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Oh, how the weeks fly by. Can you guys believe it’s nearly November? Before we get there, we have to get through Halloween first, and what better way to tackle the tricking and treating than by rocking a sweet vintage watch? You can totally pull off that old school recreational diver costumer you’ve been planning all year with some of these pieces. Enough talking, let’s check out this week’s Market Watch(ing) picks.

Neil’s Picks

BME Yachting Regatta Chronograph

What do we all want? Vintage chronos that won’t break the bank. Well, that’s what we have here. This BME Yachting Chronograph utilizes a Valjoux 7733 movement that we all know and love, especially when paired with classic ’70s shapes and colors. The cushion case is sharp with minimal wear and frames the dial nicely. Speaking of the dial, it has a wonderful deep purple color accented with bright orange chronograph hands and blue and pink on the sub dial at 3. All of which make for a stunning combination. 1970s yachting chronographs are some of my favorite vintage pieces and Justin over at WatchSteez.com always seems to find killer examples of them. Act fast because his inventory doesn’t stick around too long.

$1,300

Abercrombie & Fitch Chronograph

Abercrombie and Fitch actually used to be a legit brand. Not the skinny douche-magnet company you see today. One of the many things they produced were timepieces. The overall condition looks outstanding, from the hands, dial, and to the case. The seller claims case is unpolished. Although difficult, if not impossible to guarantee, it looks top notch none the less. The classic two register dial paired with Arabic numerals give it that early 20th century look. The combination of the silver dial, blue number track, and champagne sub dials set this apart from comparable, yet more bland, white dialed watches. With the best offer, I would try to score this at below $1k if possible.

$1,250 or Make Offer

Isaac’s Picks

Rolex Turn-O-Graph Ref. 6202

The Ref. 6202 Turn-O-Graph is a curious reference that has been sparking my interest as of late. In the grand scheme of things, it could be said that this watch laid the framework for the Submariner, and all subsequent Rolex sports models, as this was the very first Rolex to feature the rotating bezel. Yes. This of course would make you think that the 6202 is a largely unattainable reference, but you’d be wrong, as it’s surprisingly accessible in comparison to other references of a similar vintage.

Here’s an example that was listed by our friends over at the Keystone, and if you look closely, you’ll notice the presence of the words “Officially Certified Chronometer” on the dial, which is both rare and highly desirable. With several 6202’s popping up in all the various auction catalogues for the upcoming season, I think now is a very good time to get into one of these early sporting watches.

$26,600

Omega PloProf 600 Ref. 166.077

While some will scoff at the design and make remarks about its impracticality, I’ve always been attracted to Omega’s PloProf dive watch. There’s just something about that slab of a stainless steel case that’s so raw and almost alien looking, that you know it had to have been designed with a dedicated purpose in mind. It’s a bona fide tool watch by all definitions of the term.

The example in question today is perfect. I’m talking like, perfect. Everything has aged just as you’d want it to: case lines couldn’t be sharper, and included along with the watch and original box and papers is the original shark mesh bracelet, the original Omega isofrane, and rubber diver’s extension. If you’re looking for a PloProf, I really don’t think they get nicer than this. I mean, look at it!

$12,500

Dean’s Picks

Enicar Sherpa Star Diver

Orange divers seem to be popping up quite a bit recently and while the hype over some off the off-brand (aka, not Rolex or Patek) vintage sport watches seems to have cooled off a bit, this one is too cool not to show y’all. It is a funky orange Enicar diver that I’ve never seen. The model is the “Star Diver” and it has a great look to it with an interesting day-date format. The seller states it’s in mint condition and includes the original box, and who am I to disagree? The honor will cost you around €4K.

€4,150

Dugena Sealab

€1,050

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It’s that time of the (four) years, folks. Right when you’re about to blow your brains out if you see another election headline. Things are finally coming to a head with the race, and it will be over soon enough. However, to keep you chugging through the remaining real life nightmare, we’ve got some great watches for you on Market Watch(ing). Enjoy!

Neil’s Picks

Sinn 556 Anniversary

At 38.5mm in diameter, 11mm thick, a classic and simple dial, and Sinn’s renowned engineering, this is a perfect “go anywhere, do anything” watch. It looks, wears, and performs amazingly. With 200 meters of water resistance, anti reflective crystal, shock resistance, and a reliable ETA 2824-2 movement, you can rely on this watch in any situation. Having seen the anthracite dial in person, it’s quite striking. It’s not grey but also not black, and it changes with the light. All you need to complete the look now is the bracelet. It’s hard to find another watch with these qualities in that price range.

