When we do our Market Watch(ing) picks, it’s all very independent. We’ll occasionally talk about the ones we want to write about, but we’re all pretty much finding out the others’ picks upon publishing. That’s why when a theme developed for this week, the coincidence of it was kind of exciting. Taking one look at our lineup, you can see we all picked unknown and/or under-appreciated watches. The Patek will stick out a bit, but it’s certainly not talked about much relatively speaking. At any rate, I think we have a great set of picks this week, so get your wallets ready!
Neil’s Picks
Seiko Bullhead Chronograph 6138-0049
$475
Enicar Sherpa Guide
€3,950
Dean’s Picks
Gallet Clamshell Chronograph
The first watch is from Gallet. Believe it or not this now little known brand actually may have the longest history of any watchmaking house, dating back to 1466. Gallet’s biggest claim to fame in the modern age however is its wonderful Multichron chronographs produced during the mid 20th century. Vision Vintage Watches has a beautiful Multichron 30 up for sale on its site and the tachometer snail dial is truly mesmerizing. Is the dial all original? Well the site doesn’t make a claim one way or another so I’d check into it. The case however looks great and the price is under 4K GBP (which isn’t crazy if the dial is original).
£3,995
Record Datofix
$4,650
Isaac’s Picks
Seiko 6159-7001
Tool watches — and lately vintage pieces specifically — always have been, and always will be a large part of what drives us, and captivates the majority of our horological interests, here at Wound For Life. Lasting bonds and memories are formed with these watches through the adventures on which we take them, and the physically demanding trials that they witness while sitting on your wrist. Seiko has always been known for producing no-nonsense, functional timepieces that can handle just about whatever you throw at them, and this important dive watch is surely no exception.
Being one of the brand’s earliest dive releases, the 6159-7001 is very highly regarded by collectors for it’s beautifully intricate aesthetic, and overall level rarity in that it was only produced for just under two years. This example just popped up for sale on Instagram from “@soultimer” last night, and it really is a winner. All original, matching patina, and it’s even mounted on an XGL-731 rubber strap. Ultimately, this one has a lot going for it and then some, which makes buying a vintage piece comically easy. Jump on it!
Inquire for Price
Patek Philippe 5101P
Patek Philippe’s 5101P is quite simply a badass watch, in the most elegant way possible. It’s almost as if a group of industrial designers, watchmakers, and collectors sat down at a table, went over a bunch of things that they appreciated from various notable watches, and found a way to work it all into one. What’s that? You’re a fan of stepped bezels? Well, this piece has a triple stepped bezel. Movement symmetry is important to you, huh? Check out the Cal. 28-20 222, it’s practically perfect. Oh, and did I mention it has a tourbillon and applied black Breguet numerals? Yes, it really is that good.
I’ve always found that this piece doesn’t get enough love from the collectors, and maybe that’s because it’s not exactly a “quintessential” Patek, and has quite the hefty list price, but at the same time that makes it all the more intriguing and desirable. On a serious note, if you don’t see the appeal in this reference, give me a call. We’ll need to have a long talk.
Inquire for Price
Shane’s Picks
Tissot Sideral S
I’ll be upfront on this one. I’d never heard of the Tissot Sideral S before I came across this example yesterday. Learn something new everyday, right? The Sideral was made in a few different flavors, but this one has the all fiberglass case (!) and rotating bezel. Out of the variants I researched, I think this one is the most appealing and wearable. Interestingly enough, the fiberglass case is very water resistant, and along with the dial, forms a Faraday cage to provide magnetic field resistance. It doesn’t have any complications, but the spiral track on the dial allows for more accurate time reading, which could be used for elapsed time tracking if the minute hand is reset to 12:00. It’s a really cool piece that I was happy to learn a little about, and at $425, a somewhat guilt-free purchase.
$425
Glycine Airman
Arguably the standard-setting 24-hour watch, the Glycine Airman has a great history. First introduced in 1953, it beat the GMT Master to market as the first two timezone watch. Although the GMT Master had a fourth hand, they both relied on the bezel for reading the second timezone. “Firsts” aside, the Airman is a very interesting reference that gained in popularity during the Vietnam War with pilots. They seemed to have blown up in size a bit in recent years, but this vintage example is a conservative 36mm. The overall condition is fantastic for a 50 year old watch, and it comes from a serious Glycine collector. Patina fans will be pleased with the nicely yellowed and matching markers and hands. Beyond the rotating bezel, the Airman had a few other interesting points like the bezel-locking crown at 4:00, and the hacking pin which holds the second hand at the top of the dial when the setting crown is pulled. Upon pushing the crown back in, the pin retreats back into the dial and releases the second hand. Like I said, interesting. We get caught up in the vintage Rolex and Speedmaster world pretty often, but here you have an incredibly quirky, cool, and historically significant piece for under $1,500.
€1,300
by 
Chris
I loved last week’s picks, but you guys managed to surpass yourselves in finding interesting vintage pieces.
Tim
Love these posts of exotic less known brands 🙂
Darren B
I would give anything to go back 10 years and not sell my Enicar Sherpa GMT. What the hell was I thinking. Such a badass watch!!