Vintage watches are having a moment in 2026. While oversized statement pieces have dominated previous years, this year’s collectors are drawn to smaller, more delicate vintage timepieces that offer understated elegance. However, these beautiful timepieces require special attention due to their age and delicate construction. “There’s something special about wearing a piece that has its own history and character,” begins Blake. “Modern watches, whilst technically superior, often lack the personality and craftsmanship found in vintage pieces. Each scratch and patina tells a story, making every vintage watch truly one-of-a-kind, allowing wearers to express individuality whilst investing in something with lasting value. And, with the right care, these timepieces can last for generations. Here are my top tips for keeping these delicate pieces in pristine condition.”

Use Gentle Cleaning Methods

Never submerge a vintage watch in water unless you’re certain it’s water-resistant. Instead, use a soft, lint-free, slightly damp cloth to wipe the case and crystal. For metal bracelets, a soft-bristled brush can remove dirt from hard-to-reach areas. “The gentler you are, the better,” Blake advises. “Harsh chemicals or abrasive materials can damage delicate finishes and components that simply can’t be replaced.”

Service Regularly

Vintage watches need professional servicing every three to five years. A qualified watchmaker can clean the movement, replace worn parts, and ensure everything functions properly. “Think of it like servicing a classic car,” Blake explains. “Regular maintenance prevents small issues from becoming expensive problems.”

Store Properly When Not Wearing

Keep your vintage watch in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and magnetic fields. A watch box with soft lining provides ideal protection. “Magnetic fields from electronics can affect the movement’s accuracy,” Blake notes. “Proper storage protects against both physical damage and environmental factors that can cause deterioration.”

Wind Manually with Care

If you have a manual-wind vintage watch, wind it gently and consistently. Stop when you feel resistance to avoid overwinding. “Vintage mechanisms are more delicate than modern ones,” says Blake. “Forcing the crown can damage the mainspring, leading to costly repairs.”

Avoid Extreme Conditions

Keep vintage watches away from extreme temperatures, humidity, and water exposure. Even watches that were once water-resistant may have deteriorated seals. “These watches weren’t designed for the rigours of modern active lifestyles,” Blake warns. “Treat them as the delicate treasures they are, and they’ll reward you with years of reliable service.”

How To Choose the Right Timepiece for You

“The beauty of vintage watches is their imperfections and character, but that doesn’t mean you can neglect their maintenance. Regular care maximises their odds of remaining functional and beautiful for years to come. I always advise collectors to build a relationship with a trusted watchmaker who specialises in vintage pieces. They can provide invaluable guidance specific to your watch’s make and model. With proper attention and care, a vintage watch can become a cherished heirloom, passed down through generations whilst retaining both its charm and value.”

Want to know how the master watchmakers became world-famous horologists? Read our exclusive interview with Roger W Smith.

The post Why Vintage Watches Are Capturing Collectors’ Hearts This Year  appeared first on Best of Living.

Research the Market

“Buying art and antiques is a passion driven business – but even so, the best collectors always do their research and find out as much as they can about the artefact they are about to bid on. Read around your desired artist or object and talk to specialists in the auction industry. Any specialist will always be happy to share their knowledge; as every good auction house should.”

Compare Values

“Auction estimates are just a guide. On the day, the market decides whether they agree with the auctioneer by directing bids as they appear. Value will be determined by a number of factors, but the most important to consider are authenticity of the work, followed by rarity, condition and provenance.”

Buy the Best

“For maximum investment, the old adage about buying the best you can afford is always great advice. Obviously, this can be difficult if you have a passion for a big name artist, but if this is the case and bidding is fierce, drawings, prints and editions can give collectors a starting point for their portfolio. If money is not a concern always buy the very best you can.”

Decide How to Bid

“These days, there are so many ways to execute your bid at auction. You can set your limit and leave the bid with the auctioneer in advance of the sale, or jump on the web or phone and bid live as the auction progresses. The best way, in my opinion, is to attend a live sale. This way, you can check out the atmosphere and enjoy the experience with a great auctioneer. It is thrilling stuff to witness and an experience you will always remember.”

Always Bid One More

“As an auctioneer I would say this, wouldn’t I? But it is so important to have no regrets. If you really want something and you are at the final stages of bidding, try not to fall at the final hurdle. Any serious collectors will quickly forget that extra bid in years to come if you are ultimately successful winning the item of your desire.”

Check It Fits

“This sounds simple, but it is actually a very common bidding blunder. Even I have got carried away with bidding on something I fell in love with at auction, only to fall foul of not checking the dimensions of where it would fit once I got it home. Don’t make an expensive mistake: it only leads to a headache.”

Enjoy the Process

“Auctions are tremendous fun – sometimes nerve-wracking and other times euphoric. Either way, the process of viewing and then bidding on incredible artefacts should always be a memorable one. Soak up the atmosphere: you could be going home with an exquisite edition to your collection.”

The post Become the Winning Bidder With This Guide to Auction Success appeared first on Best of Living.

Are there any antiques or collectible categories that are in demand among high-net-worth collectors right now?

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but anything with strong provenance and that tells a good is always highly sought after. Increasingly we are seeing traditional oak furniture and folk art being paired with modern British and Irish art which can create a great ‘history’ of British visual culture. We have seen interior designers move away from fitted and uniform furnishings and embrace the eccentricities of pieces which have stood the test of time.”

What is the most extraordinary piece you’ve come across? 

“It would be impossible to choose just one piece from the collections I’ve worked on, but one of the most exciting discoveries from our forthcoming sale of The Collection of Lady Glenconner is a travelling vanity case previously owned by Nancy Lancaster, with all the accessories and jars mounted in 14 carat gold. A vast sum then, it now has a pre-sale estimate of £20,000-£30,000. The glamour of having such a decadent object for travel is something I wish I could replicate myself, and what made it even more exciting was that we only discovered it was gold once we had it back at the office.”

How should someone start building a collection without making any common mistakes?

“Always ask for a condition report and speak with the specialists involved in a sale – both are there to help you make an informed decision about the pieces you’re interested in, and specialists love talking about the objects they have helped bring to sale. People are a great resource and can point you in the direction of pieces that you didn’t even know you wanted.”

Which piece in your own collection would you never part with?

“The first piece I bought was a set of six 19th century coloured cut-glass martini glasses which are used religiously every time there is a special occasion. Aside from the fact they wouldn’t reach much at auction today, I could never part with them because they remind me of the reason why I started in the auction business to begin with: the excitement of a bid and the thrill when the hammer comes down in your favour is something you can never forget.”

Have you ever uncovered a hidden gem?

“The exciting part about working in Private & Iconic Collections is that we often have completely free access to a collector’s home in order to curate a sale worthy of their objects and their name. This means we often find hidden gems hidden in the attics, under beds, or in the garden shed. One of the first sales I worked on was The Personal Collection of Sir Michael Caine, and we were delighted to discover a collection of his film posters in the attic which went on to find new homes globally amongst his fanbase.”

And where’s the best places, in your opinion, to find antiques?

“Auction! Especially online sales which tend to offer a larger and wider variety of pieces.”

The post Interview: Bonhams Collections Antiques Expert Madeleine Cater  appeared first on Best of Living.