Does anyone here know anything about vintage watches? Is there like an Audiogon on the web, but for watches? I found this site called www.finertimes.com, any experience with this one?

In addition to hi-fi equipment I also like and collect vintage watches. Below are some of my favorite sites with good forums. There are other brand specific sites on the forum devoted specifically to Hamilton, Rolex, LeCoultre, etc. Also, if you have a specific question, I may be able to help.

http://forums.timezone.com
http://chronocentric.com
http://forums.watchuseek.com

>Vintage Watches: Where to start? <

uh, dude, the easy answer is, DON'T!! haven't you already got enough trouble sneaking vintage audio into the house?

uh, dude, the easy answer is, DON'T!! haven't you already got enough trouble sneaking vintage audio into the house?

Well I don't see it becoming too out of control. :D

Pen_man:
Would you know where to find information on an old Ulysses Nardin watch from the 1940s?

Kinda depends on the information you are looking for. If you like, you can start by sending me a pic of the watch. I have several reference books which have sections on Nardin. In addition, at least one of the links I provided has a forum devoted to Nardin. If it is price info you seek, the best source of info is the completed auctions at eBay. If you want to sell the watch, I may be a buyer, let me know.

Thanks for help pen_man. I've googled the web numerous times as well as researched in the local library, but I've never really found much information on this particular brand or model. I'm not going to sell; it belonged to my grandfather.

Leestereo, It is a really nice looker. I did not see anything on this particular watch in my reference books so as to be able to tell you what the model may be. Another good place to look for information is on the watch itself. The case will probably be marked as to its compisition and will usually indicate whether it is stainless steel, 14k gold, 18k gold or gold filled. In addition, if you remove the back, there is usually information on the movement as to the maker of the movement and the model number of the movememt. Many watches were not identified as being a specific model and this information is essential when describing the watch. You should also try the Nardin forum to see if anyone else may know more about it.

I knew I should start my search for vintage watch information here on AK!

With my stereo setup complete (for the moment, anyway) I was pondering my Christmas list and decided that I'd like to get a vintage tank watch as a day-to-day watch.

Given that I'm going to *use* it, should I stick with a more modern watch (post 1950 or so), or would an older watch be OK?

As background: My father used the WWII GI Bill to attend the Kansas City School of Watch Repair, and ran his own shop in an Illinois town of about 1500 in the 1950's -- can you believe that the town actually supported *two* such shops? It did -- but not too well, so Dad sold out to the competition and pursued other things.

His bequest to me includes a selection of pocket watches, including a mid-19th key-winder, which if I'm reading the hallmarks correctly, was made in Birmingham in 1847, an Ansonia mantle clock, a Regulator clock from a schoolhouse, and waiting back in Illinois an early 19th century "trader's clock," as I understand it, with the works made entirely of persimmon. (!)

But -- no wristwatches! They were all sold off during the gold run-up in 1980.

I'll go lurk on the watchuseek forum -- gee, the software looks familiar...

Thanks for the info,

Steve A.

Steve, An older watch is ok if you find one you really like. A good watchmaker can clean the movement, repair it and make it reliable so that is is servicable as an everyday watch. Personally, for an everyday watch I like 40-50's watches because it is possible to get an automatic movement. I suppose I am too lazy to wind every day and an automatic makes life easier!

I only own one vintage watch, and I've had it for twenty years now with nary a problem...here's a webshot of it. It's a hamilton Ventura that I've wanted ever since I saw it in a National Geographic ad. Imagine my surprise when it showed up again in Men in Black! Mine's an older model though, it says "electric" on the dial.

Great watch, the Ventura. I especially like the asymmetric Hamiltons and have added a few to my collection over the years. The Hamilton electric movements are not great time keepers, but the watches can be very interesting. If you are ever interested in selling the Ventura. let me know.