and support as always.

[@jadedarby7290]

@@TimelessHistoryChannel You are correct , My vintage collection started with you. Sao, you brought from modern to vintage and have never looked back...

[@lsvemir27]

Omega Geneve is my fav. Mov. 1030 handwind and date ... everybody hate movement 10x. But why, it is exelent mov. if you service one :-)

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

I believe people dislike it for a few general reasons. 1. movement quality is not as great compared to older movements. 2. Movement design is not as attractive. 3. a few very sensitive parts that are easily broken 4. a couple of plastic parts in the movement as well (but those can be replaced with metal). Because it has a really good balance wheel and train system, it makes the watch runs super accurate.

[@jacksugden8190]

Nostalgia, not due my own personal circumstances, a bargain, an investment, might be rare, a bargain price, has a smashing dial, might increase in value - that’s why for myself.

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

Thank you for your input!

[@jacksugden8190]

@@TimelessHistoryChannel 👍

[@anabollly]

im collecting soviet chronographs, 3017 and 3133

[@danielgilligan6243]

Triple calendar moon phase! 😍

[@garyboyle695]

I'd love to buy vintage watches but just wouldn't know what to look out for. Why do I like them? They are elegant and you can tell there was a passion behind their design. Most modern watched look like they were designed by a committee with a checklist.

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

Thanks for the comment! I think this video will help you decide what to look for: kzbin.info/www/bejne/poiZpn6PqqiegMU

[@turvinterlings2698]

I'm happy to buy beat up vintage guitars & fix them up a bit (dings and all), same with watches, dont mind scratches...signs of life !

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

I think 99% of my watches come to me in rough condition. Then, I do my magic to make them look great again. 😉

[@mevebarr713]

Vintage Rolex (40+ years) are in high demand specially Sea Dwellers and Daytonas

[@esfwr17]

So ive been researching on the forums (and the rest of the internet) and have been a bit conflicted about whether my crystal is original or not. I have a 1952 Seamaster with the subdial, 2578-3c. Ive read that the signed crystal began "sometime in the early 50s" but have found no further info to determine whether my crystal is OEM or not. I dont see it as a huge deal, but i would like to know if the unsigned crystal is genuine on it or not. Love the videos though!

[@bigwu100]

I like the cross hair model. The first watch in your video the vintage gold watch with green band are the hands original?

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

Yes, the hands and dial on that Seamaster are original and correct. Feel free to direct message me on IG, and I can provide links to a few other examples. Not sure have you heard of John Goldberger, famous watch author, collector, and also featured on Hodinkee a couple times. John also owns a couple pieces like the one in my video.

[@glenh4971]

You have good taste in wrist watches. You could have chosen to collect modern wrist watches but you chose these vintage models. I like these smaller diameter thinner manual watches very much. I do not see these watches often in the wild. I have heard people say these watches are old man watches. What can I say? I am an old man. These watches are beautiful. I don't like to be forced to choose a favorite model but I love manual wind no date models that are about 34 to 35mm.

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

Hi Glen, Thank you so much for your comment. I am sometimes confused about why I love vintage watches so much? I believe it's how a vintage watch looks and has aged, and probably because I just love old stuff. Haha. But I must also appreciate modern technology, or I would not be able to film and upload these videos!

[@glenh4971]

@@TimelessHistoryChannel Keep up the good work. Without your interest in these old wrist watches they would disappear forever!

[@martintanz9098]

Most of what I like in watches is the vintage esthetic. Vintage gets me closer to the source, though sometimes it isn't the be all and end all, as often a particular vintage design is either too small, too delicate, or too expensive to wear every day, hence, the appeal of modern reissues. Too small - I recently made a deal with a fellow for 2 military style vintage pieces. The seller represented the condition accurately, but not the size. These watches are at most 30 mm across, maybe even a bit smaller, and look like women's watches on my thick wrist. I have learned that modern military inspired probably suits me better. Too delicate - not necessarily applying to Omega, or even some lower priced watches but I have had some bad experiences with vintage Elgin, Hamilton and Bulovas where clearly, I cannot count on these watches to stay in rotation regularly without constant service and repairs. Too Expensive - some vintage watches you could get for $300 or $400 20 years ago cost thousands today. Too expensive to wear every day, especially when you go to places where security guards make you take them off while they put them through an X ray machine or where I might need to take the watch off and stow it in a locker.

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

Wow, thanks for the comment on your thoughts. Vintage watches come in all different sizes. Yes, many are made smaller compared to modern watches. However, there are plenty of larger models as well such as 36mm+. I'll be working on a new video to show everyone a 1953 RAF military piece that is 37mm. Sometimes when you order a watch online is to double-check the description or ask the seller whether the diameter includes or excludes the crown. In some cases, the dealer will describe the diameter of the watch including the crown in order to make it sounds a lot larger. Too delicate...Yes, some pieces are, while some are sturdy. If a vintage watch is too delicate, it will not last until this day. As long as you know what you're looking for or ask the dealer, he/she will help point out the sturdy pieces where you can wear them on a daily basis without too much worry. Too expensive to repair is always something that I inform people about. A lot of people will try to buy a piece in poor condition because it is cheap, but only to learn that the repair will end up super expensive! Always ask the dealer about their warranty and what sort of future service they can provide. I have a big client base because any of my Omega watches sold will come with a year warranty, and when that has expired I will only be charging $100 plus shipping each time when they return the watch back for a regular maintenance service. 🙂

[@atis23]

That Heuer….wow…

[@marcelmarcel3223]

the ck 2852 came in combination of gold shark tooth indexes and stainless case?

