From tracing provenance to keeping watches in optimum condition, the Vintage Grail co-founder gives his two cents
Rarity and provenance are just some of the things that add immense value to vintage watches. If you are thinking of immersing yourself in serious collecting of such highly valued watches, we asked Paolo Martel to give you some pointers.
What qualifies as a vintage watch?
Normally, we term a vintage watch as any timepiece that was produced at least 30 years ago. Most often than not, the reference has been discontinued.
What are the edge and limitations of a vintage watch?
There will always be something magical when it comes to vintage—the patina on the dial, the history behind the timepiece, its unique characteristics and in some cases, who previously owned the watch. There is still this misconception that buying vintage timepieces can be a daunting task, from issues of servicing to high-quality counterfeits proliferating in the market. Before buying, it is very important to do your research on a timepiece and ensure that comes from a credible source: check if it has been tampered with, know who previously owned it, and the condition of the piece is paramount.
How big is the impact of “provenance” in determining the value of a vintage watch?
Eric Wind, a noted vintage watch specialist once said that “provenance is the difference between an US$80 watch and a $100,000 watch”. We have heard of many instances of people unknowingly owning a watch previously owned by a historical figure or famous personality. Whether it has a dial with a unique characteristic, a special insignia, or perhaps an engraved marking on the case back, always research first because your watch could turn out to be a real treasure. Many of the major watch brands such as Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe and Breguet hold extensive archives of their timepieces and may be able to provide you with the history of a timepiece.