Vintage Watches Are the Latest Trend: A Guide to Discovering Your Next Heirloom-Worthy Timepiece

      Vintage watches have subtly evolved from collector’s items into essential accessories for fashion enthusiasts seeking something more distinctive than the latest trendy handbag. As is often the case with emerging trends, women are at the forefront. Rather than choosing modern designs that dominate retail, women are exploring auctions, vintage shops, and even their grandparents' jewelry collections for one-of-a-kind timepieces with stories to tell. The charm is in the details: the age-worn patina of a dial, the heft of a solid-gold case, and the feeling of possessing a slice of history. This trend is no longer just about telling time; it's about showcasing taste, sophistication, and an appreciation for craftsmanship that transcends fleeting fashion.

      Influencing this trend is a broader movement towards timeless fashion (pun intended). Similar to shifts we’ve seen in luxury bags and minimalist jewelry, the emphasis is on pieces that endure beyond seasonal trends. Celebrities have further fueled this enthusiasm, displaying everything from intricate Art Deco timepieces to bold, colorful watches from the 1970s. For many women, purchasing vintage watches also supports sustainability, providing an eco-friendly alternative to modern mass-produced items. Let’s face it: slipping on a distinctive watch that feels unique is undeniably stylish, especially when it complements everything from a tailored blazer to a silk slip dress. If you’re still relying solely on your smartwatch, consider this your invitation to delve into vintage—the ultimate accessory that everyone is buzzing about.

      In the spotlight of the 2025 Golden Globes red carpet, the event set a high bar for fashion. While the vibrant gowns and dramatic capes were indeed breathtaking, my favorite detail was much more understated: Nicole Kidman’s elegant vintage watch by Omega. This rare Art Nouveau piece from 1920, as Omega described it, features the curves and arabesque designs characteristic of the era. "The fantasy platinum case is adorned with 24 brilliant-cut diamonds and is worn on a black fabric bracelet." This 105-year-old watch exemplifies that true elegance is timeless.

      At this year’s Met Gala, vintage watches also captured attention both on the red carpet and during the after-parties. Hailey Bieber chose an Audemars Piguet 1975 archival piece in white gold with an opal dial, steering clear of new jewelry. Precious opals are unique, exhibiting a stunning play of colors that shift with perspective—a trait known as iridescence, according to the Oxford Museum of Natural History.

      For the after-parties, Jenna Ortega donned a Balmain bodysuit and paired it with a remarkable accessory: a vintage Heuer pocket watch from 1914. I spoke with Taylor Stoddard, who was instrumental in selecting the timepiece for Ortega. "For Jenna Ortega's Met Gala look, I collaborated with [PR executive] Alessandra de Tomaso to curate the perfect pocket watch considering style, dimension, weight, and chain," Stoddard shared. "When it came to sourcing, I reached out to my friend and renowned collector Jeff Stein, who generously provided three extraordinary options from his archive, including the gold rattrapante chronograph that became the actress's final choice."

      Stoddard elaborated on Ortega's tuxedo-inspired outfit: "The chain was elegantly looped around a button with the watch fastened at her right hip, making a bold statement aligning with the evening's tailored aesthetic. Importantly, this wasn’t just a prop! It was a fully operational watch, recently serviced and with no prior use in this context, making it an exciting first for Jenna and the brand. Coordinating this involved extensive communication with teams worldwide, managing complex shipments, and mobilizing numerous resources, but when that first photo came through, it was pure magic."

      To gain insights into sourcing a vintage watch worthy of being an heirloom, I consulted Stoddard along with watch collector Georgia Benjamin and Julia Rabinowitsch, founder of The Millennial Decorator. Both Benjamin and Rabinowitsch stressed the importance of trying watches on in person. "Try them on! You won’t understand your style until you’ve tested pieces," Benjamin advised. They also emphasized that finding a watch you genuinely connect with is paramount. "Don’t purchase a vintage watch simply because it’s trendy; focus on something timeless that resonates with you," Benjamin suggested. Rabinowitsch reinforced this idea, stating, "The watch-buying journey is a highly personal one. Take your time and ensure you love the piece—one you envision passing down."

      When assessing quality, they highlighted key warning signs to consider. "I personally avoid gold-plated or vermeil items," Rabinowitsch noted. "In the vintage watch world, vermeil simply doesn’t offer the same durability as solid gold, platinum, or stainless steel." Benjamin identified aftermarket diamonds as another red flag, explaining, "If a jeweler added diamonds later, it usually alters the piece's integrity."

      On the other hand