5 things you should know when collecting vintage watches

This may seem obvious to watch veterans, but it's an important note for beginner collectors nonetheless: the rule of thumb with vintage timepieces is that the fewer modifications the better "The more authentic the watch is to its time period, the more valuable it will be today," says Jonathan Darracott, Bonhams' global head of watches So if the watch has had new pushers added, or a crown design that simply didn't exist during that particular decade, proceed with caution.

Going diving this summer? Check out these water-resistant watches When watches get reserviced, luminescence is added to the dials so they continue to be visible in dark settings A vintage watch that has been kept as pristine and untouched as possible will have naturally faded luminescence; if the dial is glowing brighter than it should for its age, it's a fair indication that the watch has been reserviced over the years, and therefore not worth as much.

Look at the historical milestones and the major technological evolutions of the watch's brand. . Source