Buying a Pocket Watch_Martins of Glasgow

A First Timer’s Guide to Buying a Pocket Watch: What You Should Know

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Many people think that all pocket watches are created equal but this isn’t the case. There are hundreds of different picket watches but knowing what to look for will help you narrow down your choices and choose one that’s right for you.

Pocket Watch Shopping 101

Here are a few things you’ll want to consider as you start your search for the perfect pocket watch.

  • Brand. Before you start reviewing your options, do some research on pocket watch brands. There are a number of different manufacturers and you should be able to find enough reviews and information online to decide which brands you would like to look at.
  • Style. The style of a pocket watch refers to the lines and materials. It’s also important to keep in mind that a pocket watch is designed to be worn within a pocket, so you want to avoid materials that won’t get scratched very easily. Choosing between silver, gold, bronze, platinum and stainless steel will also fall under the style of the watch.
  • Analog or digital. Digital pocket watches display the time numerically, while analog watches have hands and need to be read. Analog pocket watches are generally the more popular choice.
  • Before you start shopping around, decide what you would be willing to spend on a watch. Setting your budget beforehand ensures you don’t fall in love with a timepiece that’s out of your price range.
  • Band, chain or strap. Next, you will want to decide how you would prefer to attach the pocket watch to your pants or vest. Bands, chains and straps are all options and each offers a different type of look.
  • Mechanics. Because you’ll want your pocket watch to last for years to come, it helps to learn a bit more about the inner workings. You can refer to reviews to find out more about which brands are most reliable. If you will be purchasing a second-hand watch, speak to the seller about the mechanics as well as the service history of the piece. Overall, metal gears are a much better choice.
  • Usage. How do you plan to use your pocket watch? If it will be an everyday accessory, you’ll want to focus on functionality. If you plan to only wear it on special occasions, you could focus more on the style. If you will be adding the watch to a collection, take your time to find something truly unique.
  • Age. If you are looking for a vintage pocket watch, age will be important. Anything older than 75 is considered vintage and will cost more.
  • Hinged vs. open face. Some pocket watches have hinges and a cover, while others have an open face and will always have the time on display. One drawback of open face options is that the watch face can be damaged more easily.

When choosing a pocket watch, keep in mind that this is an investment. It’s something that you can pass down to your children or grandchildren so take your time to choose a piece that speaks to you.

Tips for Taking Care of a Watch_Martins of Glasgow

Tips to Help You Take Better Care of Your Favourite Watch

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When you look after a watch, you retain its appearance, extend its life and can gain real value from it. Watches are complex and consist of a number of small parts that all play an integral role in its functionality.

We have put together a few tips that will help you take better care of your most loved timepieces.

  • Clean It Regularly

Make a point of cleaning your watch on a regular basis by using a soft cloth to remove any dust from the case. Baby wipes or soapy water and a toothbrush are great for getting rid of stubborn dirt but if you’re dealing with more than just dust, it’s always better to have your watch cleaned professionally, especially if you’re not sure how water resistant your watch is.

  • Have Any Damage Checked By a Professional

You use your arms and hands to do a lot every single day, which means your watch is always at risk of being damaged. While most watches do have an anti-shock system in place, damage can still occur. If your watch is showing damage on the outside, it’s best to have it checked by a professional to ensure everything is still working as it should.

  • Be Careful with Chemicals

Ideally, your watch shouldn’t come into contact with chemicals and perfumes. Certain chemicals can damage both the case and the seals. If your timepiece has a leather strap, this could get damaged too. If you do spray cologne or perfume, wait for the area to dry before you put your watch on.

  • Change Those Batteries

If you have a quartz watch, you will need to have your battery changed once it has been depleted. Over time, you may need to change your battery more often. Mainly because lubrication oils thicken and electronic components age. If your watch is also water-resistant, make a point of testing that functionality on a regular basis too.

  • Don’t Leave It Idle

It’s highly recommended that you don’t let a watch stand idle or unwound for prolonged periods of time. The oils in a watch that keep all of the parts running smoothly only have the right effect when the watch is actually running.

  • Don’t Expose Your Timepiece to Magnets

While it’s not uncommon for a watch to be around magnets, it’s ideal if they’re not exposed to strong magnetic fields for prolonged periods of time. A sign that your watch is reacting to magnets is if it gains time.

  • Read the Manual

Reading a watch user manual might not sound like the most exciting thing in the world but it can help prolong the life of your favourite timepiece. By reading through the user manual, you can also avoid mistakes that could lead to damage or general functionality issues.

If at any point something goes wrong with your watch, don’t try and open it yourself – you could end up causing even more damage. Always have your watch repaired by a professional.

How to Buy a Vintage Watch_Martins of Glasgow

Key Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Vintage Watch

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While it can be exciting to purchase a one-of-a-kind watch, there are a lot of potential pitfalls to be aware of.

Knowing what questions to ask a watch dealer will ensure you’re buying a quality product and that you’re getting your money’s worth.

If you’re new to the world of vintage watches, it can be difficult to know what to look out for but the below guidelines will provide you with some essential insights.

Ask These Questions Before You Buy a Vintage Watch

  • Are there any scratches or rust present on the movement?

The movement ensures that a watch works correctly, so if it’s damaged, you won’t be getting much use out of your new timepiece. If there is any damage, you should be able to get a reduced price but the watch will need to be serviced if you want to restore it to its former glory.

  • Does the watch have a service history?

