Watches have become integral pieces in a person’s wardrobe and way of life. It’s not just about wearing a striking piece of jewellery, rather they can say something about your personality and style. They provide a functional purpose, and when cared for properly – they can also be passed through the generations. If you currently own a cherished vintage watch that you want to pass down through the generations, here are some tips that will ensure it’s possible.
When Is the Right Time to Pass Down a Vintage Watch?
Before we even look into the steps to preserving your watch and keeping it in like-new condition, it’s important to think about when the right time is to pass it down. If you’re a parent then you’re in luck because you’ve got several ideal opportunities.
Some of the best times to pass down a vintage watch include:
· Your child’s graduation (high school or college/university)
· Your child’s wedding day
· Your child’s first day at a new job
· When they purchase their first house
· Your adult child welcomes the birth of their child
It’s the perfect milestone gift, meaning it is meant to signify an important and transformative moment in someone’s life. The way and occasion in which you pass down the vintage watch will influence how your child will pass it down too. Those life events that fill you with pride, love and appreciation are the perfect moments for a gift of this kind of meaning.
Can Any Watch Be Passed Down?
So which watches are best to pass down to your child and move through the generations of your family? It doesn’t have to be a “High Quality” such as Rolex or Patek etc. (although that would obviously be very nice!) The idea is that it is a watch that means something to you and future generations. That it’s worn and loved, and not sitting in a box somewhere for safekeeping. This means it needs to be durable and long-lasting.
As for the style, you don’t have to worry about that too much as a vintage watch will never be out of fashion. There is something so eye-catching about a unique-looking watch that fashion and trends won’t matter.
As more and more people move to smartwatches, the appeal of vintage watches will only end up growing, which will likely increase their value. They are classics for a reason, and today’s technology simply can’t take that away. A mechanical watch will always hold a sense of nostalgia about it, as you’re certainly not going to pass down the latest Apple Watch and so forth.
Caring for the Vintage Watch Is Incredibly Important
Just as it’s important to invest in a good quality watch, you also want to be sure you keep up with the maintenance. This means regular cleanings, repairs when necessary, having the watch “tuned up” if needed, and storing it safely and properly. All of these steps ensure it can be enjoyed for generations to come.
And speaking on repairs specifically, be sure to only take it to a trusted professional. Never attempt repairs yourself as you could make the issue worse, or break it beyond repair.
Replace the Strap if Needed
And if the watch isn’t quite the right size for your child, not to worry as you can easily replace the strap. Just be sure to once again focus on quality so it holds up over time. Many types of straps are adjustable, so that means the jeweller can put links in or take them out as needed.
If you need advice on how to care for a vintage watch, need repairs, or want to have a new strap put on, be sure to contact us at Martins of Glasgow. We have plenty of experience working with all types of popular watches and we want to ensure your vintage watch stays in pristine condition.