Vintage watches

Vintage watches appeal to collectors as much as to lovers of a model, a brand, a style... Their particularity is to be at least 30 years old, and still in working order. Cresus vintage watches are verified and authenticated. Lire la suite
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Vintage watches, models that are at least 30 years old


Make no mistake, the look of a timepiece does not designate a vintage watch: it is indeed its age, its production date, that earns it this designation. And even though the very term vintage makes one think of twenty as in twenty years old, it is really about older models. A second-hand watch is considered vintage was designed at least 30 years ago, but other specialists go back in time to the 1970s, which corresponds to the "quartz revolution". Previously, vintage watches are therefore exclusively mechanical, with sturdy movements that are still in working order (although sometimes overhauled), which fully participates in their appeal. In addition to their look and design, in addition to the materials used, these watches may also contain a caliber that has written a page in the history of watchmaking, exceptional complications... Does this mean that a vintage watch is necessarily very expensive? There is actually a distinction between classic watches and collectible watches. So much so that it is possible to find watches that meet the criteria at less than 1000€ and among them models of iconic brands, Rolex, Breitling, Jaeger LeCoultre or Omega. On the other hand, prices can soar, without however reaching the record of the Rolex Daytona sold for over 15 million euros. It must be said that it had belonged to Paul Newman!

A collector's watch can be a good investment


What's rare is expensive, and what gets rarer is more and more expensive. Some vintage watches are thus likely to increase in value over time, interesting both collectors and investors. One condition, however, is that the timepiece, beyond its design, its technicality and/or its mechanism, must also have a real history. Without really being surprised, the reference model for who wants to invest in a watch belongs to the Rolex brand. It is precisely the Rolex Submariner, the Geneva-based brand's first dive watch, born in 1953. It was, at the time, the one and only wristwatch that was waterproof to 100 meters. Rolex certainly still produces Submariners in the lineage of the old ones, but the vintage watches that make you dizzy are indeed the series models such as the 5512, produced between 1959 and 1978 and the 5513, between 1962 and 1989. Other collectible watches are highly rated, like two other iconic models that also have the distinction of being related to the sports world. The first is the Omega Seamaster 300, a functional yet refined diving watch launched in 1948. The second is associated with motorsport as it is the TAG Heuer Carrera, imagined in 1963, with notably the Microtimer model released the following year and equipped with the first miniaturized electronic timekeeping instrument.

How to choose a vintage watch, Cresus guarantees


In the relatively closed circle of the most sought-after vintage watches, we logically find the great watchmaking Houses that are indeed Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer and Breitling. That said, these great Swiss manufacturers are not alone on the market, far from it. For proof in 2020, luxury brands like Cartier, Hermès, Chanel and Louis Vuitton were perfectly positioned, especially for women's watches. The vintage watch lovers also choose their watch by crush, for example among a trio of steel timepieces with integrated bracelets, which revolutionized watchmaking in the 1970s and perfectly represent the sport-chic spirit: the Royal Oak by Audemars Piguet, the Overseas by Vacheron Constantin and the Nautilus by Patek Philippe. The examples could be multiplied as there are so many styles of watches and models. When looking for the ideal vintage watch, it is important to remember that it is intended to be worn and therefore in accordance with the tastes and style of its future owner. Should the style be classic, sporty or jewel-like? Will the case be round, square, rectangular or octagonal? Made of steel or gold? Will the indexes display Roman numerals? Will the dial be decorated? Answering these types of questions helps focus the search. As for the other checks, serial number on the case, mechanism operation, etc., Cresus works for you and you buy with a free mind: vintage watches are authenticated and have undergone a complete examination including the case, the movement as well as the peripheral elements (hands, crown...). The materials as well as the stones have been inspected and all serial numbers, hallmarks and documents have been verified. These guarantees allow you to avoid the risks associated with the purchase of a vintage watch elsewhere than on our site and help you make your choice with peace of mind.