$1,095

Helbros 17j military watch

Helbros is a manufacture that has been around for around 100 years, originating in Switzerland and producing watches in the US. They made military watches for several different countries and this example claims to have originally been owned by a WWII German officer. This is just a simple yet elegant and classic military watch. The legible Arabic numbers and baton hands have matching and nearly full luminous material. Around the outside of the dial is a minute track that completes the look. At 34mm, it’s compact but appropriate for the era. It looks great and the seller claims it’s accurate and damn near original, except for the crystal and strap. I can’t verify the the legitimacy of the seller’s claim, although he has some details and says can provide more. The fact remains that this is cool watch, and for $600 it may be a gamble worth taking, especially if contact with the seller proves to be fruitful. I say go for it.

$600

Isaac’s Picks

Favre Leuba Bathy 50

As it usually does, the hunt began on eBay for me this week, and funnily enough, it ended there! I frequently hear in watch collecting circles about the supposed “nightmare” that buying on eBay can be, and while this isn’t altogether untrue, you really just have to do your homework, and know what you’re after, if sniping deals is what you wish to do. The watches I’ve picked out today aren’t necessarily “deals”, but I still think they represent interesting alternatives to many divers and chronographs in their range.

First up, we’ve got a Bathy 50 from Favre Leuba – a watch that became an instant favorite when I first saw it a couple of years ago. I say this because the watch has a depth gauge incorporated it, and I seem to have somehow started collecting depth gauges over the years, for reasons which I can’t explain. That aside, it’s just a terrific looking dive watch, with all sorts of wildly cool little details that would indicate a thoughtful design process.

$7,950 or Make Offer

Jaeger LeCoultre Ref 4648.42

My next pick is a bit of an oddball, but a rare oddball, and a damn good looking one at that. This is a Ref. 4648.42 from Jaeger LeCoultre, which features a polarizing 43mm one piece case, and a vibrant dial complete with neon blue and yellow accents on the chronograph’s outer track. As you might’ve noticed, the watch bears a resemblance to Bulova’s similarly outrageously styled “Stars and Stripes” chronograph, and this is because the two share several components.

One key difference between this 4648.2 and the Bulova that set the two apart, is the presence of a Valjoux 72 within the case of the JLC. While the style of this piece certainly isn’t for everyone, it’s sure to strike a chord with the chronograph collector in search of old school whimsy and quirk.

$8,806 or Make Offer

Dean’s Picks

JLC Vintage Reverso

How about a couple of JLCs this week? Cool? Well, both of ’em come from the guys at Watchexchange.London, who seem to have stepped up their vintage watch game as of late. The first is a vintage Reverso with a very appealing black glossy dial and what appears to be gilt and applied details, obviously a much sought after combo. I think vintage Reversos have to be one of the more undervalued watches on the vintage market, especially considering the significance and popularity of the design. This one is listed for 6500 pounds. I’d love to see it in person.

£6,500

JLC Memovox Cal 825

£4,950

Editor’s note: A dial is most assuredly not “gilt” if the writing is silver, or any other color, for that matter, unless of course the color is GOLD. There’s no two ways around it. Carry on.

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Okay, folks; late start today. It’s all good though, as my baby’s diaper is clean (for the next few minutes), and we’ve got a great selection of watches for you to peruse. We’re pretty heavily focused on vintage divers this week on Market Watch(ing), with just a couple exceptions. Without further ado, let’s get on with the show.

Neil’s Picks

DOXA 300T Sharkhunter

I probably do a search for a DOXA 300T once a week. I truly love this watch thanks to it’s tough and classic looks and its vintage cushion case shape. It is a pure tool watch built for one specific purpose – diving – which it did quite well. The example’s dial looks sharp with even patina throughout. There is still printing on the majority of the bezel, which is unusual for these vintage 300T’s. These watches almost never come up for sale, and when they do they rarely look this good. Prices have climbed a little over the last few years but this is certainly a fair one for a watch of this caliber.

$2,650

Oris Divers 65

This isn’t the first time this watch has appeared on Market Watch(ing), and it certainly won’t be the last. It is by far one of the best looking watches we’ve seen over the last couple years, both in its price range as well as above it. Oris’ restraint in keeping the dimension and proportions modest shows that they have an eye for what is timeless, and not just for following current trends. Using the Oris Cal. 733, an ETA 2824 copy means this thing will run like a champ. We saw this blue dialed version as Basel this year and immediately loved it. It truly needs to be seen in person to really appreciate it. At under $1k, this is an incredible bargain for an incredible watch. I don’t expect this to last too long.

