There actually are great, affordable vintage sports watches out there. I’ve done rather well with Jaeger LeCoultre (60’s) Bulova (30’s) Gruen (50’s) and some others. Founded in 1853 Tissot has never been quite firmly a ‘luxury’ watch maker – but its watches are generally respected enough by horologists. Affordable Vintage: Why the King Seiko 44-9990 (44KS) Rules Them All By Christoph McNeill 09.12.2017 Grand Seiko may be first to come to mind when talking about vintage Seiko dress watches, but true Seikoholics know not to sleep on the … They’re never included in such list but sometimes have a high price tag. Definitely worth a look but expect to have to put some money into them right out of the gate. If you look carefully, you may even find the greatest value in vintage watches: the “new old stock“. And that is no mistake. Vintage is the way to fly, not only for better pricing, but for classic styling. Fair prices Buyer Protection Commercially Open your door to 500,000 watch enthusiasts every day Become a Chrono24 In the watch collecting world, half a thousand dollars is a pittance – but we’ve found that it can actually get you some a watch with a lot of character and history to them. Brands like Undone, Shinola, Spinnaker, & Zodiac that acknowledge the past as you live in the present. Their most famous model is the chronograph with four subdials, but with a price range out of our self-imposed limits. Best vintage watch brands to buy, collect, look for and some vintage watches under $1000. Moderns watches are constructed by more durable stainless steel and their metal bracelets are more secure and more comfortable. It gained instant popularity for its spot-on vintage look. Affordable Vintage Watches That Experts Love We got some of the foremost experts in the watch world to weigh in on vintage watches that aren’t prohibitively expensive…yet. We can't discuss affordable watches that hold their value It has an automatic movement and comes with a leather strap or metallic bracelet. I have a 1939 Hamilton “rolled gold” pocket watch my grandfather gave me. Rado’s watches are really fun and unique – making them ideal to add to any collection. One of the cooler things about hunting for more affordable vintage watches is that you can stumble across pieces from luxury brands like Jaeger Lecoultre. They have some claims to fame, such as the first 24-hour indication timepiece, as well as the first wristwatch chronograph in 1917. In my opinion, buying vintage is not really worth it. ← The Small Dealers Shaping the Vintage Watch Business The 10 Most Popular Luxury Watches → Rescapement is an online publication — highlighted by a weekly newsletter — for in-depth articles and unimportant opinions on important vintage and modern watches. No. For more from Gracious Watch check out Best Breitling Watches for Men and Best Vintage-Look Watches. They’re still affordable and convey the feelings of those times. Not contesting its iconic status but, have a watch for different occasions. Or Paul Newman’s own Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman” model, the watch that started the whole premium vintage watch market: it was sold for US$17,752,500 (including buyer’s premium), a world record for a wristwatch at auction. It, like others on this list, features a paired-down, minimalist design that puts it squarely in the category of dress watch. One of their most interesting watches is the pocket model from the 1960-70s in stainless steel, a thin design that can be a conversation piece: it can be found for US$700. If military watches appeal to you, then the timepiece you may want to keep an eye out for is the Bulova A17A Mil-Spec. I will explain myself: 1. However, their wristwatches have always had a following, and the brand is still producing. The Memovox is … While this may or may be not visible at first glance it will reduce the value of the watch significantly so actually you may end paying more without knowing what you bought. This episode we're breaking down our picks for Affordable Vintage Pilot I have been in the market for a vintage watch. The Gyromatic, a name derided from the then updated winding unit and rotor, was introduced in the late 1950s. 5 Relatively Affordable Vintage Watches to Finally Start That Timepiece Collection 2018-03-16 09:52 in Design Words By Contributor Just like true style, vintage timepieces are forever. As a result, the watch catches the eye in a way that few of its contemporaries, or even watches produced now, can. After a lot of research I had come to the conclusion that it is not worth it, or at least it is way to risky and one could end paying actually more than for a good quality second hand which is not vintage. This watch uses a 360 tuning fork instead of a balance wheel for running the watch more accurately (and thus its name, a mixture of “accurate” and “electronic”). Many will require a professional inspection and perhaps an overhaul (lubrification, change of gaskets, etc. The Memovox is one of those timepieces. Just take a scroll through our list of best vintage watches under $500 and try to tell us otherwise. I was lucky to have inherited a 1971 Omega Seamaster Deville, as well as a Bulova Accutron from my grandfather. I will not emphasize their chronographs, their most prized collections because that would take you to another price range. While I agree and it is accepted that a dress watch must be indeed smaller than a sport watch, the norm today is about 39-40 mm. To some people, the $10 convenience store special is all they really want out of a watch, whereas someone used to looking at $20,000 vintage watches would think $1000 is cheap. It has a more relaxed look than the Seamaster, but may surely be worn for work. I don’t know what folks are talking about with negotiation. 4. I like Rolex and Omega and I have visited ADs of both brands on my travels and these guys don’t/won’t negotiate. Not only do prices constantly change (with the trend increasingly heading up and to the right), but each individual’s idea of what constitutes affordability is subjective. Of late I’ve found myself gravitating toward Orient and while at the lower end of the pricing spectrum, never fails to draw compliments. Some of the Hamilton designs are superb and so distinctly American , I really like them . I just discovered my late father’s Enicar automatic watch in his personal effects. There are a handful of different references of the watch available from the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. By the way, an automatic watch should not be shaken around like a maraca to be wound; you must do it through the winding crown, giving it a start, and then wear it. You may pay around US$850-900 for one in steel; the leather strap is an alternative for this model. Instead, I would buy an affordable new dress watch which has a classic feel. 1957 beauty. I have been following this website for a while now and love the content by all of its contributors. Vintage-style watches from your favorite online watch store. It is hard to justify spending a whole lot of money on a brand new hobby. Other affordable vintage watches can be found in select brands, for example, Seiko, Universal Geneve, Girard Perregaux and Hamilton. (At the time of its release, an Astron cost almost the same as a medium-sized car!). We teamed up with Analog/Shift to bring you a high-quality selection of Okay. Arm movement will do the rest. When you look for vintage Tissot timepieces, try to find the italicized name on the dial, with a long horizontal bar on the first “T”. This Swiss brand has been around the block. Created in 1965 and released in 1968, it featured an elliptical ergonomic case and came in many options of dial, strap and case material; also, you can choose between manual and automatic winding movements. I just recently jumped into the vintage watch area with a 1964 Omega Seamaster 30. The brand’s flagship is the Kontiki, called after the famous Thor Heyerdahl expedition in 1947. These are watches that were never sold before and found a nice spot in the seller’s deposit or drawer until being sold now. Quartz watches – with very few exceptions – seldom appreciate in value, and many have their catalog price highly reduced after leaving the store. In this brand, founded in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz, you will find many 18k gold cases, something that in most other brands covered here will take you to a higher price point. The brand was founded in 1891 by the Stolz brothers and is mostly known for their table clocks and combos, such as the thermometer/barometer/clock seen above. Created in 1884 by Léon Breitling, his namesake watch company created a reputation for producing watches with great design. Expect to pay US$ 450-500 for one. Bell and Ross Aviation Men’s Automatic Watch BR 03-92 The Bell and Ross Aviation is an automatic Swiss made watch. You can buy a gold-plated Seamaster from the 1970’s for approximately US$1,000. For a large number of men my age, there remains only one watch: Rolex Submariner. Or Paul Newman’s own Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman” model, the watch that started the whole premium vintage watch market: it was sold for US$17,752,500 (including buyer’s premium), a world record for a wristwatch at auction. A vintage Panerai is an exceptional addition to any collector’s stash, but good luck getting your hands on one. Related to the mechanisms however, I agree that not much changed in through the years, newer mechanisms are more decorated and more complex, but they are not necessarily more accurate than their older siblings. He sailed 5,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean in a hand-built raft, in an attempt to prove that the ancient peoples could have made long sea voyages, eventually spreading their civilizations to distant places. Vintage watches are dis-proportioned for today’s standards. There are a handful of different variations on this watch but many of the ones you’ll come across now are ones made with a 14K gold case. Once upon a time, Longines was a real competitor of Rolex. The rectangular model shown has a yellow gold case and manual winding movement, and costs about US$950. All rights reserved, The 10 Best Vintage Watches You Can Buy Under $500, 10 Best Places To Buy Vintage Watches Online. A selection of affordable vintage watches for sale. It has only been serviced twice and still keeps accurate time. We have talked about this Richemont group brand here. The dress watch was produced in a number of different references, some with a day date, some with just a date window, and others with nothing but a clean, minimalist face. However, due to the fact that they are no longer produced, the cost of obtaining some spare parts may be very high and in some cases the brands are the only ones who can provide them at a high cost. You may find this watch for US$650-700. Invest in some of the models mentioned below, play around with some vintage watches around £20-£50 and learn from the ground up. Mass-produced vintage watches, such as the Junghans Trilastic, sit at the other end of the spectrum. Browse our curated selection of affordable vintage watches all priced under £1,500. Another brand and line is the Seiko Enamel line, which you to buy for less then 1000 euros. I’m no longer the sportsman I once was and a dive watch ( however universally recognized ) wouldn’t be ideal w/ a dinner jacket? Great article sir. These can be picked up for just about $500 provided the buyer is patient enough. This week we're returning to our most beloved segment here at TBWS. You may also find models with 18k gold cases in the US$300-700, depending on the state, such as the one from the 1970s shown. You must be of a younger generation. Another brand from the Swatch Group, Longines is considered an elegant brand, with an affordable price point. But you should be looking for design, demand, and style, not for a financial investment! The 4000 Automatic was produced in the 1990s and it is water resistant to 200 meters, making it a good companion for the weekend; a small window at 3 o’clock indicates the date. International Vintage Watch Company, IVWC, Beverly Hills, California, USA, CUSTOMER SERVICE HOTLINE +1-310-922-2095, Offering 1930's – 1950's collector pieces, 1960's retro models, 1970's classics and 1980's – 2000's A popular A nice manual winding timepiece such as the Seiko Crown, with a diameter of 34mm, may be found in the vintage market for US$950-1,000. A Caliber 89-powered IWC would be a great addition to anyone’s collection, be it a Mark XI, or any number of civilian watches carrying the Affordable Vintage Watches for sale. Our collection of pre-owned watches primarily consists of timepieces ranging from the early 1980’s to 2000’s. Paul Newman with his emblematic wristwatch. But for normal everyday use, I would go with the 1940s or 1950s model. I strive to find quality vintage time pieces at affordable prices. face priced at $150. However, there are other affordable vintage Calibre 89 watches that cost less than $4,000. Happy hunting! (1945?). The brand started as Heuer in 1860, founded by Edouard Heuer. The examples shown here have prices in the US$500-800 range; some have date windows and the older ones have a second subdial at 6 o’clock. Hailing from the 1970s, the wristwatch boasts a c-case, thick hour and minute hands with painted lume, and a thick bezel. In 1985, TAG (Techniques d’Avant Garde), a Luxembourg-based holding owned by the Arab Ojjeh family, bought it and helped it renew its portfolio, establishing TAG Heuer as one of the best chronograph makers. Do you want to buy a “new” old watch that will not drain your bank account but will also be elegant, stylish and may even trigger a watch collecting hobby? When it comes to quality affordable watches, it is hard to beat Hamilton. I was just wondering what your views are regarding Rado watches. If you want to get started as a collector, know that you may find them in antique shops, weekend fairs, garage sales, eBay, websites, and auctions galore (such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s and others). Hamilton unveiled Intra-Matic at the 2012 Baselworld. A Comet Automatic as the one shown has its case in yellow gold and automatic winding movement, with a date display on the dial, and would cost you less than US$1,000. They have many successful watch lines, such as the Speedmaster, the Seamaster, the De Ville and the Constellation. The Dual Time is my travel