When is a watch vintage?

Opinions are divided on when a watch is vintage. Ask any enthusiast, collector or dealer and they will all say something different....

A common definition is: watches aged 25 years and older.

In our opinion, a watch is vintage if it meets at least the following conditions:

1. the watch is at least 25 years old
2. the watch as such is no longer available new
3. the watch has a relevant history or right of origination
4. the watch has style features that are no longer applied

For example, a Rolex Submariner reference 5512/5513 made from 1962 through 1989

Explanation 'why this 1965 Rolex submariner 5513 is vintage'

1. The no-date Submariner in still in collection, as reference 124060, but differs enormously from the vintage Submariners
2. the reference 5513 is the first 40mm Submariner compared to the first Submariners in 37mm and the 5513 is the basis for the COMEX and Military submariners
3. throughout the production cycle, the 5513 was fitted with plexiglass. The first series (up to 1966) had a so-called "Gilt" dial (a special finish of the lacquer and text on the dial)

Example Omega Speedmaster ref. 105,003 from circa 1967

Explanation 'why this Speedmaster is vintage'

1. The Omega Speedmaster is obviously still available new but differs very much from the older "Vintage" Omega Speedmasters
2. The Omega Speedmaster is the "Moonwatch" and worn in several NASA space missions and in 1969 as the first watch on the moon
3. The pre-moon Speedmasters may have a different type of movement (caliber 321 versus 861) ,different case, type of dial etc.