Our team at Louis Martin Jewelers diligently curate an exceptional range of vintage watches from elite brands from all over the world. Our selection is designed to cater to the various tastes of our clients while providing a seamless shopping experience.
Our commitment to authenticity is paramount. Each vintage watch undergoes a thorough verification process by certified experts to ensure its genuineness: Detailed examination of movement and serial numbers, checks on original components. and provision of a certification of authenticity.
We understand the value of peace of mind when purchasing luxury items. All of your data is stored securely and we offer complimentary, insured shipping on all vintage watches, ensuring they arrive at your doorstep by our trusted courier service.
Vintage dress watches are chosen for their understated elegance and simplicity, ideal for formal wear and appreciated for their classic luxury.
Enthusiasts opt for vintage diving watches for their robust features like water resistance and durability, suitable for adventurous spirits and practical use.
Aviation watches attract those fascinated by their pilot-specific functionalities and large, readable dials, making them perfect for aviation enthusiasts and collectors of historically significant timepieces.
Chronograph watches are favored for their precision and stopwatch capabilities, appealing to those who appreciate detailed timekeeping and multifunctional design
Vintage military watches are preferred for their rugged build and rich historical value, ideal for those interested in durable watches with a story.
Field watches are chosen for their straightforward durability and ease of use, perfect for outdoor activities and everyday casual wear.
Luxury vintage watches are sought after for their exceptional craftsmanship and status, attracting collectors who desire to own aesthetically superior and historically rich timepieces.
Small cases under 34mm offer a traditional aesthetic or favored for ladies watches, medium cases from 34mm to 40mm balance visibility and comfort, while large cases over 40mm make bold statements and improve readability.
Round cases provide a timeless comfort, square or rectangular shapes offer a distinctive style, and other unconventional shapes like tonneau add unique flair to any collection.
Leather straps adapt to your wrist shape for comfort, metal bracelets are durable and stylish, and fabric/nylon bands are light and breathable for everyday use.
Narrow bands suit delicate, vintage looks and lighter wear, whereas wide bands provide a modern appearance and distribute weight more evenly for added comfort.
Buckle clasps on leather offer a traditional fit, deployment clasps on metal bracelets provide secure and easy handling, and other unique fasteners may affect both style and comfort.
Watches from renowned brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe, especially those that are rare or have historical importance, typically see an appreciation and value. Choosing a watch with a unique story or limited production can significantly enhance its investment potential.
Watches connected to significant events or figures, such as those worn by celebrities or featured in notable films, often command higher resale prices due to their collectability.
The most valuable vintage watches are those that maintain their original components. Dial, movement, and casing. Ensuring the presence of original box and papers can also greatly increase a watch's market appeal.
Staying informed about current market trends helps predict which vintage watches might grow in value. An understanding of what collectors seek allows you to make savvy investment choices.
Regular maintenance performed by certified professionals ensures that a watch not only functions impeccably but also retains its value over time. A well-documented service history makes a watch more appealing.
Considering vintage watches as a long-term investment can be rewarding. The market's fluctuations requires patience and strategic buying and selling approach, often leading to significant returns.
When investing in a vintage watch, thorough research and consultation with experts are essential. Buy from reputable dealers like us at Lewis Martin Jewelers to ensure authenticity and quality. Securing not just a beautiful timepiece, but also a viable financial asset.
In the world of horology, we classify a timepiece as "vintage" when it has graced wrists for at least 20-30 years. Our curated collection at Louis Martin Jewelers showcases exceptional examples from the golden eras of watchmaking—the 1950s through the 1990s. These aren't merely old watches; they're historical artifacts that capture the evolution of craftsmanship and design. Each piece tells a story through its unique patina, mechanical ingenuity, and design elements that contemporary watchmaking has largely abandoned.
Absolutely! Many of our clients incorporate their vintage treasures into their daily rotation with remarkable success. Pieces from the 1960s forward were often built with impressive durability that stands the test of time. I recommend having our master watchmakers service any vintage piece before making it your daily companion. This ensures proper lubrication, sealing integrity, and optimal performance. While some exceptionally rare pieces might be better reserved for special occasions, most vintage watches were created to be worn and enjoyed.
Our commitment to quality begins long before a watch enters our showcase. Each potential addition undergoes a rigorous multi-stage evaluation by our team of certified horological experts. We meticulously examine everything from movement accuracy and originality to case condition and dial preservation. Our watchmakers disassemble and inspect each movement component by component, ensuring everything meets our exacting standards. This uncompromising approach is why collectors and enthusiasts have trusted Louis Martin Jewelers for over four decades.
Our collection spans prestigious names including Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. Our passionate buying team traverses the globe to find exceptional examples with verified histories and uncommon configurations, offering a diverse collection that represents the pinnacle of horological artistry.
Authentication is one of our core specialties at Louis Martin Jewelers. Our team brings decades of combined experience to this critical process, employing both traditional knowledge and advanced techniques. We examine each component—from movement engravings and dial printing to case hallmarks and bracelet construction—comparing them against period-correct examples and manufacturer records. This comprehensive approach gives you absolute peace of mind that your investment is genuine in every detail.
We certainly do. Our restoration services represent the perfect union of traditional watchmaking arts and modern precision techniques. Our dedicated watchmakers specialize in vintage timepieces, understanding their unique challenges. From basic maintenance to complete movement rebuilds, we approach each project with reverence for the original craftsmanship. We use period-appropriate components while maintaining the watch's historical integrity and value. Many clients are astonished to see their beloved timepieces restored to their former glory.
Finding your ideal vintage companion is a delightfully personal journey. Consider your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. Are you drawn to the understated profile of a dress watch, the purposeful design of a dive model, or perhaps the technical intrigue of a chronograph? Next, consider practical elements like case size (vintage pieces often wear smaller than modern counterparts) and your comfort preferences. Our experts take the time to understand your personal style and wearing habits, introducing you to pieces that might speak to you in unexpected ways.
The investment potential of fine vintage timepieces has been remarkably strong over the past several decades, particularly for prestigious brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Omega. Well-chosen vintage watches have demonstrated impressive appreciation over time. Key factors influencing value growth include rarity, originality, condition, and historical importance. Limited production models, unusual dial variations, and pieces with documented provenance tend to perform exceptionally well. While we share market insights regarding investment potential, we always encourage selecting a piece that brings you genuine pleasure.
When evaluating a vintage timepiece, focus on four essential elements: authenticity, condition, originality, and provenance. Confirm that all components are genuine to the period and match the specific model. Assess the overall condition; look for a well-preserved case with crisp edges, an original dial without destructive restoration, and a clean, functioning movement. Originality is paramount; replacement hands, refinished dials, or incorrect bezels significantly impact value and collectability. At Louis Martin Jewelers, we've already performed this rigorous evaluation on every piece in our collection.
