Featuring a blue enamel dial that contrasts beautifully with the luxurious 18k pink gold case, it doesn’t take a watch expert to identify this timepiece as something special. It features the Heures Universelles world time system as patented in the 1930s by horological icon, Louis Cottier. And it’s also the only known reference 2523 to feature the signature of both Patek Philippe and Gobbi Milano. This is not meant to discourage you from learning about these details. If you’re up for it, go down that rabbit hole. It’s more to let you off the hook, helping you understand that you may never reach a scholar-level understanding of vintage, which is completely fine. That’s where your community and the specialists come in.

Vacheron Constantin has been making watches since 1755, but mostly specialising in sports watches. In fact, this is the only model that they have ever offered that isn't a sports watch. It's a classic investment piece that you'll definitely want to consider. Best for: A sparkling and sensuous spectacle, sure to make you feel a million dollars. Manufacturing date:There's also something about an older watch that you can't find in a new watch. They were crafted at a time when workmanship was no longer compromised, and contain history that new watch never could. reference number 1655 and a faded 24-hour hand demand five-figure prices today. This is much more expensive than a brand new Explorer II. Actor Steve McQueen is also said to have worn this timepiece, which only adds to its appeal. Connections to a celebrity are often a significant selling point. This just goes to show that vintage watches are a sound investment and much more than just an easy bargain. Vintage watches are more popular than ever amongst watch enthusiasts all over the world, as you can find high-quality, pre-owned timepieces at affordable prices. Whether you're looking to add to your ever-growing watch collection or are purchasing your first ever investment piece, our collection of vintage watches at Swiss Watch Company is a great place to find the most sought-after designs on the market. For a sportier and edgier watch, you can't go wrong with a classic design from Breitling. Our range of vintage Breitling watches includes iconic models such as their Navitimer model, designed for pilots and aviation enthusiasts, and their Cosmonaute model, which famously made its way into outer space in 1962. Today, the brand is known for its high-quality, reliable and intricate designs.

These virtually indestructible cases are ideal for collectors who frequently attend watch meets, or commute to and from watch auctions and other events. Known as a ‘grail’ watch, highly covetable and superbly desirable, this Patek Philippe timepiece is one of the most mythical and legendary in the horological world—befitting of a brand that has created some of the best men’s watches of all time. In 1941 Patek Philippe introduced one of the most revolutionary and legendary collectors’ watches in the world.

Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 In Steel

Indeed, with its utterly unique profile, made from white gold and featuring a series of polished and diamond-set links, plus a miniature caliber 101 movement (one of the smallest in the world), this watch deserves to be worn in the chambers of historic palaces and to exclusive state functions. A commission for a private client, this Vacheron Constantin timepiece really is the most complicated watch in the world and includes 57 different complications, made up of 2826 individual components and 242 jewels. Ten of those complications were brand new horological inventions at the time of manufacture. Vintage Breitling and vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre watches are generally more affordable than the above, but even more wallet-friendly are a number of chronograph models by the legendary Heuer. This timepiece comes with a reserve of power that lasts over 50 hours. Not only that, but it was the first automatic chronograph watch to ever be made. Fittingly, its name means the first. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso The most popular vintage Audemars Piguet models are the first-generation Royal Oaks, a luxury steel sports model launched in 1972 that gave rise to a whole new genre in high-end watchmaking.

Vintage models are sometimes the only way to acquire watches with specific qualities. Take the Rolex Explorer, for example. Since 2010, Rolex has offered it with a larger, 39-mm case. If you want a smaller size, then you need to look for an older Explorer model. The last 36-mm Explorer had the reference number 114270. You could also take a look at reference numbers 6610, 1016, and 14270. If we told you that top-tier brand Jaeger-LeCoultre crafted this intricate timepiece as a gift for none other than Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate the 60th year of her reign, it would give you some idea of what to expect. Searching for information and comparing prices from a large selection of watches is part of the watch buying experience. This also includes The timepiece features a minute repeater, a tourbillon, and a perpetual calendar with a retrograde date— three of the most cherished watch complications. It also comes with a distinctive blue dial made of Grand-Feu enamel and the movement is housed inside a small 36.8 mm case.

Originally beginning as a diver's watch, this watch eventually ended up as the Bond watch, too. Sean Connery wore it when he was playing James Bond. So if you want to tap into your secret agent side while investing in a rare watch, then this is a good choice for you. With three ranges to choose from, you are guaranteed to find a watch case to suit your collection size. Best for: Proof that stainless steel can also be sophisticated and sought-after. Manufacturing date: retro watch will look like a watch from a certain time period, it is still a new timepiece. They are just made to look the part of something historic. A true vintage watch offers real nostalgia.