If you want to get into buying and collecting vintage watches, you will want to learn about the watch before you decide to purchase it. Purchasing a vintage watch is an investment that you want to get right.

1. Time Keeping Ability

Don't assume that the watch will provide you with an accurate reading of the time. Be sure to ask and find out how accurate the watch is at keeping time. Some watches, for example, may drift by a few seconds or minutes a day, and others may require you to hand-wind the watch to keep them on time.

You can use a professional timing app that listens to the sound of the watch and will let you know if, based on the sound, the watch keeps accurate time.

2. Where It Came From

Second, when looking at vintage watches, you should ask what their provenance is, which is basically a fancy way of asking where the watch came from. Find out how many people have owned the watch before. With fewer owners, you are more likely to have a clearer picture of the overall condition of the watch and what it has been through, or any alternations or repairs.

It can also be fun to ask who owned it. There is always a chance that you could run across a watch that was owned by someone famous, which could increase the collector's value of the item.

3. Polishing History

It is okay to polish a watch on occasion. However, you want to avoid a watch that has been over-polished. A watch that has been polished too much can wear away the surface of the watch and what makes it special. It can only be professionally polished so many times in its life and retain its quality. You don't want to purchase a piece that has been over-polished that will diminish its character and value.

4. Parts History

Next, you will want to find out what the history is of the parts inside of the watch. Don't assume that because the watch is vintage on the outside, all of the parts are vintage on the inside. Find out how many or if any of the parts have been replaced over time. Its value will depend upon how many of the parts are actually originals.

5. Stretch

Be sure to check out the stretchiness of the piece. This is more about personal preference than it is about value. Some people like a watch with a tight band, and others like one with a little more stretch and flexibility.

When purchasing a vintage watch, take your time and do a little research on the watch. You will want to find out where it came from, its parts and polishing history, and how accurately it keeps time. You are also going to want to ensure that you like the fit and feel of it as well if you intend to wear it and not just display it.

Reach out to a supplier of watches to ask about products like vintage Accutron watches and other original watches.