What does Vintage mean?

We always hear about the word vintage. In fact, it is plastered all over this website. But what does it exactly mean?

Are we even using the word correctly? Let’s read further and take a look at the history behind the word “vintage.”

History of the word “Vintage.”

The word ‘Vintage’ was first utilized and brought to life in the mid fifteenth century. Taken from an old French vendage, “vintage” meant “wine harvest.”

So what exactly does ‘Vintage’ refer to that is not related to the wine category?

In our context, meaning what we are concentrating on here on our website, the word vintage is used primarily for the luxury watches, cars and other collectibles we are showcasing.

Geneva archive extract for 1962 18K Patek Philippe automatic ref 3440

Vintage is an older item, that has deep history to it. In many cases, the item will in fact increase in value if maintained properly. We usually mean an old item, which carries certain nostalgic value, and potentially is of high quality. It would be classified as antique and not be less than two decades old.

When it is applied to collectibles, if it is more than 100 years old, it would be considered antique. Again, if it is between two decades to 100 years old, then we would classify it as vintage. Many of the watches that are showcased on this site are not only vintage, but they are restored and repaired in such was that makes them more valuable then the time they were purchased – subsequently giving the buyer an opportunity to pass it down as an heirloom.

Do not mistaken vintage with retro

There is quite a significant difference between vintage and retro. Retro would be labeled as something that is taken after a vintage item. In other words, it is copied to look like vintage. It does not have the history, nor does it have the opportunity to be passed down with class, as a vintage watch would have.

Many of the great watches we have here are not only vintage, but they are restored in a way that makes them timeless, sophisticated and in even some cases – rare.

Here are just several of the a list of some of the watches below that are available for purchase:

S/Steel Rolex Milgauss ref 6541 from 1958

18K Patek Philippe automatic ref 3440 from 1963

18K Patek Philippe automatic ref 3440 from 1962

S/Steel Rolex Explorer ref 1016 from 1966

S/Steel Rolex “Ovettone” ref 6206/84 from 1953

S/Steel Rolex gilt GMT-Master ref 1675 from 1966

S/Steel Rolex gilt GMT-Master ref 1675 from 1965

S/Steel Universal Genève Tri-Compax from 1975 circa

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