Age necessary?

[swatch]

How old does a watch have to be to be classified "vintage"? Can something from 1991 be considered "vintage" since it is now 20 years old?

[seconds]

I am thinking and wondering if the same watch would be put in the same class with something else from say, 1925. Twenty years is some time back though and if you asked me, that is a vintage watch.

[anotherone]

I think the definition varies by person but in my opinion 1920-1980 is vintage, copies of older eras are called retro, and newer stuff is contemporary or modern, though the exact definitions are disputed. Hope this helps!

[alanshere]

I think 'vintage' is wide in scope but whatever criteria is used to classify the various watches might be based on more than just age. Over and above, I think the age is a vital part of the classification.

[onthedot]

I am not sure when a watch can be labeled "vintage". I think different people have different ideas of what they consider vintage. Some people say twenty-five years old and some say twenty.

[alanshere]

(16-09-2011 02:49 PM)anotherone Wrote:  I think the definition varies by person but in my opinion 1920-1980 is vintage, copies of older eras are called retro, and newer stuff is contemporary or modern, though the exact definitions are disputed. Hope this helps!

That pretty much helps. Where did you get this information from? Does that mean that all the watches from different ages cannot be auctioned at the same time?

[mywrist]

I have a few that are still considered retro but I am looking towards vintage in the near future, at least a few to add to the collection. I do not collect many things but watches are on the list (along with Fedora's).

[wristwatchmad]

I know there is always a confusion among most antiques, between "classic" and "vintage" when it comes to other things, esp. overseas (my mother in law has this issue too). I have heard everything from 25 up to 80.