Journal
Notes for a careful collector
Essays on looking, condition and collecting — written to help a patient eye, not to hurry a purchase.
Photograph: Asian 6497 macro by Guy Sie, CC BY-SA 2.0. A bare movement, shown as atmosphere, not as Ebbrow stock.
A dial, studied at the benchIllustration Looking closely
Understanding a Vintage Watch
What the dial, case, movement and reference number can tell a careful observer — and what they cannot.
Read the article: Understanding a Vintage Watch
Wheels and bridges, as they wearIllustration Condition
Patina, Condition and Character
Ageing, damage, condition and originality are four different things. Telling them apart is the heart of an honest description.
Read the article: Patina, Condition and Character
The papers that travel with a watchIllustration Collecting
Buying Your First Vintage Watch
A practical, unhurried guide to setting expectations, reading condition, asking the right questions and knowing what you are agreeing to.
Read the article: Buying Your First Vintage Watch
The Journal offers general observations for collectors. It is not valuation, legal or technical advice, and it does not describe any particular watch.