If you’re in possession of a vintage watch, should you spruce it up or repair it? There are certain dos and don’ts that are associated with a vintage watch. Being an owner of one such vintage watch, the dominant theme to remember is less is more.
The industry norm is to repair a watch after 3 to 5 years. But a lot of vintage watch collectors and enthusiasts tend to avoid that option. Some may service their watch only once in 8 years. Reason being, it works just fine. The repairing of a vintage watch can vary, based on its complexity, age and usage. For instance, if the watch wearer is an occasional one, then a service once every 5 years is very reasonable.
Most of the vintage watches have a significant shelf life. But they eventually require a complete service. But to your benefit, there is no need to send it over to a brand, which can become a costly affair. There are many reputable vintage watch repairing services that can expertly tend to your needs, without charging an exorbitant amount or taking needless amount of time.
But before you browse the internet to shortlist a service for watch repair in Englewood, CO, it is necessary to be mindful of 7 factors that when acted upon may affect the value your vintage timepiece. Without further ado, let’s start:
1. Route for Repairing
You should head out and get at least 2 to 4 quotes for your precious timepiece. More interestingly, there will be different quotations for the exact same service ($300 to $500). In case of servicing, you might opt for paying higher for a better service but you should also avoid overcharging for a service as simple as a battery change. Apart from that, you will come across repairing services that will charge you less because they may not be qualified on paper, but they could be capable nevertheless.
For your particular vintage watch, it is recommended that you look for an expert of watch repair in Englewood, CO, that has knowledge of your brand’s watch. They should be certified and trained professionals with considerable experience in dealing with your watch brand.
2. A Damaged Timepiece is Priceless
There is quite some value in damage. For expensive vintage watches, vintage watch collectors do prefer them in their original condition. They prefer the damaged bezel, crown, hands or dials for that matter. For instance, collectors of Rolex and Swiss watches are a peculiar bunch. They would prefer a scarred wristwatch than a one with replaced parts. Furthermore, polishing such a watch is also a big no-no.
Since these changes are essentially irreversible, you should think twice before undertaking any of the abovementioned repairs. While you should take opinion of your selected expert of watch repair inEnglewood, CO, you should relay your concerns so as to ensure that you and the repairing service is on the same page.
3. Scavenged Parts
For a vintage watch, the first and foremost thing to keep in mind is that it is invaluable in its original condition. A Frankenwatch, as it is called, devalues a vintage watch. More so, it has become a part and parcel of this highly competitive industry. It is something a concerned seller of a vintage watch may communicate to you in advance.
For a vintage watch, you can easily lose $1,000 on it by changing its bezel insert. Never change parts of an original vintage timepiece. This includes bracelet, hands and dials, especially. The vintage watch collector will readily pay handsomely for a vintage watch as opposed to a one with a new bracelet.
In case you have no intention of reselling your vintage timepiece to a collector, you can opt to replace select parts of your watch from a watch repair in Englewood, CO.
4. Repairing the Watch Dial
The true value of a vintage timepiece lies in its overt appearance. Therefore, fret not, if the dial of your vintage watch pales with the passage of time. Repainting an aged dial is optional since evidence of aging adds to value of a timepiece. This is why it is recommended that you should only repair the watch dial from a watch repair in Englewood, CO, when you aspire to pass it on to the next generation.
5. Restoring the Watch Case
Polishing the watch case of a vintage timepiece is one way to decrease its actual value. It is advised that you should only get your timepiece polished from a professional watch repair in Englewood, CO, if you intend to keep it in the family.
6. Replacing the Crown
It is easy to replace the crown of your watch as they are easily available. Be mindful of the fact that if you do not intend to sell it anytime soon, then a vintage watch with replaced parts is a huge turnoff for watch collectors. Due to this reason, keep in mind to take advice of a watch repair in Englewood, CO, and then make an informed decision.
7. Changing the Watch Glass
As with the crown, the watch glass of your vintage timepiece needs to be an original piece; manufactured by the brand itself. It is imperative to replace a damaged watch glass as dirt, dust and moisture can damage the internal components. Before visiting your desired watch repair in Englewood, CO, you should first ensure that they have original parts of your vintage watch.
Final Word
Do keep in mind that not every watchmaker is qualified enough to accurately service/repair your rare vintage watch, but is just enough adept to repair commonplace models. Therefore, when you have a decision on your hands, you need to gauge your options first.
Lastly, before heading over to an expert of watch repair in Englewood, CO, keep in mind all of the abovementioned factors because any repair you undertake is permanent and you stand to lose the actual value of your timepiece.
About Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry
Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry has been providing quality products and professional services to the metropolitan Denver, CO area since 1951. The very first watch repair and service facility ever opened in Colorado. Dan Matheu, watchmaker, pioneered watch repair and services in Colorado. Today, Scott Matheu is at the helm steering Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry. With his vision, Scott opened a watch store in Highland Ranch and has made Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry not only one of the largest watch stores to provide watch repair in Englewood, CO but also the entire state.
Whether you need watch repair in Englewood, CO, watch engraving, or even if you have an antique watch that you would like appraised, you can count on Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry to provide you with superior service each and every single time. All of our watchmakers are factory trained and we have CW21 Certified by the American Watchmakers and Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) on site. This certification has the most stringent standards for watchmakers performing repair, restoration, and service work on watches. With one of the largest service centers in the metropolitan Denver, CO we are not only able to provide watch repair in Englewood, CO but to the entire 50 states as well.
Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry is also a factory authorized service center for Cartier, Tag Heuer, Philip Stein, Swiss Army and many more brands. When you use Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry for your watch repair in Englewood, CO, you can rest assured knowing that you will receive our (3) three-year warranty on major watch repairs that we provide. If you are looking for the best watch repair service center throughout the United States, you cannot go wrong when you choose Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry. With certifications from not only AWCI but SAWTA too, we not only stand out from the pact; we lead it.
