When looking for a vintage watch, many people want to buy it from a reputable store, so they start by looking for a store, right?
There are probably many different types of people who want to learn about vintage watches from the very beginning, people who want to know more about their appeal, people who want a vintage watch but want to work with a store clerk to help them choose the one that suits them best, and so on.
For those who want to know a store with proper knowledge and skills if they are going to buy a watch, Uchimura Watch Shop, a long-established watch store founded 80 years ago in Yokohama, will explain everything from what vintage watches are to how to find a store.
What are vintage watches? Things you should know before searching for a store
Before we begin looking for a vintage watch, let's first briefly explain what a vintage watch is.
For those of you reading this article, what do you think of when you hear the words vintage and antique watches?
There are many positive images associated with vintage watches, such as "one-of-a-kind," "full of artisanal skill," "old and charming," and "the image of fashionable people wearing them."
However, there are probably many people who are interested but don't know where to get one, they seem difficult to handle, and are vintage watches even worth anything in the first place...
Why not learn about the characteristics, appeal, and aftercare methods of vintage watches and step into the world of vintage watches?
Fun Facts About Vintage Watches
First, the definition of vintage and antique is that "vintage" is something that was manufactured 30 to 99 years ago, while "antique" often refers to something that was manufactured more than 100 years ago .
When most people hear the word "vintage," wine probably comes to mind first, but the scope of its use has expanded, and it has become a familiar term used to describe a variety of things, including cars, fashion, and furniture.
It has positive meanings, such as "something old and good," "something that is rare," and "something that is cool and has character," and many people enjoy collecting them.
Tracing the origins of clocks, it began with the creation of mechanical clocks in the region stretching from northern Italy to southern Germany around 1300. Over the following centuries, technological innovations included the invention of the pendulum clock and its portability, followed by the development of the "quartz clock," which takes advantage of the property of quartz (crystal) to vibrate precisely when voltage is applied. After the world's first quartz watch, the "Seiko Quartz Astron 35SQ," was released in 1969, quartz watches became dramatically more widespread.
Therefore, watches made before the 1970s are often referred to as "vintage watches".
That is why most vintage watches are mechanical watches. Mechanical watches are powered by a mainspring, and each small part is precisely assembled by skilled craftsmen based on a precise design.
This also means that mass production is not possible, which means that they tend to be expensive.
The Appeal of Vintage Watches
The older the production date, the fewer the number of watches still in existence, making them highly rare. Depending on the brand and watch, they may be worth more than their original price and become an asset.
In addition, they may have designs, plans, and decorations that are not seen in current products. The high quality and sophistication that can only be achieved by craftsmen's handiwork is also one of their charms.
Unlike what is currently being manufactured and sold, it is possible to create something that no one else has and to express your own sense of style and individuality.
Of course, the unique flavor that comes with aging is also an attractive feature, and it is also fun to learn about the previous owners and how the watch traveled around the world.
As you can see, vintage watches are very attractive items, but they also require daily maintenance. When looking for a store, it is a good idea to look for a store that offers maintenance.
Types of stores that sell vintage watches
Now that you have gained some knowledge about vintage watches, let's talk about the store.
When buying a watch, most people will go to a large store first, but when it comes to vintage watches, if you're looking to find a bargain or a watch that you'll cherish for a long time, we recommend you also check out independent stores.
Both large stores and independent stores have their merits, so we recommend that you consider both.
The appeal of privately owned stores
The appeal of privately owned stores is that each one has its own unique character and you can really feel the owner's passion .
The product lineup varies greatly from store to store, and the customer ages and atmospheres are diverse.
If you can find a store you like, it's sure to become a one-of-a-kind place you'll want to return to every time new items arrive!
Many stores have been in business for many years and not only do they have a much greater amount of knowledge, but many also provide personal after-care and maintenance.
The appeal of large stores
Next, let's talk about the appeal of large stores.
The biggest advantages are that they offer consistent service, you're likely to get help no matter which store you go to, and they're often conveniently located, making them easy to get to .
They also have a solid operation in place to deal with any emergencies, so you can choose your watch with peace of mind.
Some stores have knowledgeable staff on-site who can give you advice.
As you can see, independent stores and large stores have different appeals, so I hope you will find a store that suits you best.
