Vintage Watch Thread (Pre-1990's watches only)

[Andy57]

And one of my'69 red Sub:

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

Great Snow White, @DavidLane! I'm thinking of having a watch sub-collection with the major hand-wound chronograph movements from the 1960s (Valjoux 72, Venus 178, EP40, Omega 321, etc.) and that watch is at the top of my list for the EP40.

 

[Michigan Planner]

One of my all time favorite dials, another Gallet (by Racine), which would later become Enicar, which is just Racine backwards. Sliver dial and blued steel hands. Excelsior Park 40-68 movement.

View attachment 1345161

-DL

Gorgeous watch and I never knew about the Racine - Enicar connection. Very interesting tidbit about them just flipping the name around backwards.

 

[LA Guy]

Gorgeous watch and I never knew about the Racine - Enicar connection. Very interesting tidbit about them just flipping the name around backwards.

Is that what they did? Because if so, that is both absurd, and genius. And also... why?

 

[DavidLane]

Great Snow White, @DavidLane! I'm thinking of having a watch sub-collection with the major hand-wound chronograph movements from the 1960s (Valjoux 72, Venus 178, EP40, Omega 321, etc.) and that watch is at the top of my list for the EP40.

Thank you. I am really happy I pulled the trigger on this, I love the dog leg bridge layout.

Great idea for a sub-collection. I think the column wheel chronograph movements are some of the best ever made. There is reason Rolex relied on the Valjoux 72 for so long, and Omega has decided to remake the 321 Lemania based movement.

-DL

 

[DavidLane]

Gorgeous watch and I never knew about the Racine - Enicar connection. Very interesting tidbit about them just flipping the name around backwards.

It is certainly an interesting marketing tactic.

-DL

 

[DavidLane]

Is that what they did? Because if so, that is both absurd, and genius. And also... why?

It really is what they did. Racine goes back maybe to the late 1800’s to early 1900’s.

Enicar was established in the 1900’s which was just the reverse of the founders last name. Not sure why but I was surprised it happened that far back.

Gallet started in the 1400’s. Not sure how they are related exactly.

-DL

 

[LA Guy]

Great Snow White, @DavidLane! I'm thinking of having a watch sub-collection with the major hand-wound chronograph movements from the 1960s (Valjoux 72, Venus 178, EP40, Omega 321, etc.) and that watch is at the top of my list for the EP40.

That's a cool idea. I already have a Heuer Carrera with a Valjoux 72 in my sights, and also, Wittnauer 3256, which carries the 2 subdial Venus 188.

 

[LA Guy]

I sorta want a Breitlng Top Time with the Venus 178 as well.

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

In my opinion, the Top Time is the most undervalued 60s chronograph on the market. It's attractive and a good size, and you can acquire one in good condition for $5K or less. The Movado M95 is undervalued as well, although prices have been creeping upward, especially for the panda/reverse panda models.

 

[DavidLane]

I sorta want a Breitlng Top Time with the Venus 178 as well.

I like the top time as well, which is still a good value, but don't like that the caseback is a snap on. I know it really doesn't make that big of a difference, my buddy is a watchmaker at Grand Central Watch and tells me all the time its totally fine, but I like the added security of the screw-down version.

The Co-pilots are amazing but crazy expensive.

-DL

 

[LA Guy]

In my opinion, the Top Time is the most undervalued 60s chronograph on the market. It's attractive and a good size, and you can acquire one in good condition for $5K or less. The Movado M95 is undervalued as well, although prices have been creeping upward, especially for the panda/reverse panda models.

I am inclined to agree, though I think that the Omega Seamaster/DeVille chronographs using the 321 movement are also strangely overlooked, though the prices for those have also been creeping up, especially with more exposure on well, Hodinkee. I think that the 145.018 is a great watch, for example.

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

My vintage watches. The LIP on the right was made by Breitling. It looks like a cross between a Top Time and a Co-Pilot.

 

[Phileas Fogg]

 

[DavidLane]

View attachment 1345455
My vintage watches. The LIP on the right was made by Breitling. It looks like a cross between a Top Time and a Co-Pilot.

That Zenith is amazing. Such a great movement as well. The Caliber 11 had so many issues in the race to create the worlds first automatic chronograph. The El Primero runs on strong and is a far superior movement.

*Technically Seiko made the first one, but didn't receive the credit.

-DL