Ok guys, its time to learn and understand what you should know about buying a vintage timepiece.

Let me start this off by saying Stylistocrat by R&R are not watchmakers but just gentlemen who are into research. On a recent trip to the Buckhead (Atlanta, GA) area for dinner, I had an opportunity to set next to a gentleman from South Carolina.

He stood 6′5 or so, and was immaculately dressed. I believe he ordered a bourbon (gotta luv the south), and I struck up a conversation. I come to find out this man is Tim Cantrell from South Carolina and one of the South’s finest carriers and distributors of watches.

Thus after a 3 and a half hour conversation filled with cigars and whiskey I knew I had an upcoming issue for the newsletter. Unless you’re lucky to have a family heirloom pasted down from generation to generation like I have been blessed with, (I have my Grandfather’s 1910 Hamilton Gold Pocket Watch, engraved with his name, my fathers, and now mine) you should read this article and find a great dealer and purchase your first vintage watch.

The Gentlemen of Stylistocrat by R&R think this may turn into one of the best investments you can make, plus you have something you can pass down from generation to generation.

If you want a timepiece that everyone will be talking about, a piece that stands out and shows your style or even one that no one else can get then you really need to think about a vintage timepiece. But if you think vintage you need to know it means more than just looking like a slick watch or rare, it should show who you are as a person and reelect your personality. Whether your buying a $500.00 Hamilton or a $50,000.00 Patek Philippe, you have decided to make an investment. The kicker is this investment could pay off dividends over time. But below is what you need to know.

Stylistocrat by R&R shouldn’t even have to tell you this one. The dealer should be a member of some professional trade organization. The best one is the International Watch and Jewelry Guild and Jewelers of America. Once you figure out that this guy isn’t “Jake”, and no I’m not talking about Jacob the Jeweler, but Jake the guy who opens up his jacket and has 30 watches inside his coat like Lenny from “Good Times”, then you can ask to see if the watch your purchasing has a current certificate of authenticity from the manufacturer. If not, you may want to look into another dealer.

There are probably 50 or so serious top brands of watches/timepieces. But the true top three are Patek Philippe, Rolex, and then Omega and yes in that order! What you need to do is stick only to the brands that you know you’re not wasting your time with.

Stylistocrat by R&R wants you know your metals. With contemporary watches (usually those made after 1985), platinum watches are in more demand than white gold, white gold is better than pink or yellow gold. And all of these are better than steel. However, with a vintage watch steel can often be the top of the heep! Why you ask? Steel chronograph made during the war years in the 1940’s is extremely rare, and thus much more unique and valuable! So know your metals! Tell us what you think below…are you into vintage watches???