Market Watch(ing): Pokemon Go Edition

With the new sensation sweeping the country, I figured I’d cash in with today’s title. Fortunately (or unfortunately), this week’s Market Watch(ing) has nothing to do with Pokemon Go, but it does have to do with some awesome watches for sale around the web. We’ve got a great variety this week, so let’s get to it.

Neil’s Picks

BALL Engineer Master II Diver

I’ve had the privilege of reviewing BALL watches before, and they do not disappoint. They have a style all their own, the build quality is outstanding, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality of package you’re getting. The Engineer Master II Diver is an example of this. Each part of the watch has its own detail that sets it apart while working in concert with the rest of the piece. The hands look traditional and utilitarian while the “RR” logo on the second hand gives the whole handset a touch of class. Giving the watch depth and texture without making it too busy and cluttered is the tuxedo dial. The numerals look old school and showcase the tritium gas tubes BALL uses. The inner portion of the bezel is distinguished with white contrast on the first 15 minutes, and the outer portion is clean while still providing excellent grip for gloved hands. This is an extremely well executed watch, and although I would prefer this on the rubber strap, it still looks great on the steel and comes at a great price.

$1,800

Omega Speedmaster Alaska Project

This is one of those watches like the PloProf that are so ridiculous that they’re too awesome not to want. The Omega Speedmaster Alaska Project was created as a tribute to the 1970 edition made for NASA and their Alaska Project program which needed a watch that could resist the extreme temperature variations — between -148 and  +260 Celcius — in space. A white Speedmaster is striking by itself, but when you throw it on a special edition white velcro strap and encase it in 57mm of red anodized aluminum, it’s impossible not to stare at and love. These can be hard to come by, especially with the 100% complete set that includes a steel bracelet, two velcro straps, and tools. There were only 1,970 of these made, so act fast. Damn, this thing is awesome.

€5,450 (about $6.050)

Isaac’s Picks

Breitling Superocean “Slow Counter” Chronograph ref 2005

You could say it’s been a weird week for me on eBay. I keep up with what’s being listed partially due to the fact that we write this column, but also because I simply enjoy seeing what’s trading hands on any given day. Monday and Tuesday were a bit slow, but things picked up on Wednesday when I woke up to find this 1972 Ref. 2005 Superocean Chronograph from Breitling up for grabs. To be perfectly honest, it’s not a watch that’s been on my radar at all really, but since seeing this watch listed, I’m trying to learn more about these 70’s sports models, along with other earlier Breitling chronographs.

As the lack of sub registers on the Ref. 2005 would suggest, this watch is a central minute chronograph which can be tracked using the scale on the inner ring that surrounds the dial – but wait, there’s more. Don’t mind the infomercial lingo. To know whether or not the chronograph is engaged, Breitling placed an indicator above 6 o’clock that can be read easily. One thing to note about this piece, is that I’ve heard concerns expressed regarding the correctness of the “yachting bezel”.

Bid Now

Wittnauer Chronograph ref. 7004

Next up, was this piece from Wittnauer. As far as vintage Wittnauer chronographs go, this is arguably one of the more desirable ones, which is reflected in how Longines even produced a reissue of this watch not too long ago. Today’s example in question is currently being offered for sale by an individual in Minneapolis, and I strongly question how they could let it go. I mean, look at it!

Now, let’s break down the ins, the outs, and what-have-yous. Case looks sharp, likely unpolished, and the red bezel appears to have aged almost to a shade of burgundy. The dial and hands both look good, and it’s even mounted on the original JB Champion bracelet. All in all, a terrific looking watch.

Bid Now

Dean’s Picks

Universal Geneve Tri-Compax

These 2 watches just spoke to me this week. They are 2 of my favorite watches and both are late-ish model Tri-Compax from UG. Yea, some time ago I wrote a little smear piece on the Tri-Compax, calling it flimsy and temperamental when compared to Rolex, going on to say that they aren’t worth the money. Well, I stand behind that. At least the first part. The second part is open to interpretation. Fact of the matter is that these are HIGHLY complicated, old watches. Things can and will happen. What became clear in my mind is that the shear beauty of these watches outweighs the fragility and temperamental issues. The first watch that I like is a 222100/2. The selling point with this reference is the dial. There are so many different angles and finishes on this dial that it is truly mesmerizing. Unfortunately these particular brushed metal dials tend to have aged badly in a lot of cases. This one I would call a B+ dial, personally. The case looks good and the kicker is box and papers. Hence the high list price of £13.5k or about 20-grand US, I mean 19-grand US, actually, 18-grand US. It’s a lot of money, and for me personally, when the prices on these (and other) Tri’s climbs into the upper teens and beyond, I get disinterested.

£13,500

Universal Geneve Tri-Compax “Exotic”

Which brings me to the next watch: the Mac Daddy of Tri-Compax (almost). This is, of course, the exotic dial Tri-Compax with the grey-blue dial, white minute track and (sometimes) white composite hands. This piece hit the Instagram of Cars and Watches earlier this week. Only the version of this watch with a green dial is more coveted. Last year, Phillips sold a couple of these which were in immaculate shape and complete, in the low $30k range, and I believe that this particular dealer is in that ballpark, if the watch is still available. Of note is an interesting bracelet that accompanies the watch which does not appear to be original to the piece. I actually believe this price range to be a fair price if you have the means and the inclination to buy such a thing. We have seen vintage sport UG prices skyrocket over the last year or so, but in my mind, things have cooled down to the point where we are no longer seeing these bump-up $5k in price every few months. Certainly the same can be said for the once white-hot “Nina” Compax. But hey, all it takes is one well-heeled buyer that HAS to have a certain watch to send the market to the moon again. Your mileage may vary.

Inquire for Price

Shane’s Picks

Bulova C Chronograph “Stars and Stripes”

Photo courtesy of a potato

Whether or not you subscribe to Samuel Johnson’s views on patriotism, I think just about anyone can admit this is a freaking awesome chronograph. Known as the “C Chronograph”, this huge vintage Bulova chronograph is more commonly referred to as “Stars and Stripes”. Powered by the Valjoux 7736, the 43mm horological bald eagle is indeed a rare bird that looks like it was made for Uncle Sam himself. They really don’t come up for sale very often, so whether you’ve been looking for one, or just realized you have to have one, it might be smart to give this one a good look. However, don’t delay, as this auction is ending today. I just wish the seller didn’t suck at taking pictures. If you want to read more about this borderline army recruiting poster fit for a wrist, head to our friends over at Fratello Watches, where Mike Stockton did a nice write-up.

Bid Now

Silver Super Squale Chronograph

I’ve been all about Squale lately; I can’t get enough of them. At some point soon, I’m going to have to add a nice vintage one to my collection. Their history with dive watches is beyond reproach, and they made some super cool watches to boot. Here we have a dive chronograph that’s made by Squale, but branded as “Silver”. The hands are a bit goofy, and they even look mismatched. However, I did find a few other examples with the same hands, so they seem to be okay. My remaining issue is the rust on the minute hand, but I’m leaning towards forgiving that for how cool the rest of the watch is. There’s two days left on this auction, and it’s sitting at zero bids. The starting price can’t be much more than what’s fair, but I guess the market will make that decision.

Bid Now (or don’t, maybe you can make a deal off eBay)

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