If you are looking for a vintage watch from a private shop, try Uchimura Watch Shop.
For those who are thinking of looking for a vintage watch at a private shop first, we hope you will consider Uchimura Watch Shop, the author of this article.
Uchimura Watch Shop has watchmakers on-site who can be trusted to handle everything from purchase to after-sales support and maintenance, providing services tailored to each individual customer.
From here, I would like to tell you about the features and appeal of Uchimura Watch Shop and hope that you will consider visiting us.
About Uchimura Watch Store's services
The greatest strength of Uchimura Watch Shop is that the owner is a watch repair craftsman . As a watch repair technician, he does all repairs in-house without outsourcing.
Vintage watches tend to have particularly precise designs, intricate parts, and structures that are no longer made, so there are repairs that can only be done by watchmakers with a lot of experience repairing vintage watches.
Uchimura Watch Shop recommends that vintage watches be serviced once every four years. Even if your precious vintage watch is not broken, we recommend that you have it serviced by a watchmaker.
First of all, we would appreciate it if you would feel free to contact us for a consultation.
"Battery replacement"
◯Japanese wristwatch ¥2,200
◯ Foreign-made watches ¥2,750
"overhaul"
◯Japanese-made watches (quartz, hand-wound, automatic) from ¥19,800
◯OMEGA · TAG Heuer · HERMES · BVLGARI · etc... ¥22,000～
◯Cartier ¥24,200～
◯ROLEX ¥33,000
For more information on maintenance, click here
Customers looking for vintage watches
"We serve our customers with careful work."
At Uchimura Watch Shop, we have a strong desire to care for each and every customer, and we would love to talk to you about it.
The age range of customers who actually consider vintage watches and visit Uchimura Watch Shop is as follows:
Many customers visit our store for reasons such as: they have more free time at work and want to wear something a step above the rest; they have always been interested in vintage watches and have been searching for one; or they want to purchase their first vintage watch. Most of our customers are in their 30s.
From customers who have actually purchased
・You can purchase with confidence.
・I was able to do regular maintenance and it's in very good condition, so I like it. ・There were many suggestions for belts and other items, so I'm happy to be able to enjoy it as a fashion item.
We receive a lot of encouraging feedback like this, which is very encouraging.
Recently, we have been actively posting on Instagram, which has led to more people in their 20s becoming interested in our store and visiting us.
If you are looking for your first vintage watch, we would be delighted if you would consider our store.
About our vintage watch products
Uchimura Watch Shop selects vintage watches from the perspective of a watch repair technician. "They use durable movements" "They can create a system to ensure repair parts in the future"
We select vintage watches based on the following criteria:
We have picked out a few products from that selection and would like to introduce them to you.
◾️GRAND SEIKO "5641-7000"
Grand Seiko uses the 56 series movement developed in the late 1960s.
The 56 series movement was developed towards the end of the vintage Seiko era, and is very well-made. Its most distinctive feature is its thinness. It is a 50-year-old automatic watch, yet it is very thin, symbolizing the high quality of Japanese manufacturing.
◾️KING SEIKO Bar index
This series was sold as Seiko's luxury line from 1961 to 1975. At the time, it was positioned as Grand Seiko's second line.
This model has been manufactured since 1968, and is a highly accurate high-beat automatic watch with manual winding. It is characterized by its thinness, and the fact that Seiko was able to manufacture such a thin automatic watch 50 years ago shows the high level of technology at the time.
◾️OMEGA Antique Watch No.3
This is a vintage watch that is delicate and easy to match with any fashion, making it a great choice for women.
The band is available in six different colors, allowing you to create the look you want to suit your style.
There is an atmosphere and quality that only antique watches have, and as you get used to it, you will grow to love it despite the effort it takes.
A store that even provides maintenance for vintage watches
When purchasing a vintage watch, you may have the impression that it is difficult and stressful to manage and maintain it.
However, by finding a reliable store, you may be able to eliminate your concerns about maintenance, from daily care to the store.
Once you encounter this brand that has been loved for many years, and the feeling of developing a vintage watch into your own, you're sure to become hooked.
Let Uchimura Watch Shop help you find your favorite vintage watch that will become your lifelong partner.
If you are interested, we would be happy if you would come to Uchimura Watch Shop!