I guess I as hit by the "watch bug" and has inmersed myself of reading up all about watches, whether modern or vintage. I am more intrigue on the vintage watch, hence, my thoughts on this subject.
Vintage or antique watch sounds the same but not the same if we compare from the perspective of "age group" and "value". Maybe some watch lovers or collector categorised watches between 40 to 50 years old as vintage dan anything above (>)50 years as antiques. If we follow this guide, watchs from the 80s can only be considered as old watch or new old stock (if the watch was produced many years ago but not sold)
From 1920s to 1940s the style of the pocket watch is small and the casing is uniquely designedwith art deco using winding-movementi. Majority uses straps made of leather.
1950s mark the start of the "instrument" watch trend with slightly bigger size(around 38mm to 40mm) like 3-register chronograph, diver, full-calendar etc.
1960s see the transition to the watch face (crystal) from acrylic (plastic) to glass.
1970s is the era of tough watches, metal strap, bigger size and "retro" and uses hardened mineral glass.
During the 1960s also see the technological breakthrough in electronics, electro-mechanical, and quartz lead by Seiko at that point of time.
Where to obtain these so called vintage or antique watches?
Well Internet is a good place to start. It is also a venue one can choose and browse through as well as interact with the seller. (Tips or advice on buying from internet or buying a vintage watch can be found on other threads, so I won't go into details here)
Another place is the 'flea market' (in BM, 'pasar lambak').
Some sells these vintage at their shops.
I will be scouting around for some working vintages as one of my "Wants".