When choosing a vintage wrist watch remember, buy what you like to look at. But there are certain things that should be examined. The main thing is the overall condition. A good watch will have had a good caretaker in years gone by. The case should be checked for obvious signs of repair or wear.
Brand names are also important.
The most popular and sought after wrist watch is Patek Phillipe of Geneva, Switzerland. The popularity of Art Deco wrist watches in the past two years renders the perhaps less trendy older watches a better buy now than before. With a little restoration and care from a reputable restorer, these would become valuable antiques of the near future. For the more serious collector-the joy of finding say a 1930s Rolex Oyster, or an original Patek Moonphase is unimaginable. Whatever your choice to buy and wear, in this modern age when most things are produced as quickly as possible, I hope that a hand-made timepiece like one of those mentioned, or like one of the thousands not mentioned, will be a constantly ticking reminder of a time gone by.