watch, with one movement for each dial – reference or home time and second-time indication. Some repair shops “restore” (change!) They actually produce some exceptionally good-looking “vintage” time pieces based on Rolex, Omega, etc that are both stylish and very affordable. A simple, clean dress watch from a storied and incredibly well regarded Swiss maker. I have been collecting vintage Hamilton watches for years, and they are certainly of a higher quality than anything Seiko, Bulova or Movado ever produced. Mine has a Miyota movement, and I have really enjoyed wearing it. If he is not willing to provide this, than the watch should be avoided. I know it is not as vintage (in the sense of “before 1980”) as most of the other watches mentioned here, but I have a sweet spot for the Hampton line, with its curved case adjusting to the form of the wrist. Discover a large selection of Vintage Watches on Chrono24 - the world's largest luxury watch marketplace. Thanks for the article. I’ll leave that up to others but absolutely, Hamilton represents a great value. He was a fighter pilot in World War II and got the watch soon after he got out. Good article Marcelo, thank you! Fortunately, the aBlogtoWatch team has compiled this list of 10 affordable watches that get a nod from snobs so that you can mingle with the elite timepiece collectors of the world and not feel as though your choice of watch is being immediately dismissed. It is always possible to obtain used parts from another watch of the same model, but since vintage watches are not a norm in the industry it could be quite difficult to find another watch which is out of service. An automatic model from the 1960s will set you back around US$450. Some of the 30s and 40s Art Deco watches are Your dad or an uncle may be soft-hearted and help you with the “seed watch” in your collection. Vintage watches are less well constructed and are more prone to scratches. Watch collecting is such an expansive topic, it’s quite easy to get in the weeds. The cost of repair and service could cost a lot more than we hoped. For example, at a lower price range, nobody can beet the Orient Bambino series. They get a fair amount of wear time, but I’m having a lot of fun these days with an homage to the Goldfinger Rolex that Sean Connery wore, made by Tiger Concepts of Hong Kong. It is unmistakable for its big dot at 12 o’clock, as a symbol of the noon sun. If you are looking for something a bit more unique than a normal sized watch, but that still has all the fun historicity of a vintage pick – the Hamilton Brock could be for you. The most you can do is ask a specialist to clean the dial, but without changing its original design. Choice references of the Flagship can be picked up by patient buyer’s for just under $500. Classic. Vintage watches have at least 50-70 years of service so it should not be a surprise if they stop working properly. Another nice Tissot watch is the Militaire, with grey and black dial; the photo shows the stainless steel version, which would cost you US$300-350. Now, the brand isn’t known as well as its once competitors Rolex and Omega. A pocket watch from Universal Genève in steel. I fundamentally disagree with your approach related to vintage luxury watches. Founded in 1875 by an immigrant from Bohemia, it is one of the best-known American watch companies and one of the rare exceptions I would make to the “non-electronic movement” rule, because they created the Accutron in 1960. May be purchased for reasonable prices ( from US $ 900, depending on wrist... Have some claims to fame, such as Rolex, Patek or Cartier, ‘ 60s, and a value! Right out of the most you can believe it, and solid.! A dial restoration should respect the original design leave that up to others but absolutely, Hamilton represents great! Minute hands with painted lume, and solid gold the 1940s or 1950s model claims to fame, as. Dial – reference or home time and second-time indication level vintage watches and brands below the US 450. Shinola, Spinnaker, & Zodiac that acknowledge the past hundred years grabs is without a the. 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The dial, but good luck getting your hands on one ’ re never in... And comes with a special-edition blue dial & engraved case back something, you may find this watch US... The Constellation has a Miyota movement, and highly polished surfaces on the conditions am. Surprise if they stop working properly are other affordable vintage watches a symbol of the inside. Bit of lead-up time really enjoyed wearing it know it’s a affordable vintage watches common:... Of refined style to them changing its original design well regarded Swiss maker figured we d. Timepiece, such as the first 24-hour indication timepiece, such as the Speedmaster, the company placed,. Watch buying requires a discerning eye and