When you’re shopping for an older guy, it can be tough to find something that’s emotionally significant and meaningful. Although some a card and drinks might be great, there are times when you want to go above and beyond expectations. A watch is a great gift for a man that shows you’ve put thought and effort into finding something special. Instead of just going for an ordinary watch, a vintage model adds an interesting edge to the gift.
Understanding the Meaning of Vintage
The word vintage gets thrown around a lot these days. The descriptor is applied to everything from socks on Etsy to jewelry in boutiques. With so many items getting labeled as vintage, it can be tough to parse out the authentic high quality from the bogus low quality, particularly when it comes to watches. GQ outlines the difference between garbage and vintage watches:
- Garbage: a rusty, nonworking pocket watch found at a flea market
- Vintage: an older wristwatch made by a recognized brand in an iconic style
In other words, rocking vintage is all about recapturing an old school charm. But just because something is dated doesn’t necessarily mean it’s vintage, or at least not the type of vintage that you want on your wrist.
What Vintage Gives You
According to the Watch Snob blog on AskMen, buying vintage can not only yield a better price, but also offer better craftsman ship which can be hard to find in today’s watches in a similar price range. Buying online also is a good idea, as you’ll have more variety, but make sure you do it on a reliable site. Try using a company like TrueFacet to find a vintage watch as the site is staffed by certified, experienced appraisers and has a longstanding reputation. What you don’t want to do is hop on eBay for a purported turn of the century timepiece for the bargain price of $9.99, plus postage.
The fact of the matter is that, for vintage pieces that are high quality, you have to approach your search seriously. Purchasing a watch can be a major commitment, so give some consideration to the type of timepiece you might be looking for, and review your options carefully.
What to Look For
Now that you know the basics between what’s vintage versus garbage, and the benefits of what you can find, it’s time to get more specific. There are some specific things you’ll need to watch for to make sure you know what you’re really buying. According to experts on Men’s Journal, one major element to look for is whether the piece is signed, which means that you should see the maker’s mark on the watch’s case, crown, dial, and movement. A record of service or repair is also great to have if available, but not always necessary. Basically, any vintage timepiece worth your attention is going to have at least some of these details available. Buying a vintage watch is similar to buying antique furniture, with a certain pedigree involved in both.
Pinning Down His Aesthetic
Of course, you can’t forget to factor in what the actual wearer of the watch will genuinely like. The thing about vintage watches is that, just like contemporary watches, they come in every style. One easy place to start is to consider the wearer’s lifestyle. In other words, if he’s an active guy who likes to spend a lot of time outdoors, a sports watch is a good choice. The same applies if he’s more of an indoor type, a simpler design with more upscale materials would be a better fit. Take into account his style of dress and how he spends his days. A man going to an office every day is going to require a watch that’s a little more formal, probably with a leather band and analog face. If you’re unsure about whether he’d like the watch you’re considering, try to remember watches you’ve seen him wear in the past.
Vintage timepieces are a thoughtful and unique gift, and really, every guy needs a good watch.
