Here’s how to maintain vintage watch
Hyderabad: Demand for vintage timepieces has dramatically risen in current times. Acquiring vintage and luxury timepieces is also symbolic of elite status which generates a lot of interest and enthusiasm in the collectors’ community. While most vintage watches are built to last, they require maintenance predominantly due to complicated mechanics and movements. Here are some […]
Updated On - 04:55 PM, Mon - 28 February 22
Hyderabad: Demand for vintage timepieces has dramatically risen in current times. Acquiring vintage and luxury timepieces is also symbolic of elite status which generates a lot of interest and enthusiasm in the collectors’ community.
While most vintage watches are built to last, they require maintenance predominantly due to complicated mechanics and movements. Here are some tips to ensure that your vintage watch keeps ticking through the years.
Proper storage
One of the most important factors in safekeeping a vintage watch is to ensure proper storage. Humidity and dust can be detrimental to a vintage watch because moisture can cause defects to the movements of a vintage watch. So, they should be stored in dry and temperature-controlled conditions. Avoiding exposure to direct sunlight and storing them in a well-padded box are also essential.
Maintenance
One should service a vintage watch every few years but it is extremely imperative that the servicing is done with a reputable specialist to make sure the watch is well oiled and serviced with genuine and period-correct parts. Leading timepieces brands usually have top-of-the-line service centres with certified technicians and experts. Collectors are encouraged to build a relationship with a well-recommended local watchmaker to get your timepiece serviced correctly.
Insurance
Because of their high value, vintage watches are often targets for theft. So, a vintage watch must be properly insured. At the same time, to claim insurance for a vintage watch, one must maintain good records of purchase history, serial numbers, invoices, as well as high quality photographs of the timepiece. It is always advisable to keep a vintage watch in a safe vault to curtail the risk of them being lost or stolen. If unfortunately a watch is stolen, there are several online websites and forums where one can post a serial number and other information. These records also help potential buyers in ensuring they are not purchasing a stolen vintage watch.
Of polish
Timepieces collectors are usually known to not have their vintage watches polished to preserve their ingenuity. However, it is a matter of personal taste when it comes to polishing. If one is looking to sell their vintage watch to auction houses or otherwise, it is appropriate to not polish them beforehand. Polishing can have several negative effects like alternation of the original finish as well as removal of metal, which can depreciate the watch’s value and consequently interest in collectors.
Maintenance
The value of a vintage watch is significantly attached to its dial, bezels, and crystal. So, it is extremely important to delicately handle a watch to avoid any scratches. Make sure you hand over your watch only to a professional for servicing to avoid damages.
Steer clear of water
Vintage watches were not created with the same attention to water resistance as watches today, so remove the watch before any water-based activities.

Jehangir Readymoney, Watch Expert, AstaGuru Auction House.
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