In the world of style, more people are opting for pre-loved bags over new ones, hunting down rare second-hand shoes, and swapping shiny new things for shiny old ones — namely, vintage watches. In a world where overconsumption is rife (and concerning) and people are increasingly discovering the beauty of hunting down rare, holy grail pieces — that you won’t also spot on half a dozen people walking down the street — vintage watches are becoming the investment piece of choice for jewellery enthusiasts and watch obsessives alike. Plus, there’s something romantic about buying a piece of jewellery that has lived a life before you found it — perhaps a past owner travelled the world wearing it, or it was a gift to mark a milestone. 

Shopping for a vintage watch requires careful investigation and consideration. Unlike popping into a boutique and picking up whichever style takes your fancy, when buying a vintage watch, it’s imperative that you do your research to get an idea of brands and models available, what you can expect to pay and what to look for. Read on for five essential tips to consider when shopping for a vintage watch, and how the Strand Arcade’s knowledgeable watch retailers can help you in your pursuit. 

1. Do your research  

“When looking for a vintage watch, it helps for the customer to know the model they’re interested in, and then we can advise them on the price range they should expect to pay,” says Danny of Time Keeper Boutique. “We look around on the market to see what’s available in order to provide our customers with the best options.” Along with Time Keeper Boutique, the team at Vintage Watch Co. on Ground Floor are also a great resource to tap into. Having been in the Strand Arcade since 1994, the team are well-versed in the world of high-end vintage watches, and will be able to answer any questions about a watch’s history and what to consider when investing. 

2. Ensure it’s authentic 

“It's hard for customers to buy vintage watches online as it’s difficult to ensure they’re authentic,” explains Danny. “We have a team of watchmakers that work for us, and we are experts ourselves. We verify every watch that comes in and we have a one year guarantee to give our customers peace of mind when they purchase.” When visiting the boutiques, ask the sellers how they authenticate each timepiece — it requires careful examination and an extensive knowledge of what to look for — and is good information to know as a buyer.  

3. Ask about original parts 

Again, the knowledgeable teams at Vintage Watch Co. and Time Keeper Boutique will be able to advise you here, though by and large, vintage watches that have been authenticated are fully original. What some watch boutiques, like Time Keeper Boutique, offer is ‘icing out’, where an original watch is encrusted with diamonds. “For this, we send our watches to our jeweller, who sources the best quality diamonds to encrust the watches with,” Danny says. 

4. Have a good repairer at the ready 

When buying a vintage watch, it’s a good idea to acquaint yourself with a reliable repairer. Watch Tech on Level 2 specialise in servicing both vintage and modern timepieces. “We see watches anywhere between 10 to 100 years-old,” says Devon from Watch Tech. “After many years, the watch can get rusty and be in very poor condition, in which case we undertake a complete restoration. For younger vintage watches, we recommend a service every three to five years to ensure it remains in good working condition.” When it comes to taking care of your watch at home, Devon advises keeping it somewhere dry away and from moisture, as moisture can damage the watch movement. 

5. Find reliable sellers, and stick with them 

Experience is everything, which is why vintage watch enthusiasts go back to Vintage Watch Co., Time Keeper Boutique and Watch Tech time and again. “Customers often come to us with a specific and at times, rare watch they’re after, and we look on the market to see how accessible it is and whether we can get our hands on it for the client,” Danny explains.  

Whether you’re thinking of adding to your collection and need a hand sourcing the piece you have in mind or are seeking advice on how to care for your vintage timepiece, the teams at the Strand Arcade’s watch boutiques are the best in the business.