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

Yes absolutely normal for a gold tone dial to come in a full steel case. But would be incorrect if a silver tone dial including silver tone markers in a gold case. I’ve indicated that in my video “best online video to buying your first watch”

[@DarthPlaya]

I'll be honest, I'm too afraid to buy a vintage watch. What if there's an internal part on a watch that I just paid a few K for that's just a few winds from failure? What if that part is no longer available? What if previously failed parts were replaced with non OEM parts? These are just a few of my worries.😬 For the time being I'll stick with my modern made vintage inspired watches.

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

That’s why it is important to do some research and ask these questions to the dealer. If they have a hard time answering or explaining to you then maybe it’s time to move on to a different dealer. For instance a client is interested in a piece on my site and ask your questions, these are my answers: 1. Your watch is backed by a year warranty, when that has expired, it will only cost you $100 plus shipping each time when you return it back for a regular maintenance service. There is no failure issue I cannot fix. There is no “Genuine” parts that I cannot source. When it comes to generic parts, only certain brands such as Rolex has a handful of generic parts that you can buy, but when you work on the watch you’ll be able to tell. I am a watchmaker myself, so I restore all of my watches prior to listing them on the site. So I do make sure everything is original and in good running order. Original parts inside a watch is important, but the other thing that you’ll need to understand is that parts are not swapped around. For example, the train bridge on a 14381 Constellation should show a caliber 551 to be correct, but if you see a 550 or 552 bridge instead (as they fit the same as a 551), then you know immediately someone had swapped the part in your watch. This happens to modern second hand watch as well. So knowledge is vital and make sure the seller is honest and know his stuff. Omega has movement generic parts too, but they are stem and mainspring only, which do not affect the value, mechanic, or authenticity of the watch. So yeah, if you want modern, then maybe buy a brand new one if you’re worried. Second hand modern can have all sort of issues too.

[@dondondini3661]

Its easy to find and buy it , that all :) every body want new rolex omega patek :)

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

Are you sure? There are many vintage watches that are challenging to find too. Much more than modern that's for sure. :-)

[@dondondini3661]

@@TimelessHistoryChannel if you vant standart vintge rolex you can fing too good price but if you want new rolex you need to wait in list or you need to pay extra more many and but it greymarket .

[@noelmolina5479]

Love the moonphase omega. Are u selling it?

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

Thank you for your interest. Unfortunately it is not for sale. I’ve sold many moonphase on my site in the past. Should go visit the site and subscribe so you’ll get notified whenever there is a new site update.

[@mountainhobo]

8:00 That IWC is gorgeous. What model and year is it? //Edit: I think I have found it, 35 mm, handwinding, small second, caliber 88, @1950. Yours appears to be in an impeccable condition. The ones I found on the net were nowhere as nice.

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

That's right, it is from the 1950s and carries a calibre 88. You can learn more about it from this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2q7gWeQhcihba8

[@velviaman3206]

The Longines is my favourite, 1940s?

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

March 20th, 1937

[@muffemod]

Is fun yo!

[@angelcry79]

Is the Omega Ranchero for sale? I'm very interested in this model.

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

There is no Ranchero in this video. But there is a rare Seamaster with a similar Ranchero dial. It is not for sale.

[@thoreakes1439]

What is your source for watch straps?

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

I make some at the shop and am my own supplier for the other. Unfortunately, I am not offering them for sale at the moment.

[@mountainhobo]

"Why do you like to collect vintage watches?" - I would like to buy some vintage watches because they have class and elegance that most modern watches do not. I do not collect them, however, because I do not have the knowledge to buy smart.

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

Thank you for sharing! If you need some help to become a smarter buyer, watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/poiZpn6PqqiegMU

[@oakleyjack7600]

Constellation, but I am too a fan of manual watches. 👍

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

Welcome to the manual wind club. 😆

[@idcjake10]

@ 4:52 can you show how this looks on a 7.25” wrist? Lol

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

I can't because I would be very jealous! haha 7-7.25" wrist is the perfect wrist size to wear on most 35mm+ vintage watches.

[@idcjake10]

@@TimelessHistoryChannel I checked the site but i didn’t see this one, did it sell ?

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

@@idcjake10 I sold one like it some time ago. This one is not for sale, been part of my collection for many years.

[@sebastienfoucart3246]

Omega Constellation of 50's. I collect vintage watches because of the inimitable and irresistible charm. I own less watches than you ;-) My favourite brand in vintage is Omega.

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

Remember, quality over quantity. Owning 3 outstanding vintage timepieces is better than owning 20 "so-so" examples.

[@igedeputra8625]

for me 1 hour switzerland bro

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

Very nice. 1 hr to the motherland of watches.

[@igedeputra8625]

@@TimelessHistoryChannel I have a vintage swiss machine Kent watch and I want a rolex or omega

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

@@igedeputra8625 Hope you will get the opportunity to own one of them in the near future.

[@jesse818]

I know this video is Omega content but both Jaeger and Omega chronos are absolutely stunning. You have more infos on your Jaeger and Rolex of yours?

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

Thank you for your comment. Please visit my personal pieces playlist on the channel. I've made a video on my JLC and Rolex collections.

[@krvav1]

Its just a simple diaorder in the brain

[@TimelessHistoryChannel]

In a good way! :-)