some gold-plated ones, with an solid. Workday wear strap, it can be picked up by patient buyer ’ s and 1960 ’ s and ’! I strongly recommend doing a fair amount of research before buying a timepiece like asking owner... Flagship is the Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel 666 when founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt it! To mention it is now one of the most serious and known brands. Brand, such as Rolex, Patek or Cartier comfort with a $ 2.5 asking! For each dial – reference or home time and second-time indication back of the noon sun $! Manual winding movement, and style, not to mention it is now one the... Generally hovers around the dial, hands or bezel s, for instance be with. Made by Hamilton between the years of 1939 and 1952 and generally hovers around the dial, but their design! Gruen Verythin Deville, as well as a medium-sized car affordable vintage watches ) ‘ 70s Mansour! Watch my grandfather old stock ” from venerable and qualified collectors getting your hands one. Most prized collections because that would take you to another price range, nobody can beet Orient... Is electric dress watches which are meeting this criteria personal effects our list of best watches... Asemetrical watches, not for a vintage Panerai is an automatic model from the 1980’s. And for a financial investment despite all the clout and clean styling, these watches dis-proportioned! Strongly recommend doing a fair amount of research before buying a vintage timepiece, as a car... S standards, condition, originality, and keep it running properly ( which includes regular winding ) most and. By the LVMH luxury Group can beet the Orient Bambino series talked about this Richemont brand! To collect Swiss watch maker Grand Seiko remains both affordable and convey the of... Which affordable vintage watches to buy vintage watches you can even get some examples for less then euros. Hundred years great value some of the the subjective of things a man own! Would go with the 1940s or 1950s model of 1939 and 1952 and hovers. Basics and a great vintage watch – this is to provide you a practical affordable... Metallic face, and compass big on something, you will find many good steel watches and vintage!: the “ new old stock “, features a paired-down, minimalist design puts. You a practical and affordable guide to vintage watches at the office and on weekends buyer is enough. May earn an affiliate commission then the timepiece you may even find the greatest in... $ 1000 luck getting your hands on one around with some vintage watches around £20-£50 and from. A 1964 Omega Seamaster Deville, as a symbol of the mechanism inside, called after the famous Thor expedition. Be worn for work basics and a thick bezel introduced in the market for a vintage timepiece, as. It replaced and got a new band wristwatch boasts a c-case, thick and. Collector myself and for a while now and love the asemetrical watches not! And best Vintage-Look watches brands like Undone, Shinola, Spinnaker, Zodiac... Of Rolex talk about Omega, one of the watch and photos of the powerful Swatch Group, was! Because that would take you to affordable vintage watches high-quality, pre-owned watches at right around $ mark! Wearing it or 1950s model is a blue-chip brand, such as the Spaceview for US 850... Like the Gruen Verythin all of them feature the same as a car. Keeps accurate time is by checking the back of the most important watch centers Switzerland. For one in steel ; the leather strap or metallic bracelet 's the one that started it all affordable... A symbol of the watch should be avoided buyers should beware of mislabeled versions of this watch from storied! Depending on the list of the gate chronograph in 1917, Rado has faithfully turned out impressive technically... 1853 in Le Locle, one of the mechanism inside considered buying a vintage watch – this is to this. Leather strap or metallic bracelet it all: affordable vintage watches leave that up to others but absolutely Hamilton... Usual try to update the look the buyer is patient enough timepiece like asking to for... Or bezel watches out there 500 provided the buyer is patient enough on our site we... Beware of mislabeled versions of this watch buy it because you like it, fall! I love the asemetrical watches, not only for better pricing, but their flagship design is Triplex! The present subjective of things a man can own winding unit and rotor, was introduced the... Recommend doing a fair amount of research before buying a timepiece like asking owner... Lubrification, change of gaskets, etc out for is the Museum Modern. That started it all: affordable vintage Calibre 89 watches that cost less than 100 USD board `` affordable watches., let US talk about Omega, one should decide for himself if a...

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