$975

Dean’s Picks

Rolex Submariner Ref. 5514 “COMEX”

You know, sometimes there are cool watches out there that 99% of us are not going to be able to buy but are worth talking about nonetheless. The COMEX that Jacek and Scott have listed right now falls under that category. What the gents from the mission have is a ref 5514 COMEX Sub. Let me give you a brief rundown. Compagnie Maritime d’Expertise in Marseille, or COMEX, as we know it, was started in 1961 by Henri-Germain Delauze and pioneered technical diving as we now know it. This includes early work with advanced gas mixes such as Heliox, which allows technical divers to decrease the risks associated with the toxicity of Nitrogen and Oxygen at extreme depths. Anyway, in the 1970s they partnered with Rolex under the direction of then Rolex CEO Andre Heiniger to basically test Rolex dive watches for the company. Divers were supplied with the watches at no cost. The first watches supplied to the company were 5513s and had no COMEX designation on the dial. The clue something special was going on was the HEV on the side of the case. The second series of watches were based off the 5513 but designated 5514. They had the escape valve and also included the COMEX logo on the dial. This series ran from approx. ’72 – ’78 and for me, these are the coolest COMEX subs out there. They really bridge the gap between the early Subs and the later iterations like the Sea Dweller and 1680. The kicker on the watch that HQ is selling is the letter included, which is signed by Henry Hudson. Mr. Hudson was the head of the UK service division and one of the few examples we have of Rolex officials “certifying” rare vintage pieces like MilSubs and Comexes. A “Hudson Letter” carries a good deal of weight in the high end vintage Rolex community. The watch costs $133.5k. Take a look for yourself at a very cool piece of diving history.

$133,500

Rolex Subamariner Ref. 1680 Tiffany Dial

Shane’s Picks

Sinn 103 Moonphase

Here’s one you don’t see everyday: a Sinn 103 Moonphase. In fact, I didn’t know it existed until I saw this listing a few weeks ago. I held off on including it because I wanted to do some more digging on this discontinued reference. I still don’t know too much about it other than that it’s discontinued, and I’ve seen other versions with see-through backs and screw-down pushers. At any rate, it’s a cool variant of a classic pilot chronograph. I think it’s a bit overpriced, but maybe some private messaging with the seller can finagle a deal off eBay.

$2,900

Enicar Seapearl 600

I love finding listings like this. It’s just about the only way to get a good deal on eBay anymore. What I mean by that is the seller clearly doesn’t know watches, and his pictures and description will scare away a good chunk of the scavengers. What he has up for offer is a vintage Enicar Seapearl 600. Now, some will say this watch is ugly, and I actually agree, but it’s ugly in a good way. The big, goofy markers have loads of lume, which appear to be nicely aged, and would likely look fantastic in person (i.e., not viewed via potato quality photos). I’ve seen these sell for the better part of $1K in good condition, so I don’t see why grabbing this one under $750 would be a bad buy. Just keep in mind it’ll likely need a service.

Bid Now

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If there’s anything New Englanders love, it’s fall. Barbour jackets, flannels, pumpkin spice everything, and on and on. It’s pretty much the best time of year. And what better to bring on fall than a sweet selection of watches for sale to match your basic bitch attire? Well, we’ve got that sweet selection, so strap in, and enjoy another week of Market Watch(ing)!

Neil’s Picks

Omega Flightmaster, NOS

Here is one outstanding Flightmaster, probably my favorite vintage Omega. These don’t come up for sale too often, especially good examples.  This thing is one of the best I’ve seen, and really does look incredible. I almost never believe anyone that claims “new old stock” with a watch this old, but this time, I’m inclined to believe it. It’s priced as such too. Part of me says to keep it in this condition but my philosophy is that watches are meant for wearing, especially vintage ones as awesome as this.

$5,800

Sinn 142 D1

More cushion case goodness, this time from the Germans. Here is a watch that shows Sinn’s often overlooked aviation and space history. This comes with the robust Sinn bracelet, as well as the NATO pictured. It looks to be in worn-but-not-abused condition. Sinn’s bead-blasting is tough and ages quite well. The tritium markers have also aged nicely. And did I mention it has an inner rotating bezel? If you’ve been looking for a Sinn that’s historical, unique, and one that showcases the Lemania 5100 then this is the watch for you. The first second automatic chronograph in space can be yours at a great price.

