Market Watch(ing) is back after a short workweek, and we’ve got a lineup almost entirely comprised of chronographs. If you have a problem with that, you can just– ah, who am I kidding? None of you have a problem with that. With all of the crazy stuff going on around the country this week, it’s a good time to sit back and take your mind off the madness and enjoy some watches.
Isaac’s Picks
Seiko Monopusher 5715-8990
This week I picked out two different stainless steel vintage chronographs, both of which make use of a white dial and measure 37mm across. Although the two pieces share these traits, they couldn’t be more different, and incredibly cool in their own ways. First up, we’ve got a Seiko 5717-8990 mono-pusher chronograph — the first chronograph wristwatch Seiko ever manufactured. These watches were first introduced in 1964 for the Tokyo Olympics, where Seiko was the official timing partner of the games, and much like an Omega Chronostop, the dial does not have any registers.
Inside the 5717-8990 is the Cal. 5717 movement, which is typically enclosed with a caseback that’s been engraved with a seahorse design, which is what the example in question has. Do note that there’s also a rarer variant that has an Olympic torch engraved on the caseback, which makes sense knowing the time of the watch’s release. Considering the fact that this is a 37mm vintage column wheel chronograph, there’s a ton of value here.
$1,250
Minerva Valjoux 72
Next, we have another take on the 37mm steel chronograph, but this time from the historic manufacture Minerva. Unlike the Seiko, the case design of the Minerva has a little bit more going on, with nicely beveled lugs, and a perfectly sized smooth bezel. On top of that, the watch is also powered by the legendary Valjoux 72 movement, and features a clean three-register dial, with aged lume. I think this piece would certainly get a lot of wear, given the versatile nature of a white steel chronograph. You really can’t go wrong with either of these.
$4,250
Dean’s Picks
Longines Valjoux 72 “Newman Dial”
Okay, this might not be the sexiest pick, but it’s a great value and….well, it’s a great value. What you get for under $2K (less than most bracelets from major and sought after brands) is a V72 in a clean vintage Longines with a killer reverse panda — Paul Newman-esque — dial, and it comes on a signed bracelet no less. Now you have to be a fan of the ’70s era chunky, dinner plate type cases which definitely carry a lot of wrist presence, but in a world where Isaac gets a bunch of emails a day about Daniel Wellingtons, I mean, this watch is a no-brainer.
$1,999
LeJour Broad Arrow Chronograph
$2,150
Shane’s Picks
Tissot Navigator Chronograph
Yes, yes; I love me some central minutes chronographs. That’s why I couldn’t resist this Tissot Navigator featuring the Lemania 1343. This movement is an earlier cousin of the Lemania 5100, minus the plastic parts. I understand the 1343 can be a bit finicky, but luckily, the seller just had it serviced. Outside of the movement, you’ve got a great looking dial with nice, creamy markers. I love the clean layout, starring the contrasting running seconds dial, and the iconic airplane-tipped minute counter hand. The seller is looking for €850, which doesn’t sound too bad to me.
€850
Smiths W10
There’s typically a Smiths W10 or two for sale at any one time, maybe on eBay, maybe on the MWR Forums. However, they’re usually a bit beat up, or the lume hasn’t aged well. This one here is an exception to that trend. A clean case and beautiful original dial and hands are up for grabs here, so if you have any inclination for these collectible military watches, this is one you should take a hard look at. Note the seller mentions it hasn’t been serviced in a long time, so factor that into your negotiation. Also, once again, you need an MWR Forum account to view the listing.
$1,000 OBRO
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