Question 1

Are Cartier watches made in Paris?

Accepted Answer

No, Cartier watches are not made in Paris. While Cartier’s head office is located in Paris, Cartier watches are crafted in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. This area of Switzerland is known for its high-quality watchmaking. Shop a wide range of Cartier watches on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What is a vintage watch?

Accepted Answer

A vintage watch is any watch that is at least two decades old. A model number can usually be found on a watch's movement for identification purposes, and date marks on the back of a watch can usually tell you if it is vintage. Vintage timepieces have made a comeback for serious collectors as well as casual enthusiasts all over the world. Find a collection of vintage watches on 1stDibs today.

Question 3

What is a vintage-style watch?

Accepted Answer

A vintage-style watch is a contemporary timepiece with a design that draws inspiration from watches produced in previous eras. To be considered a vintage watch rather than a vintage-style watch, a timepiece must be at least 20 years old. Antique watches are at least 100 years old. Explore a wide variety of vintage watches on 1stDibs.

Question 4

How can you tell if a watch is vintage?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way to determine if a watch is vintage is to look for a date on the back. If the date is more than 20 years old, the timepiece would be considered vintage. If a watch lacks a date, a certified appraiser has the knowledge and experience needed to determine its age. Find a variety of watches on 1stDibs.

Question 5

Is there gold in vintage watches?

Accepted Answer

The gold content of a vintage watch will depend on the make and model of the watch. Gold is a popular choice for luxury watches due to its finish and yellow-golden hue that can be achieved through gold or gold-plated bands. Shop a wide selection of expertly vetted vintage watches on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is the most sought-after vintage watch?

Accepted Answer

There is no single most sought-after vintage watch. Trends in collecting do vary over time, but some watches have reached an iconic status and tend to remain popular among collectors year after year. Examples of such watches include the Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 105.003, the TAG Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133B, Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 96, Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 5402, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921, the Longines 13ZN Chronograph, the Zenith El Primero Ref. A384, the Tudor Submariner Ref. 7928, the Breitling Navitimer Ref. 806, the IWC Big Pilot Ref. 5002, the Cartier Tank Louis Cartier, the Breguet Type XX, the Universal Genève Polerouter, the Seiko 6139 "Pogue," the Hamilton Ventura and the Omega Seamaster 300 Ref. 165.014. Shop a diverse assortment of vintage watches on 1stDibs.

Question 7

How old is my vintage watch?

Accepted Answer

To determine how old your vintage watch is, first do some research using trusted online resources. Start by looking at the back of your watch to see if there are any numbers, such as serial or model numbers. Cross-referencing these numbers with online reference guides can often give you a rough idea of when a watch was produced. If you can't find any type of identifying number, you can learn more about the maker to find out when it crafted similar watches or have a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert assist you with the dating process. Shop a wide range of watches on 1stDibs.

Question 8

How do I identify a vintage Hamilton watch?

Accepted Answer

To identify a vintage Hamilton watch, grab a magnifying glass and look for its model number, serial number and case number. Most timepieces produced by Hamilton will display one, two or all three of these numbers. The model and case numbers generally appear on the back of the case, and you can usually find the serial number on the lugs. You can enter these numbers into the search tool on the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors's official website to learn about your watch's age, style name and other characteristics. If you have any difficulty, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can help you. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of vintage Hamilton watches.

Question 9

How can I tell if my Seiko watch is vintage?

Accepted Answer

Seiko watches include a few different identifying marks. Before 1970, serial numbers were seven digits, and limited-edition models had a piece number. Modern Seiko watches have a six-digit serial number, which includes the manufacturing date. You can also shop expertly vetted vintage Seiko watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 10

How do you identify a vintage Omega watch?

Accepted Answer

To identify a vintage Omega watch, first find its serial number. On most vintage timepieces, this number appears on the inside of the caseback. By cross-referencing the number with the information provided by trusted online resources, you can learn what model your watch is and discover other details like its ownership history. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of vintage Omega watches.

Question 11

How do you date a vintage LeCoultre watch?

Accepted Answer

To date a vintage LeCoultre watch, the best approach is to use the serial number. You can cross-reference the number on your timepiece to information published on trusted online resources to determine its year of production. The serial number appears on the watch's movement, so it's necessary to remove the case back to examine it. If you're unfamiliar with how to do this safely, you may wish to have an authorized repair person open your watch. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Jaeger-LeCoultre watches.

