We should not ignore the fact that vintage Rolex watches tend to appreciate, along with their reliability, and exquisite craftsmanship, it all adds up to a vintage market that has always prosperous – never more so than today. That depends on who you ask. Some say a watch has to be at least 20-years old to qualify, others believe a piece doesn’t reach that status until a new version of that special model is launched. However, others would think when some materials are phased out of their construction: for instance, when tritium gave way to Luminova in the nineties.
No matter what definition you would make up your mind to go with, owning a top-quality vintage Rolex can be an extremely rewarding experience, not just for the cool, set-yourself-apart factor, but also for the thrill of the hunt. Nothing beats tracking down and snagging that perfect reference for collectors—that one-of-a-kind model with a story to tell.
The quality of the current influx of fakes is so convincing that no amount of photos the watch can give you all the information you need to tell if you’re bidding on a genuine article. Our website is really a good recommendation for replica branded watches. The more traditional type of auction, rather than the eBay version, is increasing massively in popularity. You’ll have read about the incredible sums being paid out recently for lots such as Paul Newman’s Daytona or the ‘Bao Dai’ that belonged to the last emperor of Vietnam—now the most expensive Rolex ever sold. If you were thinking that your pockets might not be quite deep enough to join the elite at one of these events, think again.
The lots that make the headlines are just a tiny sample of the pieces sold at auction. The auction houses make most of their revenue offering the type of vintage watches that are well within reach of the rest of us, and can be a great place to find that special reference you’ve had your eye on. Auctions are great, but only if you can keep your emotions in check! It’s very easy to get caught up in a bidding war in all the excitement and go well over your budget. It’s just as easy to forget the extra 10-20% charge you have to pay to the auctioneer on top of your winning bid.
Where buying at auction scores points is in its transparency. You can physically hold the watch in your hand, and then discuss it with the staff and also get a good idea of its provenance in the site catalog. Reputable houses, such as Sotheby’s or Christie’s, have highly-trained specialists to inspect every watch that comes through their doors and the pieces are offered for sale on their recommendation. So, if they feel they are looking at a ‘Franken-watch’, a vintage piece that has had parts interchanged with non-standard or inferior replacements, which will be noted in the item’s description and reflected in the estimate.
That doesn’t mean you get away without having to do your due diligence here as well. Take as much time as you need to investigate the seller among forums and by reading testimonials. See how long they’ve been in business, the qualifications of their watchmakers, and whether they use genuine Rolex parts for servicing. Additionally, search if any major publications are endorsing a vintage Rolex seller for an unbiased opinion. You’re buying the seller as well as the watch. See what kind of guarantee they offer and what it entitles you to in the unlikely event you end up with a fake.
Buying a vintage Rolex is an adventure and challenge. Get it right, and you’ll be rewarded with a truly stunning watch that transcends fashion and will be passed down to children and grandchildren. On the contrary, get it wrong, and your reward is a hole in your wallet where there used to be money. In conclusion, spend time conducting research. Try and take your emotions out of it, and if anything seems off, move on.