$1,450

Isaac’s Picks

Seiko 6215-7000

Seiko’s first 300 meter rated dive watch was introduced in 1967. Known as the 6215-7000, this monocoque-cased piece was powered by the watchmaking powerhouse’s 35-jewel, self-winding Cal. 6215 movement, which featured a date function. The other night, I came across one of these Japanese dive watches on eBay, and couldn’t help but include it in my picks.

If patina is your thing, this one ought to do it, seeing as the bezel insert has faded to a nice light grey tone, and the luminous compound found in the hands and markers has aged to that oh so dreamy, custard color. As for the dial, don’t worry about the present lack of text on this example’s dial. While not ideal, it’s not uncommon to see faded text on 6215-7000’s, though I will say that this newfound sterility does give the watch a stealthy look that suits it well.

$8,000 or Make Offer

Universal Geneve Compax

When discussing vintage watches with modern watch collecting friends, I am always repeatedly informed of the small size of most collectible vintage pieces, in comparison to the hulking yearly novelties from our horological overlords. So here’s one for the naysayers, and those that happen to like ultra rare, oversized, V72-powered UG Compax’s.

At 40mm, this piece is perfectly suited for daily wear. Not too big, not too small, and on the wrist there’s a great deal of depth to this watch, thanks to the multiple scales and tracks that surround the matte black dial. The seller, Menta Watches, has also made a note regarding the rarity of this piece, seeing as this is only one of three examples to come to market in recent years.

Bid Now

Dean’s Picks

Longines Legend Diver

Sometimes the watch world feels a little sluggish. You know, the Datejusts and the Speedys and the like keep selling, as they will till the sun explodes or some such, but it just seems like nothing with real JUICE has been coming down the pike. Maybe it’s a function of the time of year, and the lull in auction action but here we are and I’m kinda bored with the selection of stuff that’s out there at the moment. So I’ll give you a known quantity/safe pick and one that’s a little interesting, from an academic standpoint.

$2,199

Rolex Explorer Dial Submariner

Price on Request (duh)

Shane’s Picks

Omega Seamaster “Anakin Skywalker” Ref. 145.023

I’m with Neil this week, funky cushion cases all around. My first choice is one we’ve written about before, the Omega Seamaster ref 145.023, nicknamed “Anakin Skywalker”. With a tungsten case that honestly looks like something out of Star Wars, it’s one of the wildest chronographs Omega made in the ’70s. With it’s legendary Caliber 861, this example looks to be all original, down to the included box. This listing will last another week, but it has no reserve. I say keep an eye on this one.

Bid Now (or in the last 15 seconds of the auction)

Heuer Autavia Arabic Bund

As we’ve discussed, there are practically endless variations of vintage Heuer Autavias, all to varying degrees of collectibility. This one here, rounding out my cushion case picks, is one that’s grown on me recently. It’s known as the Arabic Bund, because of the Arabic numbers (no kidding), and because of its connection with the German military. Notice that the number typeface is exactly like the revered Heuer Bundeswehr Flyback. These watches are not easy to come by, especially in good condition. The seller notes that the chrono hand was relumed, but it’s otherwise original. If this is your thing, I definitely recommend splurging for the GF bracelet, as it’s awesome, and can always be re-sold later if you end up not liking it (those bracelets sell faster than cheap beer).

€8,400 with bracelet

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Here we go, everyone; Market Watch(ing) is once again live and kicking! Sometimes we end up with a theme, each of us picking somewhat similar watches. However, this week, the theme is “no theme”. That’s right, we’re all over the map and it’s awesome. No more wasting time, let’s get to the watches.

Neil’s Picks

1961 Zenith Pilot Cal. 40

Vintage pilot watches come in many forms. While I traditionally think of IWC, Smiths, Brietling or others, it’s this Zenith that made me take notice right when I saw it. Immediately striking is the salmon dial, a color not often seen in pilots watches – let alone in this condition. It’s extremely sharp all around with no corrosion around the markers or hands. The case is not large but at 34mm it’s the right size for a vintage pilot watch. In addition, the 19mm lugs that extend decently beyond the case will help this wear quite well on the wrist. A minimal sub dial at 6 helps to round out this beautifully executed piece. The manual wind Cal. 40 has a long history and often comes up in the same conversation as the venerable Cal 89. It’s rare to see a 55 year old watch that looks this good, and at this price. Justin over at WatchSteez does it yet again, bringing us a very unique piece at a great value.

