Vintage watches and ‘patina’
29 May 2020
Why are old watches more desirable than new watches?
21 October 2021
WRITTEN BY
TIM VAUX
Before I jump into this article, I just want to explain a little more about who I am and why you’re seeing me on Watches83. My name is Tim Vaux and I work for WatchGecko. We keep ourselves busy by creating our own watch straps, watches under the Geckota brand name as well as creating content on all things horology for our Online Magazine. It’s fair to say we’re all watch lovers at WatchGecko, especially when it comes to vintage watches.
This is where Watches83 comes in. What started off as a look at incredible watches on Chrono24 or Instagram (@watches83) ended up with us contacting the Watches83 team in the hope that we could collaborate. We love unusual, under the radar watches as much as the icons which when you look at Watches83 offerings, makes sense as to why we were keen to work together. You’ll probably have seen some of our straps on watches available here, as well as some of Watches83 pieces on our Instagram @watchgecko. We’re excited about working with Watches83 and can’t wait to do more!
Finding quality vintage watches can require quite the hunt. First, you need to decide on what model you are looking for. You’ll need to research that model to learn more about reference numbers, average pricing and how accessible it is. Then the hard work really starts as the hunt begins. Condition is everything when buying vintage and sometimes when the right deal is on the table you have to go for it.
Straps can also be hard to find on vintage watches as there is a lot to consider. In fact, a lot of the time vintage watches are found without straps at all. Over at WatchGecko, we offer a huge selection of watch straps for pretty much every watch style you could think of. I’ll be the first to admit though that this can be quite daunting if you’re dipping your toes into the crazy world of watch straps.
But if you’re a vintage watch owner/future owner and you’re on the hunt for a watch strap there is only one watch strap that you should start with…
THE RADSTOCK VINTAGE & RADSTOCK RACING
One of the biggest plus points for the Radstock strap is the fact it uses a high-quality top grain calf leather. Top grain leather is the second-highest quality leather grain available on the market and is a leather type that allows for greater use. The grain surface has been sanded with a finish applied which gives it that smooth finish. All of these steps and processes essentially mean you won’t need to worry about breaking this strap in. It is extremely soft and supple on the wrist instantly.
Proportions are extremely important when it comes to watches. How a piece fits and feels on the wrist is arguable as important as its function. The same can be said for watch straps as well. In fact, great care is needed when picking the right watch strap as not only do you need to ensure you like the style and it is comfortable, but the width and thickness also needs to work with the watch it is fitted on.
Festina Calibre 15 with Radstock Vintage Blue strap
This is where the Radstock really shines as the majority of more refined vintage watches will suit the Radstock’s proportions. The Radstock Racing and the Vintage version comes in at 2.7mm thick as well as gradually taper in width down from the lugs to the buckle by 4mm. Vintage watches tend to be smaller in size thanks to past preferences meaning the Radstock’s proportions really shine on vintage.
On the surface of things, the Radstock is quite a simple looking strap. It has neat beige stitching throughout, a clean simple buckle and lovely french anti sweat leather for the lining. However, looking closely at the strap will reveal a truly unique design on each strap.
Breitling Chrono-Matic Calibre 11 with Radstock Racing Vintage Dark Brown strap
These straps are actually delicately hand-painted using coloured stains and wax to give the straps a look of burnished and worn leather. As these straps are painted by hand, each one is truly unique, much like your vintage watch the strap will end up on.
The Radstock is available in both the ‘Vintage’ and ‘Racing’ style. The Racing style adds perforations throughout the top half of the strap transforming it to a rally strap. Made popular by its similarities in approach to racing cars where shaving weight off is important, rally straps are one of the most popular strap types available today.
Herma Calypso with Radstock Racing Vintage Blue strap
Even if you’re not behind the wheel of a 1960s Ferrari, the straps also offer breathability for the wearer. Picking up on the purpose aspect of both strap and watch is the name of the game here, and it’s something you can really have fun with: especially with tool watches.
The Vintage version of the Radstock is the clean, sleak, simple yet effective choice. This strap is the better option to go for if you’re rocking a watch that leans more into the dressy aesthetic. A solid option if you are keen to let the unique painting shine.
Zodiac Glorious with Radstock Vintage Brown strap
These straps are all handmade in Spain and available in a range of colours and sizes. Vintage watches have a tendency of having odd lug widths more often than not. Which is why the Radstock (both Vintage and Racing versions) is available in 18,19, 20 and 22mm.
Click here to find out about the vintage strap or click here to check out the racing version of the strap. To begin your vintage watch hunt through the Watches83 store here.
