If you’re thinking of buying a vintage watch then there are certain questions that you need to ask the seller before making a decision. There are a lot of legitimate watch dealers around – but there are also many who’ll sell you a watch based on half truths or even complete lies. It can be even more difficult to judge a vintage watch online. Here are some of the most important questions to ask when choosing vintage timepieces.

The first question you should ask is whether the watch is signed. The various parts of the watch – such as the case and movement – should show the original companies logo, such as Omega or Rolex. If one of these parts has been replaced it could devalue the watch, which is why it’s essential to inspect it before choosing.

You also need to check whether the dial has been fixed. Even if the original dial is still present, if it has undergone repair with certain types of materials then the value of a vintage watch can increase.

Other questions include whether the case has been polished, whether it has any engravings (often a good thing) and whether it comes with some of the original accessories. You also need to compare the watch to photos of a genuine model if possible to check that there is no disparity between the two .

A common question amongst new watch collectors is why spend extra on vintage watches. There are obvious benefits – such as the fact that you could potentially make a profit as the watch increases in value – but most collectors aren’t in it for the money. The main benefit is that you get to own a piece of history. Many vintage watches were built during a time when reliability and high quality workmanship were the most important factors. For anyone that loves watches this is often reason enough for getting a vintage watch.