[Rusty]

We have several vintage models entered in our Hamilton Photo Contest. If you do not currently own a vintage Hammie, would you do so in the future? Why or why not?

And if interested, would you trust an online seller (other than a legit watch dealer)?

 

[scottw44]

I have had good and bad luck with vintage Hammy's online. I tend to buy my watches new, from known AD's, but this can't be done with vintage pieces.

There was a guy on eBAY, name rhymes with Crumb Bun, and his rating was stellar, and there were thousands of positive references. We even received a nice piece from him.

And then the next time, a lemon.

I guess I don't have an answer, you have to buy the seller, and also I suppose, several buyers of that seller are people whose feedback you have to have and trust.

This has caused me to be trigger shy as the vintage people I trust are not Hammy people, and I don't want to get burnt again.

But I also want a Masterpiece, thin round 14k, with either 770 or 982 movement. So I wait.

 

[foghorn]

Unfortunately vintage pieces are a crapshoot and ,more often than not, need a good cleaning or overhaul upon receipt.
I do like them though!!

 

[mgiraz]

Yes I own a few vintage models....I've bought them two ways.....From a watchmaker and have always got what I expected. I have bought many online and only expect two things......That it looks like what it does in the pictures and #2... that it at least runs periodically then stops. I have not been disappointed. I expect to have to take it to my watchmaker for servicing and a new crystal and strap (about $125 more). The key is that if it won't run at all you have a greater chance of it being a balance wheel issue and a fix is at a much greater cost. A watch that runs, then stops, most of the time, just needs servicing......you get these at a MUCH better price as well....most refer to this state as "over wound" and give up a lot of money because of it.

 

[BlueHawaii]

I own many vintage watches (a couple of Hammies, but mostly Bulova though) and have thus far had pretty good luck with the bay. IMO finding a competent and honest watchmaker is vital if you are interested in starting a vintage collection.

 

[two21b]

Rusty, I was planning on starting a thread on vintage watches, but you beat me to it. :cursing: I have been looking at dealers sites and on the bay at vintage pieces. I'm at the point where I am comfortable with the number of contemporary watches I own. I would prefer to buy a vintage watch from a dealer that has had the watch serviced. Some dealers even offer a 3-month warranty. This seems to take some of the risk out of buying vintage. Also, at this point in my collection I would prefer to add a manual winding watch rather than another automatic. I do own a 1950's Gruen that was given to me decades ago, long before I really had an interest in watches. I should find someone to service that watch and make sure it doesn't cost me more than the watch is worth. That would probably be a good first foray into the vintage market.

 

[AutoMovt]

I would say no for now. I love the designs, but most are to small for my taste and then there is the issue of having it serviced.

 

[Rusty]

Rusty, I was planning on starting a thread on vintage watches, but you beat me to it. :cursing: I have been looking at dealers sites and on the bay at vintage pieces. I'm at the point where I am comfortable with the number of contemporary watches I own. I would prefer to buy a vintage watch from a dealer that has had the watch serviced. Some dealers even offer a 3-month warranty. This seems to take some of the risk out of buying vintage. Also, at this point in my collection I would prefer to add a manual winding watch rather than another automatic. I do own a 1950's Gruen that was given to me decades ago, long before I really had an interest in watches. I should find someone to service that watch and make sure it doesn't cost me more than the watch is worth. That would probably be a good first foray into the vintage market.

Sorry to beat you to the punch, two21b. Don't hesitate to start a thread. The mods are happy to see that and gives us a chance to be more like regular members. Sometimes, that is a nice change of pace.