Watches can be a great investment. They amplify your style, add a touch of class to any outfit, and help you keep your life organized. But with so many options to choose from, how do you know where to start your search?
Most watch buying guides introduce you to new watches, but here at Levy Jewelers, we love older watches, too. In fact, we’re your home for vintage and estate watches here in Savannah, Georgia. We created this guide to help our clients–and anyone else who may need it–learn a bit more about the world of vintage watches, so that when it comes time to make your own purchase, you’ll know what to look for.

1. What Is A Vintage Watch?

2. Do Vintage Watches Really Work?

3. Pros Of Buying Vintage Watches

4. Are Vintage Watches Valuable?

5. How Do I Know If My Vintage Watch Is Valuable?

6. Should I Buy A Vintage Watch?

What Is A Vintage Watch?

A vintage watch is any watch that is at least 20-25 years old. Most jewelers agree upon this timeframe, though some may disagree slightly. For instance, some jewelers might say a watch must be more than 30 years old to qualify as vintage. In general, at least two to three decades old is a safe bet when determining whether or not a watch qualifies as vintage.
 

Jewelers may use other terms to describe older watches, including antique, estate or pre-owned. Antique watches are watches over 100 years old. The terms estate and pre-owned are often used interchangeably. They describe any timepiece that has had a previous owner. These terms are similar to those used to describe vintage, estate and antique jewelry, which you can read more about here. 

Do Vintage Watches Really Work?

Yes, vintage watches really do work, as long as you buy them from a trustworthy seller. You can find watches in perfect working order at a place like Levy Jewelers in Savannah, Georgia. Local jewelers who offer older watches put them through extensive testing, and perform any necessary repairs, to ensure that they are fit to be given to an interested buyer. We do our best to return them to near-original condition. Oftentimes, you can’t even tell it was used by someone else before you. 
We do not recommend trying your luck with watches from other sources. Only jewelers and technicians have the expertise needed to properly assess and care for older watches. Make sure you invest in one that will last you many years by purchasing through a reputable source.  

   

Why Buy Vintage Watches

There are plenty of compelling reasons to buy a vintage watch! We especially love them because they’re sustainable, come at great prices, and are fascinating pieces of history.
These days, we all recognize the importance of sustainability. We do our best to make sustainable purchases, and there are few things more sustainable than purchasing pre-owned goods. Vintage watches can offer many more years of usefulness, and it would be a shame to let them go to waste. By buying vintage, you’re keeping it where it belongs: on a lucky person’s wrist, not in a landfill or gathering dust in an attic. 
Vintage watches often come at a bargain compared to new watches. At a store like Levy Jewelers, you can find vintage luxury watches for a fraction of the cost. New watches from brands like Patek Philippe, Rolex and Omega can cost tens of thousands–or even hundreds of thousands–of dollars.

 

By buying older watches, you can attain all of that name-brand luxury for a much more manageable price. What’s more, a well cared-for vintage watch can look just as good as a brand new one! 
People love watches not only for their usefulness and attractiveness, but also because they impart a touch of classic style. For hundreds of years, watches have been associated with refinement and taste. Vintage watches are a piece of that history. Each pre-owned timepiece carries a story–not only the story of its previous owner, but the story of the time in which it was first made and worn. These watches give you all the modern convenience of an accurate timepiece, plus all the unique charm of a historical object.

Are Vintage Watches Valuable?

It depends on the brand and condition of the timepiece. Some may only offer sentimental value, but name-brand watches in good condition can fetch high prices. 

How Do I Know If My Vintage Watch Is Valuable?

You can start determining its value by answering a few questions.
First: Is it a recognizable brand? The most valuable vintage watches are name brands. If you recognize the brand, that’s a good sign it may be worth something. If you aren’t already familiar with the brand, look it up online and see what comes up. It may turn out to be quite popular! 
Second: What is your timepiece made out of? If it's made of stainless steel, it will have less monetary value than one made of gold. You may be able to find your model online and see what it’s made of, or it may say so on the watch face. If you can’t find any information, you can always bring it to an appraiser. 

 
Finally: Is it still in working order? And if it isn’t, are its problems fixable? If you aren’t sure, you can always bring it to a jeweler or technician. It may be fixable for less money than you’d think. Of course, if you want to turn a profit by selling it, make sure the repairs won’t cost more than the timepiece is worth.
Once you have answered these questions, if you believe your watch is still valuable, it’s time to give your local jeweler a call. Here at Levy Jewelers in Savannah, Georgia, we offer repairs and appraisals. Let us take a look at it and, if we like what we see, we can offer you a great price for your vintage watch!

Should I Buy A Vintage Watch?

If you’re interested in getting a watch, buying vintage is a great idea. Regardless of your style, there is a pre-owned timepiece out there for you. There are plenty of vintage men’s watches and vintage women’s watches awaiting a new owner. 
You don’t have to be a watch enthusiast to break into the world of vintage, antique, estate and pre-owned watches. A little research goes a long way, but you don’t even have to do that to find the right timepiece for you. Your local jeweler, like Levy Jewelers in downtown Savannah, is a great resource. The experts at the store will ask what you’re interested in and pair you with a timepiece that’s right for you!

 

Wristwatches vs. Pocketwatches

When searching for vintage timepieces, you’ll likely come across both wristwatches and pocketwatches. Pocketwatches are usually older than wristwatches. They were designed not only to tell time, but to serve as a statement piece. For many years, they were seen as a sign of wealth and good taste–similar to how we view luxury watches today.
Pocketwatches are a great choice if you are looking for an accessory that is not just functional, but unique. Very few people carry them today, so yours will stand out! They’re also fascinating pieces of history, dating back to a time when dressing up to go out on the town was still common. 
better suited for day-to-day wear. You can easily check the time throughout the day with just a glance. Wristwatches can still make a statement, they just have a more contemporary look. 

Buy And Sell Vintage Watches At Levy Jewelers In Savannah, Georgia

Hopefully we’ve convinced you that vintage watches are a great investment, whether you’re a casual wearer or a true timepiece enthusiast. Sustainable, historical, and stylish, vintage watches are for everyone! When you’re ready to buy a watch of your own–or bring one in to sell– make an appointment at Levy Jewelers in downtown Savannah. Our friendly experts are here to answer all your questions and help you find the right timepiece for you!