Market Watch(ing): Some Ebay Dumpster Diving

This week on Market Watch(ing), we’re hitting up eBay a little harder than usual. Why? Who knows. Maybe it’s the holiday weekend spirit that got into us. Enjoy this week’s roundup knowing you don’t have to wake up on Monday morning. Short week, FTW!

Neil’s Picks

Rolex Submariner 14060M

There’s a watch that, no matter what’s in my collection, I always tell myself I need. The 14060 fills so many niches. It’s pure functional tool watch while looking like a million bucks. There is literally no situation where this watch won’t fit in from a beach, in the wilderness, to a wedding, to a black tie event, and everything else in between. Throw this on a NATO or rubber strap and is still looks outstanding and provides the wearer with infinite options. The proportions are perfect and represent one of the last in the lineage of Rolex tool watches. It’s fortunate that these can be found with relative ease and can be attained for less then many modern Rolex watches.

The version here is my preference with the classic two lines of text on the dial and — of course — lug holes. Now that these have been around for a while, the earlier tritium dials are starting to show nice patina as well, although the luminova is arguably more functional. This is also the “M” designated 14060 which means is has to upgraded movement. This example is a stand out. It has been well taken care of, includes boxes and papers, and looks nearly new for a 13 year old watch, although I would ask the seller for more current pictures. If you’re looking for that one Rolex to start your collection or are need one to be the jack-of-all-trades, this is that watch.

$4,495

Rolex GMT Master 1675 in 18k Gold w/ Tiffany Dial

This watch doesn’t quite fall into the category as the Rolex above, but it sure is awesome. I’m generally not much of a “gold watch guy” but I would make an exception for this one just as soon as I sell all my possessions. The combination of the faded brown dial and bezel insert are stunning against the gold case and the nipple dial gives the piece an added dimension. An 18k 1675 that looks this good isn’t too common but what makes this one even more unique is the Tiffany dial. There are debates among collectors as to whether that commands a premium or not (or at least, how much premium), but I’ll leave that up to you. It certainly sets it apart from the others. There are signs of wear on the case but nothing too excessive and it still retains its thickness. The dial and hands are exemplary for any 1675 of this age. Patina is even throughout with no fading or cracking. Overall this a great looking and well maintained watch that’s incredibly unique. If you were looking for a gold watch to add to your collection this would make a superb option, assuming you can get over the $38k price tag.

$38,650

Isaac’s Picks

Breitling Navitimer Patrouille de France Limited Edition

Thanks to the widespread use of what we now know was defective dial paint, us watch collectors get to ogle and drool over tropical and color change dials with mile-wide smirks on our faces. There’s just something so fascinating about how these watches naturally evolved over time to reach their current state, directly reflecting the way the watch was worn, and what conditions its previous custodians subjected it to. Today, watch manufacturing has been reduced to such a science, so to speak, which eliminates the chance of anomalies like the aforementioned from occurring. Or so I thought.

What we’ve got here is a limited edition Navitimer that Breitling produced using hand-wound Lemania movements in 1993, in just 1000 examples, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the French Air Force’s precision aerobatic demonstration team, known as the PAF, or Patrouille de France. While this watch is indeed relatively modern, it’s interesting to see that its dial has faded from a brown sunburst finish, to an even shade of light yellow, with an iridescent surface. Even though the seller’s asking price might be a bit hopeful, I still think this is an exciting piece worth taking a look at.

$4,550

Tavannes Clamshell Chronograph

After spending some time immersing yourself the world of vintage chronographs, you’ll surely start to learn the names of several now defunct, and for the most part unknown, watch brands that really ought to get more recognition. As of late, auction houses like Christie’s and Phillips have begun to include more and more pieces from obscure Swiss brands in their catalogs, which while bringing deserved attention and praise to this compelling period in watchmaking history, has also resulted in significant price increases across the board. With that said, don’t go thinking that finding a deal on a great vintage chronograph in today’s market is now impossible, because it’s not. Not convinced? Check this out.

You’re looking at a stainless steel, “clamshell” cased Tavannes chronograph, circa 1940-1950, that is being offered by Menta Watches in lovely shape, with a generous helping of yellow-cream patina. What stands out to me the most about this piece is the way all the various, multi-colored scales occupy the dial’s space perfectly, along with the 38mm case, which would have been considered to be quite large at the time of production. Judging by the condition its being offered in, it’s safe to say that this piece was worn with care over the years, and at $3250, I’m not sure you can go wrong with this one.

$3,250

Dean’s Picks — Ebay edition

Zenith El Primero A384

$6,800 or Make Offer

Aqualung US Divers Company

$4,999

*BUYER BEWARE* Badly Re-dialed Universal Geneve Tri-Compax

Don’t Bid Ever

Shane’s Picks

Favre Leuba Deep Blue

Some watches are just cool as shit, and this is one of them. There’s not much to say about this watch that the video in the eBay listing doesn’t already say (a video which is really quite pleasant, I might add). It’s got a killer “roulette” bezel, a very clean case and dial, and aged hands. The two major bonuses here are the seemingly great condition original bracelet, and the fact that the movement is serviced and running strong. I have no idea if this watch should be $3,450, but good luck finding another.

$3,450 or Make Offer

Sinn 809

With period correct jeans!

Yeah, yeah, we’re talking about Sinn again. This time it happens to be a throwback Sinn. You really don’t see discontinued Sinn watches pop up very often, so this one is a treat. What we have is a Sinn 809 dive watch from the ’90s. It might be a bit gimmicky, but the markers are actually on the underside of the sapphire crystal. If nothing else, it’s just kind of cool. Aside from the novel indices, the 809 is 39mm, and 9mm thick, making it an utterly wearable diver. Impressively, the seller has all the links, as well as the box and papers. For $1,500, I don’t think you’ll find a better deal for a Sinn watch.

$1,500

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