Difference between a classic antique and vintage clock explained.
In the world of clock collecting, understanding the distinction between vintage and antique clocks is crucial. This article aims to clarify the differences and provide insights into the current market trends.
According to U.S. law, an "antique" refers to items that are over a century old. In general, this definition can be expanded to include items that are 100 years or more old, as stated by various sources such as the United States Government, Webster's Dictionary, Wikipedia, and many others. On the other hand, "vintage" generally refers to items that are old but not old enough to be antiques, often considered between 20 and 99 years old. However, the exact age definitions can vary by category and jurisdiction.
For instance, in the context of clocks, determining the age can often be done by examining serial numbers, patent dates, or date stamps on the movements. Some clocks, like the 30-hour ogee clock, which were once considered rare, are now common due to the advent of the internet.
While the term "collectible" is another marketing term that has been misused, some items, such as the Junghans Astor-Quartz wristwatch, which entered series production in 1972, are considered highly collectible vintage timepieces by watch collectors.
The use of the words "vintage" and "antique" interchangeably is common but incorrect. eBay defines "vintage" as a period that is less than 100 years but more than 30 years old. This definition aligns with the customs, collecting practices, and state and federal laws, with antiques clearly defined by age and often by functional obsolescence, and vintage being a more flexible term for older but non-antique items.
However, there is still confusion over the correct use of these terms among clock collectors. For example, an Arthur Pequegnat Canadian Time clock, found in the author's collection, was made between 1917 and 1941, but the exact year of manufacture is not known.
In 2022, the prices of antique and vintage clocks have seen some fluctuations. While some pieces have increased in value, others have remained stable or even decreased. The author's thoughts and observations on the potential increase or decrease in the prices of antique and vintage clocks in 2022 are discussed in this article.
For those interested in staying updated on the latest posts about antique and vintage clocks, subscribing to the email updates is recommended. Additionally, for a more comprehensive guide on clearing up the confusion between "vintage" and "antique" for collectors, check out our article titled "Clearing Up 'Vintage' and 'Antique' Confusion for Collectors".
- In the realm of fashion-and-beauty, a vintage Junghans Astor-Quartz wristwatch from 1972, though not yet antique, is admired by collectors.
- Beyond the world of clock collecting, the distinction between vintage and antique items is important in other spheres like home-and-garden décor and cars.
- For the food-and-drink enthusiast, a vintage bottle of wine from the 1980s or '90s might be considered vintage but not antique.
- When it comes to relationships, accumulating memories over time can create a sense of vintage value, even though the events themselves may not literally be antique.