Question 12

How do I wind a vintage Omega watch?

Accepted Answer

Wind a vintage Omega watch by twisting the crown at the side in a clockwise direction. Stop winding once you feel the movement of the crown stop. Browse a range of authenticated vintage and contemporary Omega watches from top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 13

How do I identify my vintage Omega watch?

Accepted Answer

To identify your vintage Omega watch, first find its serial number. Those made before 1944 have seven-digit numbers; from 1944 on, the numbers have eight digits. On vintage models, the serial number is engraved on the inside of the case back.You can cross-reference this number online to find out what model your watch is. Explore a wide variety of Omega watches on 1stDibs.

Question 14

How can you tell if an Elgin watch is vintage?

Accepted Answer

All Elgin watches are at least vintage, if not antiques. In the 1960s, the Elgin National Watch Company discontinued its watch production, and by the 1980s, the Elgin brand was phased out completely by the company it had previously merged with. Since any timepiece between 20 and 99 years old is vintage, many Elgin watches fall under that category. Any Elgin watch that is 100 years old or older is antique. You can identify an antique Elgin watch using the serial number, which you'll find inside the movement. By cross-referencing the serial number found on your timepiece to information published on trusted online resources, you can identify its year of production. If your watch doesn't have a serial number, it was likely produced in the 18th century, making it an antique. If you'd like assistance with dating your watch, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Shop a variety of Elgin watches on 1stDibs.

Question 15

What is the best vintage Omega watch to buy?

Accepted Answer

The best vintage Omega timepiece to buy is largely a matter of personal preference. The Seamaster and Speedmaster are two timeless options available in a variety of finishes and styles. No matter which watch you choose, only buy from a reputable dealer or online platform to ensure you receive an authentic timepiece. You'll find a collection of expertly vetted Omega watches on 1stDibs.

Question 16

How can I tell if a vintage Cartier watch is real?

Accepted Answer

To authenticate a vintage Cartier watch, remove the case back and you’ll see the brand name inscribed. “CARTIER” is located at the seven o’clock or ten o’clock markers and “SWISS MADE” under the six o’clock marker on genuine watches. Counterfeiters often omit these details or even spell the brand name wrong. Cartier watches have a substantial weight due to the high quality materials used to craft the timepiece, and a lightweight watch could be an indication that your piece is a fake. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of genuine Cartier timepieces from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 17

How can you tell if a vintage Gucci watch is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a vintage Gucci watch is real, look for a serial number on the back of the case and/or on the original box if you have it. Then, contact Gucci customer service by phone for assistance with authentication. If you are unable to find a serial number, the best approach is likely to take the timepiece to a knowledgeable appraiser who can authenticate the item. Find a range of Gucci watches on 1stDibs.

Question 18

How do I take the back off a vintage Omega watch?

Accepted Answer

Unless you have training in jewelry repair, you should not take the back off a vintage Omega watch on your own. Opening the timepieces requires a specially designed tool available only to jewelers authorized to service Omega watches. Shop a selection of Omega watches on 1stDibs.

Question 19

Are old vintage watches worth anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some old vintage watches are worth something. There is often a market for vintage pieces from well-known watchmakers, such as Patek Philippe, Omega, Rolex, TAG Heuer, Audemars Piguet, Longines and Breitling. Generally, the maker, type, materials, age and condition will largely determine the potential value of a vintage timepiece. If you'd like to find out how much your watch may be worth, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer. Explore a variety of vintage watches on 1stDibs.

Question 20

How can I tell if my vintage Omega watch is real?

Accepted Answer

You can check if your vintage Omega watch is the real deal by cross-referencing the serial number stamped on the watch. The serial number is seven to eight digits long, and if it doesn’t match the company’s database, this is a serious red flag that can indicate that the piece is fake. You can also shop expertly vetted vintage Omega watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Paris Vintage Watch

