Best Vintage Watches to Buy in 2026, According to a Collector

Elias Marte is a lifelong Dominican-American New Yorker who has been collecting watches since 2012. He is a partner at Alfargos Marketplace, a menswear clothing market, and a curator of vintage watches. His work centers on curating accessible vintage dress watches, and he also provides watches for lookbooks and brand campaigns. His most recent curation was featured at J.Crew’s Bond Street store in New York City.

Over the years, vintage watches have risen in popularity. It’s easy to see why. Quality pieces are more accessible than ever. Many vintage watches even have superior gold plating compared to modern models, and real deals are out there if you know where to look.

Social media has played a huge role in the rise of vintage watches. Collectors and dealers share their pieces online. It’s easier than ever to ask questions, learn, and discover rare pieces. And each piece carries a story that new watches just can’t replicate. A perfect patina, aged dial, or a watch kept in a safe for decades adds character.

Buying vintage doesn’t just get you a watch. It’s history on your wrist. Here are 10 Best Vintage Watches to Buy in 2026.