| I receive frequent communications from people who | | | | importance; |
| wish to purchase a vintage watch with the intention of | | | | - Aim for the most sought-after model. It is better to |
| passing it down to a favoured son (or daughter). This | | | | pay a premium for a quality example of a watch that |
| is a thoughtful and admirable act that can encourage | | | | has a high Collectibility quotient than fewer dollars for a |
| an interest by future generations in family history and | | | | less interesting example of the same brand; |
| add to the cache of family treasures. | | | | - Source a watch with original box and papers if at all |
| Providing that a benefactor has delivered the first | | | | possible. If not possible, research and acquire an |
| recipient a rich or happy childhood uncontaminated by | | | | authentic box from the period. With some watch |
| major trauma or tyranny, an heirloom watch can act | | | | manufacturers, such as Omega and Patek Philippe |
| as a powerful anchor that propels the wearer back in | | | | you may seek an extract from their archives. This |
| time to savour shared and cherished moments. | | | | helps providing provenance for the watch and |
| In more egoistic terms, an heirloom watch is a way to | | | | confirms authenticity; |
| be remembered. Let's face it, most of us would like to | | | | - Consider having your name and that of your wife |
| be remembered fondly after we have shuffled off this | | | | expertly engraved on the case back, along with the |
| mortal coil, and very few of us would like NOT to be | | | | date you acquired the watch. While it may discount the |
| remembered at all. As Mother Teresa said, "One of | | | | value of the watch by about five percent, it increases |
| the greatest diseases is to be nobody to anyone". | | | | its heirloom value and forever establishes a connection |
| If you are thinking of buying a vintage watch for the | | | | with the original benefactors; |
| purpose of it becoming a family heirloom, below are | | | | - Consider documenting by hand on a piece of |
| some ideas about how to make it a truly cherished | | | | parchment the reasons for your choice of heirloom |
| object: | | | | and add a portrait of the benefactors; |
| - Do your homework on both watch and potential | | | | - Buy one or two parts movements in good condition |
| sellers. Many people have become casualties of | | | | over time so future watchmakers will have a source |
| dishonest sellers and dealers offering fake or | | | | of parts if repairs are needed. Make sure they are |
| 'put-together' examples of collectible vintage watches. | | | | housed in special containers and are packed in cotton |
| Part of the fun of acquiring a vintage heirloom watch | | | | or a material that will not corrode the plating on the |
| can be the research, so get to know enough detail to | | | | movements; |
| be able to make an astute purchase. Joining vintage | | | | - Consider having a wooden box especially fashioned |
| watch forums such as Timezone and Watchuseek | | | | to contain papers, watch box, watch, parts |
| can be a good first start; | | | | movements and any other memorabilia; |
| - Go for a precious metal case if at all possible. Apart | | | | - Keep the piece in good condition with regular |
| from being non-corrosive, gold or platinum adds extra | | | | servicing (Around every five years). |
| allure to the treasure aspect of an heirloom; | | | | Finally, Wear the watch as a special occasion or dress |
| - Choose the best movement calibres. Research the | | | | watch and encourage the intended recipient, with |
| internet and vintage watch forums for consensus on | | | | gentle reminders like "One day this will be yours", to |
| the most collectible and sought-after movement series. | | | | covet the piece. Hopefully, if you've done your |
| Get to know and understand what makes the | | | | parenting well the intended recipient will not consider |
| movement special - its history, design and horological | | | | bumping you off for the value of a watch! |