We’re currently weening ourselves off of the Speedmaster hype, which is why you’ll only find one here in this week’s Market Watch(ing). So, all things considered, we did a pretty good job staying off the Speedy juice, because we have a great selection of watches that anyone would be glad to receive this holiday season. Without further ado, let’s get to the picks.
Neil’s Picks
Omega Seamster Anakin Skywalker
In honor of a certain movie coming out today, I’ve picked a fine example of the Omega Seamaster “Anakin” ref 145.023. This is a quality vintage example. The case is only slightly worn and the hands and markers have matching patina. Hall & Ladd Co. also provide images of the Cal. 861 movement which looks clean. One thing I would do is replace the strap for a metal bracelet to complete the look but that’s a small matter compared to actually finding a good Anakin example. Aside from the unmistakeable looks, the 44mm size will make a statement on any wrist. You’re sure to be the envy of many Omega collectors if you pick one of these up. eBay can be a risky source to purchase watches from as we’ve said before. Fortunately the seller, Hall & Ladd Co. has a brick and mortar store and website through which you can contact them, and it wouldn’t hurt to ask the detailed questions. The watch has also been serviced and comes with a 1-year warranty, so buy with confidence. Now you just need to find the elusive Vader to complete the set.
$6,395 or Best Offer
Polish Navy Enicar Sherpa Super-Dive
We’ve featured several Enicar watches on Market Watch(ing) before and for good reason. They make classic and unique looking pieces that are affordable and just plain cool. Enicar’s Super-Dive is one of my favorite vintage dive watches. I love the super compressor case and of course the inner rotating bezel wins me over every time. The case is engraved on the side with the serial number which was common practice with the Polish Navy’s watches. The crowns, which are often replaced on these early watches, are also original. This is evident by the cross-hatching and Enicar logo. Patina is even throughout the hands and markers, and all are intact as well, also unusual for a vintage Super-Dive. This watch fits the bill of a well used vintage piece but also one that has not been abused and is fully intact as it came from the Enicar factory. For a bargain price you get an authentic military watch that is all original, serviced, comes with a 6 month warranty, and looks fantastic. I am seriously considering this as a Christmas present to myself.
$2,808
Isaac’s Picks
3 Universal Geneve’s
This week at Christie’s, a number of records were set, though one really stood out to me as an indication of the speed at which the market is moving. What I speak of is of course how a Universal Geneve “Nina Rindt” Compax hammered at an astonishing $38,000 in the Rare Watches & Important Discoveries sale. Now that one of these pieces has effectively been sold for close to $50,000 after buyers premiums, I think that we’re bound to see some changes in pricing occur for Nina Rindts, and the other Compax references that use the same case. This brings me to my first three picks, which come from a collector on Instagram, and a well known dealer.
$15,500 (Reverse Panda Tri-Comp)
@John_P82 Instagram
Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 145.012-67
$6,950
Dean’s Picks
Breguet Type XX
You know you’ve got a good pick for Market Watch(ing) segment when you consider holding back information about the watch ’cause you want it for yourself. That is the inclination I have about the Breguet Type XX that is currently for sale at Explorer Watch via a post on Instagram. We have covered this model before. Yes, you can get a cheaper one that doesn’t say Breguet on it, but there is something about the juxtaposition of that ornate flowing logo with the brute force of the military chronograph that just makes for an excellent combination.
@explorer_watch for More Info
Omega Chronometer Ref. 2605
I trust that you all have heard enough about Speedmasters to last you till as least next #speedytuesday, which in my mind is one of the most reviled hashtags in all of watchdom. Why does a watch need its own day of the week which forces me to scroll numbly through a feed full of the same damn watch? Anyway, here is an Omega I wouldn’t mind getting a better look at. What we have here is a beautiful 1950s chronometer with a two tone silver dial and applied numerals, clocking in at a respectable 35.5mm with a beautiful and interesting case. Inside is a cal 266 movement, a manually wound workhorse for omega for over 30 years. Seriously, this watch looks like a million bucks and costs far, far less (I assume).
Inquire for Price
Shane’s Picks
Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver
In last week’s Market Watch(ing) I went with a Benrus that I could pull an aesthetic 180 with an ultrasonic cleaning and a crystal polish. This week, I’ve got another for you. Here we have a Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver. At first glance, it looks sub-par, and the seller’s pictures don’t help very much. However, if you look closely, the dial looks pretty good, and I can see that the case is sharp. It looks like the minute hand might have ugly lume, but that’s nothing a quick color-match can’t fix if it proves bothersome. So, with this piece, the key will be how high the auction goes. If it stays below $750, the clean-up job will be totally worth it. Keep an eye on this one!
Bid Now
Yema Yachtingraf
It’s been one whole week since I chose a Yema for one of my picks. I don’t know, I guess I’m developing a thing for Yema; they certainly did make some interesting watches. Well, whatever, this week is a Yachtingraf, and as the seller notes, it has a touch of “Nina Rindt” Autavia in it, but with a colorful twist. Overall condition is very good, and the seller has a few extras that can be included if desired, like bezels and the beads of rice bracelet. No price is listed, but I’m guessing it’ll be around $1,500.
Inquire for Price
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Jim
The Nivada Sea Diver ended up at $1800!
Shane Griffin
That’s that “Wound For Life Effect” coming into play!
Ryan
I’m attributing the high bidding on that Nivada Grenchen to you, Shane. I started following the auction the day it was posted. With the crap pictures there’s no way that thing would go over $600 without you posting it here. As it stands, it went for almost $2k.
Shane Griffin
Thanks for the attribution! I’d love to think we had an effect, but I think Nivada is becoming a more popular search term on eBay. Hopefully we see it pop up on Instagram in nicer condition.