Reputable watch dealers will be able to show you a service history for the timepiece you’re interested in. Having access to a service history will give you added peace of mind that the watch is in good condition.

  • Does the watch have original parts?

If a watch still has all of its original parts, it’s far more valuable. Ask the reseller to go into detail about any parts that have been replaced as there are certain components that are more important and are better as originals.

  • Is there a record of ownership?

The more information you have about a vintage watch, the better, and asking about the history of ownership will provide you with additional information. Not necessarily information that will make a difference to the functionality of the watch but information that’s interesting. And who knows, the watch may even have belonged to someone famous.

  • Is the timepiece currently keeping good time?

Find out how well a watch is currently working before you purchase it. While some watches work perfectly if they’re cared for correctly, others can develop issues over time. Knowing whether the watch it currently keeping good time will tell you how much work will need to be carried out if you purchase it.

  • What is the cosmetic condition of the watch?

The cosmetic condition of the watch is another aspect to consider before you purchase a vintage timepiece. Look at the appearance of the dial, case, hands and glass because if there are any issues, these should be addressed first.

  • What information can you give me about the watch strap?

The mechanics of the watch are vitally important but it’s still worth asking about the watch strap too. The older a watch is, the less chance it still has its original strap. Finding out more about the strap will tell you how much work it might need.

These are just a few of the most important questions you should ask before you invest in a vintage watch. Taking the time to find a reputable dealer will also provide you with additional peace of mind.

Watch Pressure Testing_Martins of Glasgow

Watch Pressure Testing: A Look at How It’s Done

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A watch pressure test not only ensures that your favourite watch is still water resistant but that it meets manufacturer specifications after being repaired.

This test is generally required when a new battery is fitted or the glass, pusher or winder is replaced, all of which is essential to the level of water resistance.

When a watch is manufactured, a seal is applied to the glass, case back as well as the buttons and pushers. As a watch ages, these seals can begin to wear out, particularly if they need to be removed In order to repair a watch. However, whenever a watch is repaired, it can be re-sealed and a pressure test can be performed.

If the seals of the watch start to dry out and crack, the rubber can be replaced. However, if they are in good condition, the correct greases can be applied to maintain them,

The Basics of Watch Pressure Testing

There are two types of pressure tests that can be performed on a watch.

Water Pressure Test

To test a watch using water, it is first placed in a pocket of air and placed inside a pressurised water testing tank. Once the watch is submerged, the air pressure is gradually released. If there was any air inside the watch, it will try to equalise with the pressure outside the watch, resulting in a stream of bubbles coming out of the leak. If no bubbles appear, it means the watch is airtight. The watch can be tested at different depths too.

The water pressure test does take longer than an air test but it is known to be more accurate and makes it easier to spot which seal has been compromised. A pressure test can be performed in about half an hour so it’s really quick.

Air Pressure Test

Also known as a vacuum test, an air test is completed using a podium that is placed inside an air testing machine. A fine needle is placed on the centre of the watch face before the test can commence. Air is then removed from the machine which creates a vacuum around the timepiece. Again, the air inside the watch will equalise with the pressure outside, which will bend the glass of the watch ever so slightly, which is measured by the needle. For the next few seconds, this measurement needs to be monitored for changes. If the measurement changes, it indicates there’s an air leak. If no change occurs, the watch is airtight.

The air test is also very quick but if the watch has very thick glass, it can make this test more difficult to perform. If the glass is naturally curved, the test results will also be inaccurate.

Before you have your watch repaired, find out whether a pressure test will be performed prior to you collecting it.

The 5 Rarest Watches Ever Made & Sold

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When it comes to collecting vintage watches, it’s all about finding something rare and unique. A higher price is generally one of the indicators that a watch is rarer than most, so it comes as no surprise that some of the rarest watches have been auctioned off for a high sum.

Rolex 4113_Rare Watches

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How to Get Your Money’s Worth When Buying Second-Hand Jewellery

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Affordability is one of the main reasons why people choose to purchase second-hand jewellery but finding quality pieces at the right price can sometimes be tricky, especially if you’ve never purchased second-hand jewellery before.

Tips for Buying Second Hand Jewellery

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Watch Straps – How Daring Are You?

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For some, watch straps & bracelets are merely functional. Others choose their watch strap carefully to reflect their style and personality.  If you’re in the latter category, what watch strap should you choose and how daring are you?

watch straps

 

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Luxury Watches For Women – Top Picks For 2019

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Discover our top pick of luxury watches for women in 2019.  All have the same things in common: Prestige, Quality and Style.

No list of luxury watches would be complete without the inclusion of several world-renowned Swiss brands, names such as Rolex, Blancpain and Patek Philippe.  But don’t overlook France and Italy, countries synonymous with style and fashion, for some designer inspired luxury watches. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder so read on and discover what your choice would be.

Luxury Watches For Women

 

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How To Take Care Of Your Luxury Watch

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Craftsmanship, quality, beauty, and investment. These are just some of the words that spring to mind when thinking of luxury watches.  To ensure your watch retains its beauty and function and lasts a lifetime, you need to know how to take care of your luxury watch.

How To Take Care Of Your Luxury Watch

 

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Best Men’s Watches Under £200 in 2019

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Finding the best men’s watches under £200 can feel overwhelming when there are simply so many watch brands and styles to choose from. So we have put together a list of what we consider to be some of the best men’s watches under £200 – all are great brands, look stylish and are affordable.

best men’s watches under £200

 

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