One of the most timeless vintage pieces you can own is a watch. Vintage watches come in a variety of different brands, materials, colors, and aesthetics, and they can be in near-mint condition or appear very worn out. Vintage watches require special care to keep them looking clean and keep time accurately. This makes vintage watch care unique; you are not just caring for your vintage watch to make it look good, but you also want to make sure that it is functioning properly.
In the words of the late Kobe Bryant, “Everyone looks at your watch, and it represents who you are, your values, and your personal style.” The vintage watch on your wrist says a lot about you. Not only that, but they have so much character, and being vintage only emphasizes the classiness of that character even more.
You must be very precise when caring for your vintage watch. Today, we have compiled a list of ways to help maintain your vintage watch properly, with insight from some vintage watch experts. Keep reading to find out how to keep your vintage watch looking good and working wonderfully.
Although this might be obvious to some, it must be said: please be gentle with your vintage watch. Today, newer watches are being made to withstand water and outdoor hikes and all the elements, but vintage watches were not designed with that kind of durability in mind. Vintage watches were created years ago before we had access to the type of technology watchmakers have today. Instead of solid links, some vintage watches have hollow links, making them more delicate and susceptible to dimpling. If you don’t know the kind of links your vintage watch has, it is better to stay safe rather than sorry.
Omid Semino is the CEO and Founder of Diamond Mansion. He is an expert in vintage watches. He says, “I have seen too many people think that their watches are as durable as new watches and accidentally damage them. Vintage watches must be handled with care. If you are looking for a watch to throw around, buy a new one, but definitely don’t be harsh with your vintage watch.”
While most watches today are water-resistant, vintage watches usually do not boast the same level of water resistance. People used to take off their watches when getting in the water or doing something water-related. Now, thanks to waterproof watches, you never have to take off your watch, even in the shower. However, this mindset can, unfortunately, bleed into vintage watch owners as well. Getting your vintage watch wet can be extremely damaging to your watch.
Haim Medine is Mark Henry’s Creative Director. He said this about the importance of keeping your vintage watch away from water: “The quickest way to ruin your vintage watch is to put it in water,” he says. “A lot of vintage watches have dried-out gaskets that could potentially cause moisture to build up within the watch. This can be very damaging, so the best idea would be to just steer clear of water when you have your vintage watch on you. Furthermore, make sure to store your watch in a cool, dry place. If it’s too warm, the humidity could build up in the watch and damage it.”
This is similar to the first point, but it must be stated separately: avoid strenuous activity while wearing your vintage watch at all costs. If you plan on doing something that has a lot of wrist motion and can get your arms sweaty or dirty, take off your vintage watch before proceeding. This could range from table tennis to dirt biking to anything in between. Proper vintage watch maintenance requires that you avoid any activities that could damage your watch.
Noel Jones is a PR Coordinator with Brandon Blackwood. He says, “The key to making sure your vintage watch lasts as long as possible is to take it off before any vigorous activity. Before I do any activity in which I am moving my arms or hands a lot, I remove my vintage watch and carefully store it away. Sweat caused by excessive activity can also wear away at your watch’s material, so be careful to not wear it when your wrists are sweaty.”
Servicing your vintage watch every two to three years will help ensure that it functions properly. When watches are serviced, oils are added to the watch to help with the movement of the arms. One of the most important things to do when you are getting your vintage watch serviced is to communicate with the person working on your watch. Dan Potter, Head of Digital of CRAFTD London explains why communication is so important:
“Sometimes, if a watchmaker sees that your watch needs a part to be repaired, they will go ahead with the repair without asking you. While this might benefit the overall functioning of the watch, it could lower its value, too. Furthermore, certain physical flaws like a scratch or mark could hold significant personal value to you. Your watchmaker might assume that you want that to be buffed out, removing the meaningful physical mark. Communicate with your watchmaker before your watch servicing to make sure you are on the same page about what should and shouldn’t be done.”
Vintage watch maintenance, while somewhat tedious, is not difficult by any means. It takes effort to keep a vintage watch in good working condition, and the tips listed above can help you maintain your watch properly. Boutique owner Anna Hillegass put her love for vintage items this way: “I love older things that people have used and cherished. They have personality, character, and soul.” By incorporating these tips into your vintage watch maintenance routine, we hope the personality, character, and soul of your vintage watch lasts for years and years.
