Vintage Rolex ladies Datejust watch, POA, subject to availability
ANDY COLLINS, FASHION BUYER AND MANAGER, INDIGO & CLOTH
TIPS FOR BUYING VINTAGE
THE FIRST WATCH I EVER OWNED was a Nixon that told the time in Japanese. It was really interesting. IF MONEY WAS NO OBJECT, I’d go for Rolex, I love the colour and the brand. They are beautiful looking pieces. THE TECH BEHIND THE WATCH MATTERS A LOT TO ME. If I was to buy a new watch, I would definitely want to find out about the ins and outs of it first. It was fascinating to find out how in-depth things can get, technically, at the Gentlemen’s Academy & Weirs event. The team also gave us good tips on what to look out for when buying a Rolex second-hand. Really brilliant and simple advice.
“It was fascinating to find out how in-depth things can get, technically.”
MICHAEL BOSONNET, CONSUMER AND MARKET INSIGHT SPECIALIST
“The first watch I ever bought was an Omega Seamaster in Weir & Sons.”
82 WEIR & SONS
JAMES BOND WAS DEFINITELY MY FIRST WATCH CRUSH, he wore Omegas and Rolexes, but it was the Omega Seamaster that I loved, it was just so beautiful and simple. THE FIRST WATCH I OWNED WAS A FLIK FLAK WITH A SNAP WRIST CUFF BY SWATCH. I was given it as a present and I thought it was the best thing at the time. THE FIRST WATCH I EVER BOUGHT WAS AN OMEGA SEAMASTER IN WEIR & SONS. It was a graduation present to myself. I love watches, I am a genuine enthusiast so it’s a real pleasure for me to see the pieces here up close.
IF MONEY WAS NO OBJECT I THINK I’D GET A BREGUET OR AN IWC, I loved the Bulova watch they showed us with the curved face and movement, I thought that was incredible. MY FAVOURITE WATCH FROM TONIGHT is the Patek Philippe watch that changes timezone with a click. I DIDN’T KNOW THAT WEIR & SONS are real watch enthusiasts and staff don’t work to targets. I HAVE A SMART WATCH FOR EVERYDAY, and I love it. It does all my messaging, emailing, and the price of it is good for what it does. It pretty much can handle all the daily stuff I need.
Stick to brands you know. Always go for a brand you recognise. This means if you have any issues down the line, there’s a better chance of getting the spare parts you need. If you buy one that has no name, it could prove hard to get it repaired. Do your homework. If you’re interested in a particular make and model, research its defining characteristics. For example, if you saw a Rolex stainless steel submariner that had a blue dial you’d know it was fake, as that’s not something Rolex do. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. A bit like cars, when looking at vintage sometimes things can look better than what they are. There are instances of ‘genuine’ designer watches being made up of half of one brand and half of another, or of watches that look legitimate but have key internal parts that have been replaced with the wrong pieces. Sometimes, you’ll need a watchmaker’s eye to spot a fake, so by the time you realise you’ve been duped it’s too late. Buy from a reputable jewellers. Many provide a one-year warranty with vintage pieces. Weir & Sons have watchmakers on site for evaluations and repairs. Look out for compromised pieces. If you want to have your vintage watch serviced by the brand that made it, be mindful that it hasn’t been modified. For example, if you sent in a Rolex watch that was missing its signature magnifying bubble over the date (a feature often modified or removed), you’ll be charged for new glass as well as a service. WEIR.IE