The beauty of a timepiece travels back with time. Antique watches are mechanical timepieces that rely on bell mechanism, lever escapement, winding system and gears. Unlike modern watches, antique watches work kinetically and mechanically. Instead of accuracy and performance in keeping track of time, antique watches are unique timepieces that are great as gifts or just decoration.  

The antique watch market is a multi-billion sector. The price of watches depends on its uniqueness, authenticity, antiqueness and editions. These watches can be bought anywhere from online stores, duty free shops to jewelry shops.  However, it is still advisable to buy antique watches only from dealers and people whom you trust. Beware of counterfeit watches and do careful research on antique watches before buying them.         

A History Through Time

You will need to have some background on mechanical watches in judging the approximate manufacturing date of an antique timepiece.

1500s: The first pocket watch was created by Peter Henlein of Germany.

1660s: The remontoire was invented by Christian Huygens.

1680s: The repeating mechanism for bells and sounds were patented

1700s: Rubies were included in watch movements.

1750s: Enamel were included on watch dials.

1760s: Lever escapement system was invented.

1800s: The first self winding watch was invented.

1840s: The first watch to have winding setting through crown was produced.

1914: The World War I popularizes the sale of wristwatch.

1914: The first wristwatch with alarm was invented.

1926:  The first water proof wristwatch was produced.

1956: The first watch to display day and date was produced.

1960: The first watch to have scratch-proof dial was produced.

Where To Get Them?

Many well-established companies do offer antique watches. These include TAG Heuer, Seiko, Benrus, Omega and Universal Genève. Other watch manufacturers that sell antique watches are Hamilton, Rolex, Breitling and Gruen.  Online bargains are worth buying but do look out for antique watches at auctions or flea markets.  Some watches are certified authentic and antique on a certification card. However, the authenticity of these watches is still doubtful as replica and counterfeit watches are common in the market these days. 

Maintaining Antique Watches

Antique watches are difficult to repair, as most mechanical parts are not easily available. Most seller do not offer guarantee for these timepieces. However, they might be able to provide maintenance service. To ensure accuracy and performance keep antique watches in a watch winder case.

Cost of Antique Watch

The price of antique watches ranges from $300 to millions of dollars depending on the timepiece itself. The date of manufacture, beauty of timepiece and history behind it determines the market price. Similarly, with auction antiques the price of antique watches depends on consumer appeal and acceptance by the society.  

Although antique watches are costly and require high maintenance, they are timeless collection. The distinct and refined taste of antique watches accentuate its classic character. Antique watches are perfect gifts for any occasions. The artistic appeal echoed the history behind each timepiece.