A TIMELY INVESTMENT

Our watch expert advises on how to buy a vintage piece

It starts with a budget

This is important. Nobody comes in and says, ‘I don’t care what it costs.’

Find a watch that suits your personality

Are you sporty? Do you always wear a suit? Do you want to jump in the pool while wearing it? If so, you’d better make sure it’s waterproof. I will ask you what you like and try to point you in the right direction, but I won’t try to change your mind – the client is king.

Take your time

Bring a friend or your spouse to see the watch. Feel free to browse. A good watch seller will listen for directions. Make sure you’re convinced about the product. Most places will put watches on hold for 24-72 hours while you make your mind up.

Ask the salesman questions. When it comes to watches with history, it’s important to know the story behind it. The first step is not buying or selling, it’s educating.

Ask for a discount

We’re always happy to talk about the price once we see that the client is interested – it’s normal. It doesn’t offend me.

And one to watch:

Do some reading

Go online and research watches on the internet. There are lots of good websites with plenty of information such as ablogtowatch.com, watchuseek. com and hodinkee.com. But don’t buy a watch online.

Try it on

You need to see the watch on your wrist and feel the weight of it. Is it comfortable? Make sure you see it in the sunlight too.

Talk it out

I think Vacheron Constantin will have a strong comeback. I predict that in three years’ time, they will be among the top three brands in Dubai.