vintage watch -$1000

[Last Year's Man]

I'm looking to splash out on a timeless (no pun intended) watch as I've recently had a bit of good fortune.

I really like the look of 50's-60's omega seamasters and my instinct is to go for one of those.

However, given that you guys are very knoledgable about such things, I wondered if you could show me some alternatives in a similar style that I could acquire for £600-700 (I put the thread title in dollars as I figured the majority here are American).

for reference; I don't really like metal straps or big chunky looking sporty watches. I'm not too fussed about precious metals and I don't mind if it's something I might have to search around for (that's part of the fun)

Thanks in advance

 

[Twotone]

I bought a 1960's era IWC in a rose gold case for under $1k. Very nice watch with a great movement.

 

[Superfluous]

Originally Posted by Twotone

I bought a 1960's era IWC in a rose gold case for under $1k. Very nice watch with a great movement.

where do you buy these?

 

[Superfluous]

This thread made me kind of interested as well. It would be cool to have an alternate 50s or 60s watch. What are some to look for? What price? Where do you find them?

 

[Twotone]

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php...eadt&frm_id=32

Originally Posted by Tony Romo

where do you buy these?

 

[gwolf]

i've also seen gold dialed rolex watches selling as much as the seamasters but i don't know which model it was. i haven't checked the price nor am i really knowledgeable on watches but i like vintage omega constellations just by the way they look.

 

[MBreinin]

Yeah, hit TZ and look.

I would also highly recommend a vintage Hamilton from the golden era. I know you are more interested in a round watch, but many of the Hamilton tanks are quite stunning, have very high grade movements, and can be had in gold in your price range.

Mike

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Make sure you buy from a reputable seller. I have been screwed over by seemingly good deals and have gotten shoddy movements, that have cost me five times the cost of the watch to fix.

 

[P. Bateman]

Originally Posted by Twotone

I bought a 1960's era IWC in a rose gold case for under $1k. Very nice watch with a great movement.

Jesus. How long ago?

 

[Superfluous]

Originally Posted by patrickBOOTH

Make sure you buy from a reputable seller. I have been screwed over by seemingly good deals and have gotten shoddy movements, that have cost me five times the cost of the watch to fix.

any reputable seller you recommend?

 

[patrickBOOTH]

No, but I have an unreputable seller to recommend.

It was an ebay purchase. I would just do some research as to who you are buying from, see if anybody else as used them.

 

[venessian]

Originally Posted by Last Year's Man

I'm looking to splash out on a timeless (no pun intended) watch as I've recently had a bit of good fortune.

I really like the look of 50's-60's omega seamasters and my instinct is to go for one of those.

However, given that you guys are very knoledgable about such things, I wondered if you could show me some alternatives in a similar style that I could acquire for £600-700 (I put the thread title in dollars as I figured the majority here are American).

for reference; I don't really like metal straps or big chunky looking sporty watches. I'm not too fussed about precious metals and I don't mind if it's something I might have to search around for (that's part of the fun)

Thanks in advance

I'll second your 50's-60's Seamaster instinct. The quality, elegance and availability are all there.

This is one reputable online dealer with a very convenient search function. Just plug in 1950's or 1960's for AGE; up to EUR 1000 for price range; any of the other parameters you might wish to set. They have quite a few watches which might fit your criteria.

Gisbert A.Joseph watches

 

[Cant kill da Rooster]

Pulled from Timezone...I have checked all these sites. Timezone also has a link to buying vintage watch advice which I found helpful.

Used Watches:
http://www.demesey.com


Vintage Watches
http://www.oldwristwatches.com

http://www.farfo.com

http://www.finertimes.com

I would love to see more advice here though. I have looked at several vintage watches but I have a little trouble getting past some of the beat upedness of them. (perhaps I am not a true collector) I am also a big fan of the WWII watches. One of these links had a WWII Seiko for about $1500, which if was in better condition I would have been tempted to buy.

 

[Superfluous]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

How do I see if this watch is worth it? What do I look for?

 

[Jay Gatsby]

I have a nice looking Seamaster from the 60s. I paid less than $400. I have to bump it after winding to get it started, but it works great besides.

I have a nice looking Omega from the 40s. I paid less than $350 I think. It works great.

From my experience, vintage watches that are automatic have more issues than those that are not automatic. But my experience is limited. Make sure the auction specifies when the watch was last serviced. Make sure the seller has good and several ratings. You can get a nice Omega for less than $500.