The landscape of vintage watch collecting is welcoming a new, comprehensive resource with the upcoming release of Vintage Watches: The Modern Guide. Authored by industry experts Eric Wind and Charlie Dunne of Wind Vintage, the 320-page publication arrives on shelves on November 17, aiming to serve as an indispensable manual for both curious newcomers and seasoned connoisseurs alike.
Whether enthusiasts have followed the authors through their extensive contributions to the horological community or caught their recent appearance on the popular digital series Talking Watches, Eric Wind and Charlie Dunne have established themselves as trusted authorities in the space. Wind’s foundational years writing early commentary for Hodinkee preceded his tenure as Vice President and Senior Specialist of Watches at Christie’s from 2015 to 2017. Following that, he launched Wind Vintage, building a reputation as a primary destination for individuals navigating the complexities of historical timepieces. Charlie Dunne joined the enterprise in 2022, further solidifying the firm’s standing as a go-to resource for collectors seeking guidance.
Teaming up with photographer James Fisk, the duo set out to create a volume that transcends traditional horological literature. While the market features no shortage of books dedicated exclusively to glossy, high-end photography of unattainable timepieces, or alternatively, dense academic texts that lean toward dry scholarship, Vintage Watches: The Modern Guide strives for a balanced approach. Published through Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House, the book is designed to provide genuine education and practical insight across all levels of experience.
Priced at $60—with pre-orders currently available on Amazon for $50—the book contains over 250 photographs spanning its comprehensive layout. Rather than focusing solely on elite, museum-grade rarities, the guide opens with fundamental principles and practical advice, outlining essential do’s and don’ts for prospective buyers. The core philosophy emphasizes finding watches that offer consistency and personal resonance at any price point, reinforcing the notion that true collectors respect a well-executed and interesting timepiece regardless of its monetary valuation.
To help readers navigate the often-perilous waters of the vintage market, the authors delve into the technical minutiae of evaluating components. Detailed sections examine how to assess lume, hands, cases, and dials, providing foundational knowledge designed to prevent costly beginner mistakes. Moving beyond basic building blocks, the text explores significant watch references, equipping readers with the tools needed to cultivate a cohesive and rewarding collection over time.
Beyond the technical mechanics of buying and evaluating watches, the guide also addresses the social fabric of the hobby. A dedicated section explores how enthusiasts can engage more deeply with the broader vintage watch community, fostering connections with fellow collectors—an aspect of the passion that the authors emphasize as central to the experience.
Adding a diverse perspective to the technical and historical content, the book features personal essays contributed by a wide range of notable collectors and public figures. Among those sharing their personal watch stories within the pages are chef and television host David Chang, Hodinkee founder Ben Clymer, comedian and actor Ronny Chieng, professional golfer Brad Faxon, author Gary Shteyngart, and musical duo Aly & AJ Michalka, among others.
With its broad scope and accessible approach, Vintage Watches: The Modern Guide positions itself as a significant modern contribution to watch literature, offering a potential gateway for a new wave of enthusiasts to enter the collecting community. Following its November 17 release across major booksellers, the authors are scheduled to embark on a signing tour, with specific dates and locations published through the official Wind Vintage platform.
