Market Watch(ing): Return of the Dean

After dozens upon dozens of telegrams, telegraphs, and handwritten letters asking to bring Dean back into the Market Watch(ing) fold, we convinced him to leave the Shire and make his return. While I think the rest of the crew was able to mostly pick up the slack in his absence, we felt the void as well. Now, without further ado, let’s get into this week’s picks.

Neil’s Picks

Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue

Tudor has really impressed me these last few years. It started with the Black Bay and they have consistently released impressive and unique references each year since. One of the early releases in their modern renaissance, and one that still catches my eye today, is the Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue. The colors are stunning. Throw this on Tudor’s impressive fabric strap and you have a perfect watch for summer. At 42mm it’s a good balance without being too small or too big. I wish other major Swiss brands would follow Tudor’s lead and take more chances with their designs, although it’s hard to perfectly balance modern and retro as Tudor has done with this HCB. This particular piece is hardly worn and still looks new. All boxes and papers are included. At under $3k, it’s hard to pass up a watch that’s this well made and looks this good.

$2,950

Aquadive Bathyscaphe 100

If you’re looking for a no nonsense, good looking, affordable, bad ass watch, look no further. Aquadive is one of those brands that represent an incredible value not unlike Seiko or Doxa. They have been around for years and are one of the few dive watch brands that have truly walked the walk, having been worn on the wrists of real divers for decades. The Bathyscaphe 100 is a straight tool watch. At 43mm wide and 15mm thick, it’s not small. That doesn’t matter, though, since you can use this cushion-cased tank to smash through walls or use as a knuckle duster*. The ETA 2836-2 is tried and true and will last for the life of the watch. With a name like Monkeynuts, the seller is exemplary, I’m sure. It comes with an iconic IsoFrane. All you need is a classic mesh bracelet and you have all your bases covered. For a relatively affordable sum, you won’t be disappointed with this piece.

850 GPB

*Wound For Life does not recommend using your watch to commit random acts of violence.

Isaac’s Picks

Patek Philippe Ref. 2441 “Tour Eiffel”

Just over two months ago, I had the pleasure of writing a “Deconstruction” piece to go along with the sale of an exciting, rectangular Ref. 2503 Patek Philippe owned by Andy Warhol at Christie’s. While doing my research for the article, I quickly became quite fond of the curvaceous and often rather eccentrically styled Markowsky cases that Patek made use of over the years, and found myself ogling Ref. 1593’s online. Although these obscure rectangular pieces may be overshadowed by more complicated pieces and Calatravas, I think they’re among some of the greatest time-only vintage Pateks, and the extreme rarity of certain references is not to be overlooked.

On that note, here’s a stunning, rose gold Ref. 2441 “Tour Eiffel” in perfect shape, that’s currently being offered for sale by Alessandro Ciani. It’s just as you’d want it, with an untouched case and a clean enamel dial, and considering the fact that less than 50 pieces were produced in rose gold, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better example.

Inquire for Price

Gallet Dual Timer Stopwatch

During my daily eBay searches, I often come across exciting, watch related items that test my limited abilities to resist temptation. For example, one might ask if anyone really needs two Aqualung wrist-mounted depth gauges, and the answer to that is, “Of course not”. With that said, was I able to pass them up when I found a couple on eBay? No comment. Earlier this week, I came across a Champion-branded Gallet Dual Timer stopwatch that was designed to be used for timing Indy 500 races back in the day. I think this is an interesting piece in that it represents Gallet’s involvement in motorsport, and relates back to Jim Clark’s association with the brand. Must resist!

$1,499 or Make Offer

Dean’s Picks

Rolex Oyster Date Ref 1530

The Rolex 1530 is a watch I always come back to. The integrated bracelet and angular case more commonly seen on the Oysterquartz models is so atypical for Rolex. For those of you that are unfamiliar, this watch is automatic and not quartz, and represents a small number  examples to combine an automatic movement and the OQ case with integrated bracelets. They are relatively rare, but for whatever reason are (in the world of vintage rolex) relatively affordable. The example Mr. Ciani has for sale looks great without the usual yellowing of the dial seen on this model. Also, since I’ve seen these listed pushing $8K, $6,500 represents a not exorbitant price.

$6,500

Heuer Triple Date Chronograph Valjoux 72C

This next piece I couldn’t resist sharing with you cause it seems like a great deal. What you are looking at is an early Heuer triple calendar chronograph powered by the Valjoux 72c (a regular V72 with a module added for the date complications). The nice thing about this watch is that has the look of a watch that is legitimately over 65 years old. The dial and case certainly seem original, though I’m not extremely familiar with Heuers of this era. The case retains the bevels on the lugs even though it shows a good deal of wear. The kicker? This complicated and original appearing Heuer is listed for under 4-grand.

$3,895

Shane’s Picks

Habring2 COS Timezone Edition

It’s no secret I hold a soft spot in my heart for Habring2, so it was impossible for me not to include this one for Market Watch(ing). You don’t see too many Habring2s hit the forums to begin with, let alone one like this, which was a limited production of 20 pieces made for the TimeZone forums. Now, I couldn’t possibly care less about a watch made for TZ, however, this thing is hot. Featuring the über-cool Crown Operated System (COS) chronograph module, as well as a vintage-esque 2-register layout, you’d never know this watch is packing a heavily modified ETA 7750. The original price for forum members was $7,950, and this one here is being offered for $7,150.

$7,150

Wakmann Reverse Panda Dial Chrono

Nothing fancy here, just a vintage Wakmann that checks the right boxes. Panda and reverse panda dials are ever-hot, and this one is quite nice with the white outer track, the splash of red on the subdial, and the luminous Arabic numbers. The common and reliable Venus 188 is ticking away inside, and the case appears to be in good condition for its age. Bidding is still under a grand with a little over a day left on the auction (at the time of posting). With a look like this, I’d expect it to hit $1,500, and maybe even a shot at $2K.

Bid Now

by