$1,050

TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11

Vintage Heuers are classic, however the modern TAG Heuer counterparts just don’t seem to have soul of the originals. One modern piece that still manages to draw me in, however, is the Monaco. Obviously this is because it’s such a faithful homage to the original. TAG stepped up their game recently with this release of the Monaco Calibre 11, which is a near identical recreation of the original. Nearly every aspect is true to the vintage Monaco from the blue color of the dial, the horizontal markers, crown on the left side of the case, and they even had the foresight to remove TAG from the dial. It still has the timeless looks and is a fraction of the cost of an original. Throw this on a vintage rally strap and you have a winner. It shows almost no wear but nothing some serious racing can’t fix! It’s what Steve McQueen would want.

$2,500

Isaac’s Picks

Helbros Skin Diver

Continuing last week’s vintage diver theme, my first pick this week is an “invincible” dive watch known as a Helbros Skin Diver, and it comes from eBay. This is an unbelievably cool piece, with stark arrow hands, and it’s in terrific shape, with sharp looking lugs, and what I assume is the original bracelet, given how old it looks to be. According to my research, these Skin Divers are apparently quite rare, so to find one that looks to have been preserved nicely over the years, let alone one on a vintage steel bracelet, is a unique opportunity.

$997.97 or Make Offer

Omega Brochure

Every week, I try to stick to just watches from my daily searches, but these pamphlets and original brochures have a nasty way of making it into the roundup. What we’ve got here is an owner’s manual that would’ve been included in the sale of an Omega chronograph, much like the 2998 and other stunning references we see gracing this original document’s pages. Again, things like this are admittedly useless to the average collector, but if you’re focused on Omega chronographs, or you’re currently on a Speedmaster kick, I’m sure this would make a lovely addition to any focused collection. Oh, and, the seller says it’s ultra rare. The rarest, in fact.

Bid Now

Dean’s Picks

Patek Philippe 5040G

It might sound insane to talk about value propositions when it comes to wristwatches that cost more than most people’s cars. But then again, here we are. The Keystone has a watch that caught my eye. IMHO, the Patek 3940 in white metal might be the perfect watch. Its size and wearability are virtually unparalleled, especially in a complicated watch such as a perpetual calendar. If I had one complaint vis-á-vis the 3940, it’s that you can’t have it with a black dial (as far as I know, and as far as your name isn’t Clapton or Singer). White metal 3940s run in the $40k range, generally speaking. This watch at The Keystone is a Patek Perpetual Calendar powered by the same 240-Q moment, in white gold…with a black dial. Now, the tonneau shaped case isn’t for everyone but I think that adds to the allure. On a raw piece of black cordovan this thing would just sing. Now, if you’re buying ANY piece of modern *ahem* “haute horology”, you really should be looking at watches with boxes and papers and all the ephemera like the little pusher thingy, and I assume that this watch is naked which may explain the sub $40k price a little bit, but I for one would like to get a little more information on condition and accessories as these things make a big difference in value.

$37,500

Heuer Camaro

Inquire for Price

Shane’s Picks

Tudor Day-Date Linen Dial

You ever lust after a Rolex Day-Date in steel, and then realize they don’t make one? Well, I’m sure someone has. Luckily, little brother Tudor came to the rescue. Here we have one of Tudor’s Day-Date references, the 94510, with a sweet blue linen dial. Often times, Tudor DDs are seen with boring silver dials, but the blue linen here really sets the watch off. Throw in a bracelet, engine-turned bezel, and original papers, and you’re looking at a winner.

$2,150

Harvard Clamshell Chronograph

Week in and week out, we remind everyone about our love for vintage chronographs, and here’s yet another. This time it’s a Harvard Clamshell. Rocking a Venus 175, a minty dial, and a minty waterproof case, this is one you don’t see too often. I do think it’s a bit overpriced, but hey, what do I know? Well, I’ll tell you what I know; I know you don’t have to be Harvard-smart to know this is a killer piece.

€4,800

Gallet Two-Register Chronograph

I’m feeling a bit saucy today, so I’m stretching my picks out to three this week. Here we have a clean Gallet chronograph for not too many doll-hairs — 2,000 doll-hairs to be exact. With nice Gallets getting more and more expensive (thanks, Vrakas!), this one seems to be a solid deal. I love the marine chronometer style dial, especially the “open 6”, as well as the sharp case. The seller mentions that he thinks the case is plated and not stainless steel, but I don’t necessarily agree. If it’s a ’50s or ’60s watch, there’s no way it would still be coated base metal. At any rate, this one is worth consideration.

