We’ve learned to put our trust in it. But we all know we can’t rely on it when precision is of utmost importance. In that case, it’s prudent to rely on watches and their mechanical rhythm. The same goes for purchasing a watch. Our taste is a solid guideline in most situations in life. The things we like can make us happy. But if we’re into watches because of their quality and value, then it’s a good thing to hear what collectors and appraisers have to say. We’ll give a few advice that won’t turn you into an expert, but will make navigating horology much easier.

A hundred years is the approximate age for watches to be considered as antiques. The watches that aren’t produced anymore are deemed as “vintage”. All watches built to last have in common the holy trinity of quality: a renowned manufacturer, high quality material they’re made from and integrity. These elements are an underpinning that keeps the watch’s price steady. When making a purchase, the basic information includes everything you can find out on the production starting with the serial number and model. The documentation needs to be complete and, if possible, accompanied by an authenticity certificate. The next thing is the type and amount of valuable material used to make the dial, case, straps and watch mechanism. The final thing that’s evaluated is the condition with punctuality, original parts and lack of surface damage and cracks being important.

Aside from these three fundamental features, there’s a whole array of characteristics whose effect on the watch’s price is harder to determine. The rarer the model, the higher the worth. The more famous models which are always sought after by customers have the highest value. You should pay particular attention to commemorative models issued to commemorate a particular historical event. In general, special additional features providing hints about the watchmaker’s virtuosity are a good tell-tale sign. The overall appearance and appeal are hardest to cover. The watch is as complex as the human heart when we’re trying to determine the formula of romantic infatuation.

Investing revolves around the change in value – market trends and the popularity of styles that defy forecasts. Vintage watches are the most popular ones at the moment with a good future outlook. Luxury watch manufacturers, such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, are a traditional guarantee of value. In 2015 Omega 1968 Seamaster 300 was sold for amounts twenty times as much than in 2007. It’s really fortunate that there’s an Omega watch service in Zagreb, isn’t it? Naturally, such increases are rare exceptions.

Experts warn buyers that watch collecting is profitable only in the long run. Despite the fact that having specialised knowledge of watches made by a particular manufacturer and the watch market may be helpful, the risk cannot be eliminated. The fact that the small, yet vibrant Zagreb watchmaking scene divided the work between itself makes the full information hunt much easier. We’ve mentioned Omega service, whose owner Ivan Puzak rescues Swiss-made watches, whereas Tomislav Volarić, who runs a workshop in Paromlinska Street, has a reputation for being a true connoisseur of Japanese watches. Still, no matter how much information you have, the best thing to do is to follow their example: discover your favourites, don’t focus just on the money and find the joy in the best production possible, creativity and effort. Maybe others will come to appreciate the beauty you already see. And then they’ll want to have it as well.