Wound For Life Wound For Life W4L Team
It’s that time of the year, folks. Playoff baseball is within site, and the NFL is starting up. If your wives and girlfriends weren’t already fed up with your man-hobbies (i.e. watches, cigars, guns, etc.), fall sports should do the trick. We’re here for you, and by that I mean, we found some great watches around the web for your consumption. It’s Market Watch(ing) time!
Neil’s Picks
Rolex Explorer I 1016
There are thousands of 1016’s out there but you know it’s a good one when it truly catches your eye – and makes you double check your bank account. This is a no frills tool watch. No gilt dial, no chapter ring, not a Tiffany dial. Just a top notch example of a true classic. This example with frog “foot dial” is in outstanding condition from the dial, hand, case, and the lugs. Examples like this don’t come along too often. This has been on the market for over a week, which is actually quite surprising. The 1016 is one of my favorite vintage Rolex pieces and if I were to buy one for myself it would look like this one.
$9,500
Seiko 6105-8110
Speaking of classic tool watches, here’s another hall of famer. Seiko’s 6105 is one the most classic dive watches in modern history. It has probably been on as many wrists of dive professionals as the Submariner. Finding one of these in good condition is becoming increasingly rare and if you do, the prices aren’t as affordable as they used to be. The bezel and insert are aftermarket but the dial, hands, case, crown, crystal are original. The watch appears to be in working order and looks far better then most other 6105’s on the market right now. The price is right as well. I’ve seen comparable ones at well over $1k. Always do your homework when buying vintage Seikos but assuming everything is legit, this is a solid buy.
$925
Isaac’s Picks
Longines Vintage Diver ref 7150-1
There are vintage dive watches, and then there are vintage dive watches. This, my friends, would most definitely be the latter. What you’re looking at is a stunning example of Longines’ famed Ref. 7150-1 dive watch, which some might know better as the watch that would inspire the brand’s modern series of Legend Diver wristwatches. Many are fans of the Legend Diver since it stays true to the design of the original watch, and upon seeing this example, it’s easy to see why Longines played it safe. The 7150-1 is arguably a perfect design, and as they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
If you focus on the slightly tropical dial (pictures don’t show how brown it is), you’ll notice the clear presence of all dial markings, intact and beautifully aged luminous plots, and a set of hands that match to a tee. What really pushes this piece over the top is its Longines-signed, stainless steel bracelet, which I’m told is quite the scarce piece of kit. To find a vintage dive watch this desirable, in such great shape, and with a bracelet is truly a rare and unique opportunity, so I’d advise acting quickly if this one tickles your fancy.
$19,500
Omega Ploprof
After reading an article the other day that discussed the proposed “comeback” of the vintage diver, as rare chronographs continue to climb in price, I really do think it’s possible that we could see this happen. The truth of the matter is, there are so many different exciting and rare dive watches out there if you know where to look, and if you don’t, let me be of service to you.
While browsing through eBay on a hot, late summer night, I came across a vintage Omega Ploprof being offered for sale out of the Sunshine State, and although it has certainly been worn over the years, it has aged gracefully. You’ll notice that while the luminous plots and dial markings have developed a significant amount of patina, everything is still visible, and has aged evenly, which is exactly what I want to see. The bezel insert also looks to have held up nicely, with no visible cracks, so it’s looks like we’ve got a winner here.
$4,999 or Make Offer
Shane’s Picks
Sandoz Typhoon 1000m
I honestly don’t know much about these Sandoz Typhoons, aside from it being one of the early 1000m dive watches on the market, but the one thing I know for sure is that it’s cool as shit. They can be found in a few dial variants, but the one pictured here is my favorite so far. The rough, almost sandpaper-like, finish to the grey dial, mixed with the contrast of the black markers and perfectly aged lume works really well. Of course, the big 43mm asymmetrical case only adds to the mystique of this nearly forgotten ’60s/’70s dive watch. One cool feature I think I figured out is the screw on the caseback. As I understand it, a watchmaker can use the screw to pressurize the inside of the case and ensure the crystal is properly seated.
$2,000
Wittnauer Diver
I’m going with another vintage diver, this time a Wittnauer. There’s honestly nothing mind blowing about this watch, but what it boils down to is a clean vintage diver with nice patina, for about a grand. The days where sentences like that are possible are likely numbered, so it can’t hurt to hop on the train while it’s still at the station. You’ve seen this dial on Wittnauer super compressors, but this time it’s a commonly seen ’60s style case with an external bezel. Get it while you can, folks.
€1,000
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