1980s French Artisan Paris Vintage Watch

Obrey, Paris Elegant Silver Watch Bracelet

1980s Modern Paris Vintage Watch

Cartier Paris gold plated tank watch

1980s Modern Paris Vintage Watch

Cartier Paris gold plated tank watch

1980s Modern Paris Vintage Watch

Cartier Paris gold plated tank watch

1980s Paris Vintage Watch

Cartier Paris gold plated Tank watch

1970s French Paris Vintage Watch

Boucheron Paris 18k Gold Braided Watch

1990s Modern Paris Vintage Watch

Cartier Paris Roman dial vermeil Tank watch

20th Century French Paris Vintage Watch

Cartier Paris Yellow Gold Lady's Classic Watch

1990s French Paris Vintage Watch

Celine Paris Gold Watch New in box Circle Face Wrist watch

20th Century Swiss Paris Vintage Watch

Cartier Paris Gold and Diamond 'Trocadero' Ladies Watch

1970s Paris Vintage Watch

Cartier Paris 7825 18K Yellow Gold Mechanical Vintage Watch

1980s Paris Vintage Watch

Cartier Vendome Rondo 18k White & Yellow Gold Paris Dial Watch

20th Century Paris Vintage Watch

CHAUMET Paris 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Griffith Quartz Watch

Mid-20th Century Paris Vintage Watch

Mid-century Van Cleef & Arpels Paris 18K Gold "Drawer" Watch

1970s French Paris Vintage Watch

Cartier Riviera Paris Vintage Yellow Gold Ladies Mechanical Wrist Watch

1980s French Paris Vintage Watch

Cartier Paris Centure Yellow Gold Mid Size Mechanical Wrist Watch

1990s French Art Deco Paris Vintage Watch

Cartier Paris Rose Gold Tonneau shaped Large ladies watch. Circa 1996

1990s Paris Vintage Watch

Cartier Paris Rivoli 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Lugs & Deployment Buckle Watch

1970s French Paris Vintage Watch

Cartier Paris Vendome Large Automatic Watch with Deployant Buckle, circa 1975

1970s French Retro Paris Vintage Watch

Vintage Cartier Paris Manual Wind Dial 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Watch

20th Century Swiss Paris Vintage Watch

Vacheron Constantin for Cartier Paris 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Ladies Watch

1980s Swiss Art Deco Paris Vintage Watch

Carter Paris Trinity Vendome Watch, Ref. 11034 . Ladies small, Circa 1980'S

1990s Swiss Art Deco Paris Vintage Watch

Cartier Paris Must Sterling Silver Ladies Tank Watch Quartz , Circa 1990's

1970s French Retro Paris Vintage Watch

Obrey Paris 1970 Retro Modernist Unisex Wrist Watch In Gilded Sterling Silver

20th Century French Paris Vintage Watch

Ladies Chaumet Paris Elysses 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Bracelet Watch

1950s French Retro Paris Vintage Watch

Mauboussin Paris 1950 Mido Skeleton Round Watch pendant Stainless 18kt And Onyx

1980s Swiss Paris Vintage Watch

Midsize must de Cartier Vemeil Paris 30mm Quartz Gold Plated Dress Watch NA135

1970s European Paris Vintage Watch

Cartier Paris Vendome 2-Tone Large Watch 34mm, Manual wind, Circa. 1973-1976

1990s Swiss Modern Paris Vintage Watch

18K Yellow Gold Barthelay (est 1931) Paris Automatic 32mm Mens' Watch with Date

1970s French Modern Paris Vintage Watch

Vintage Cartier Paris Vendome Small Watch manual wind. Choice of Black or Roman

1930s French Art Deco Paris Vintage Watch

UTI Paris 1930 Art-Deco Odd Shape Pocket Watch In Solid 18Kt Yellow Gold

Late 20th Century European Art Deco Paris Vintage Watch

Cartier Paris Vendome pm 2-Small Tone Watch 26mm Manual wind. Circa 1973-1976

1980s Swiss Art Deco Paris Vintage Watch

Cartier Paris Vendome LC Trinity GM large size watch 18K Tri- Color Circa 1980'S

1950s European Retro Paris Vintage Watch

Boucheron Paris Diamond White Gold Wristwatch

1970s Swiss Modern Paris Vintage Watch

Piaget Altiplano Clous de Paris two tone 26mm

1990s Swiss Paris Vintage Watch

Cartier Diamond Panther Cuff Bangle Watch

Late 20th Century Paris Vintage Watch

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Calatrava Clous de Paris Mens Wristwatch

1980s French Modern Paris Vintage Watch

Christian Dior Paris, France. Ladies' wristwatch in stainless steel. 1980s.

1980s Paris Vintage Watch

Cartier Baignoire Paris 18K Yellow Gold & Factory Diamond Gran De Ris Bracelet

1970s French Modernist Paris Vintage Watch

Melvin Sokolsky
School Yard Sky Watch, Paris, 1963