$2,000

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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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Wound For Life Wound For Life

Okay, so the last week has been an absolute whirlwind for me (Shane). I became a father, and all things watches have become practically non-existent in my thinking. Hell, I didn’t even realize it was Market Watch(ing) day here at Wound For Life. However, as I get used to changing diapers, not sleeping, and constantly wanting to stare at my little creation, the show must somehow go on. That’s why we’ve got a pretty killer lineup locked and loaded for you this week. Sit back and enjoy. I’m going to go take a nap.

Neil’s Picks

Rolex 16760 GMT Master II “Fat Lady”

The “Fat Lady” is one of the unsung heroes in Rolex’s transitional era. While the 16750 and 16660 get plenty of love, the Fat Lady is often left unappreciated. To me they are one of the most unique transitional models along with the fact they are a milestone in Rolex’s engineering featuring their first GMT movement with the hour hand and 24-hour hand independent of each other. While the hands here show some corrosion, a matching vintage tritium handset can easily be sourced. What’s important is that it has the original aged dial, which is much harder to source. What also makes this appealing is the fantastic faded bezel insert. Faded Pepsi inserts are as popular as ever and increasing in price but I guarantee you’ll be the only person in your circle with a faded Coke bezel.

$4,250

Seiko SRPA21 PADI “Turtle”

Seiko’s Turtle reissue was an instant hit. It checked all the boxes for a modern watch that’s also supposed to be direct tribute to a vintage classic. While it comes in several different iterations for buyers to choose from, they’re all fairly conservative. This new PADI version is immediately more attention grabbing with the Pepsi bezel, red 5-minute marks, and red outline on the minute hand. The deep blue dial is instantly captivating, and fortunately the PADI logo isn’t distracting or overwhelming. I’m not even a diver and I would not hesitate to wear this. This is a full set, which includes the Seiko bracelet and a highly acclaimed Zuludiver rubber strap for those of you who may have trouble deciding which one to wear.

$389

Isaac’s Picks

Arten Chronograph

Whenever I start itching for a new watch, one option I always seriously consider is picking up a multi-scale chronograph. They’ve got this magic to them that few other dials can replicate. While I’ve yet to scratch the new watch itch with one of these chronographs, I still follow the market actively for fun, and to keep up to date on my pricing knowledge. This week, I came across this clean, “Arten” chronograph, that looks to be untouched. I’ve seen similar watches with the name Vintan on the dial, and from what I understand, both versions of this so-called “flight chronograph” are rather rare.

$1,999 or Make Offer

Universal Geneve “Big Eye” Uni-Compax

The exceedingly rare “Big-Eye” Uni-Compax from Universal Geneve is one watch that seems to be becoming more popular with the passing of each and every second, and it’s easy to see why. With strong, thick lugs, a clean, highly legible dial, and a reliable hand-wound caliber, the Big-Eye has all the key ingredients of a great vintage chronograph, at 37mm across, the watch is perfectly sized and proportioned. An example has become available for sale at Miami’s Menta Watches, and it looks to be quite clean, so if you’re in the market for one, this might just do the trick.

$28,000

Dean’s Picks

Universal Geneve Pilot Chronograph

Price on Request

Shane’s Picks

Yema Yachtingraf Chrono

As we’ve mentioned in the past, a number of off-brand chronographs have gotten hot in the last year or so, and the Yema Yachtingraf is no exception. Wanna know why? Because it’s cool as shit. Take one look at the oversized minute register and the demand for these watches becomes obvious. The overall condition of this watch seems above average, and the price of €3,000 doesn’t seem ridiculous at this point. What’s more, the seller goes by Karatekid in his sign off. I mean, if you can’t trust Daniel-san, who can you trust? Still, I’d ask for more photos, including movement shots.

€3,000

Selectron Computer (Just a ridiculous name)

Here we go with another reverse panda chronograph, this time from Selectron. Apparently an Ollech & Wajs watch, the Selectron Computer features a slide rule for making those necessary calculations when you’re in a pinch. The overall condition seems to be solid, and it’s currently sitting at no bids. Maybe you can work a deal off eBay for more like $850 to $1,000. There’s what appears to be a nicer example on Chronotrader at the moment, but that one certainly has the wrong bezel. Wouldn’t want to lose the slide rule capabilities!

Bid Now

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