Autions or similar places to buy slightly knackered watches?
Discussion
Guys
If one wanted to find a vintage watch that wasn't already refurbished, where would one look?
For example, I would rather buy a slightly unloved, but possible classic (say an early Heuer Monaco, or Omega Speedmaster) and pay a littel old watchmaker man to refurb it, than just walk into a vintage watch dealer and buy it already refurbed - I like the process of restoring old, tired things to their former glory.
So, any idea where to buy an old classic?
If one wanted to find a vintage watch that wasn't already refurbished, where would one look?
For example, I would rather buy a slightly unloved, but possible classic (say an early Heuer Monaco, or Omega Speedmaster) and pay a littel old watchmaker man to refurb it, than just walk into a vintage watch dealer and buy it already refurbed - I like the process of restoring old, tired things to their former glory.
So, any idea where to buy an old classic?
johnfm said:
Guys
If one wanted to find a vintage watch that wasn't already refurbished, where would one look?
For example, I would rather buy a slightly unloved, but possible classic (say an early Heuer Monaco, or Omega Speedmaster) and pay a littel old watchmaker man to refurb it, than just walk into a vintage watch dealer and buy it already refurbed - I like the process of restoring old, tired things to their former glory.
So, any idea where to buy an old classic?
You will probably find old watches at antiques markets or even car boot sales - but the chances of finding an old speedy or monaco would be remote as they are pretty well known. You'd do better trying to find slightly less known brands - Hamilton or something.If one wanted to find a vintage watch that wasn't already refurbished, where would one look?
For example, I would rather buy a slightly unloved, but possible classic (say an early Heuer Monaco, or Omega Speedmaster) and pay a littel old watchmaker man to refurb it, than just walk into a vintage watch dealer and buy it already refurbed - I like the process of restoring old, tired things to their former glory.
So, any idea where to buy an old classic?
You're going to be lucky to find anything that good without putting in a lot of leg work, your best bet is general sale auctions and hoping a house clearance finds something that hasn't been found by anyone yet, but knowing a few auctioneers I know they have a list of contacts if they see anything 'good' in the sale they give them a ring and get them down the auction, but good luck.
I did something similar with my Rolex DateJust, but that was unloved by a friend, I paid about £150 for it with a chipped glass, the crown falling out and the hands hanging off.
it was also a very dodgy colour, I handed it over to my watch man, and for about another £100 he sorted the faults and changed the dial and date reel to a much nicer colour. 
I did something similar with my Rolex DateJust, but that was unloved by a friend, I paid about £150 for it with a chipped glass, the crown falling out and the hands hanging off.
it was also a very dodgy colour, I handed it over to my watch man, and for about another £100 he sorted the faults and changed the dial and date reel to a much nicer colour. Gassing Station | Watches | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff