Okay, so the last week has been an absolute whirlwind for me (Shane). I became a father, and all things watches have become practically non-existent in my thinking. Hell, I didn’t even realize it was Market Watch(ing) day here at Wound For Life. However, as I get used to changing diapers, not sleeping, and constantly wanting to stare at my little creation, the show must somehow go on. That’s why we’ve got a pretty killer lineup locked and loaded for you this week. Sit back and enjoy. I’m going to go take a nap.
Neil’s Picks
Rolex 16760 GMT Master II “Fat Lady”
The “Fat Lady” is one of the unsung heroes in Rolex’s transitional era. While the 16750 and 16660 get plenty of love, the Fat Lady is often left unappreciated. To me they are one of the most unique transitional models along with the fact they are a milestone in Rolex’s engineering featuring their first GMT movement with the hour hand and 24-hour hand independent of each other. While the hands here show some corrosion, a matching vintage tritium handset can easily be sourced. What’s important is that it has the original aged dial, which is much harder to source. What also makes this appealing is the fantastic faded bezel insert. Faded Pepsi inserts are as popular as ever and increasing in price but I guarantee you’ll be the only person in your circle with a faded Coke bezel.
$4,250
Seiko SRPA21 PADI “Turtle”
Seiko’s Turtle reissue was an instant hit. It checked all the boxes for a modern watch that’s also supposed to be direct tribute to a vintage classic. While it comes in several different iterations for buyers to choose from, they’re all fairly conservative. This new PADI version is immediately more attention grabbing with the Pepsi bezel, red 5-minute marks, and red outline on the minute hand. The deep blue dial is instantly captivating, and fortunately the PADI logo isn’t distracting or overwhelming. I’m not even a diver and I would not hesitate to wear this. This is a full set, which includes the Seiko bracelet and a highly acclaimed Zuludiver rubber strap for those of you who may have trouble deciding which one to wear.
$389
Isaac’s Picks
Arten Chronograph
Whenever I start itching for a new watch, one option I always seriously consider is picking up a multi-scale chronograph. They’ve got this magic to them that few other dials can replicate. While I’ve yet to scratch the new watch itch with one of these chronographs, I still follow the market actively for fun, and to keep up to date on my pricing knowledge. This week, I came across this clean, “Arten” chronograph, that looks to be untouched. I’ve seen similar watches with the name Vintan on the dial, and from what I understand, both versions of this so-called “flight chronograph” are rather rare.
$1,999 or Make Offer
Universal Geneve “Big Eye” Uni-Compax
The exceedingly rare “Big-Eye” Uni-Compax from Universal Geneve is one watch that seems to be becoming more popular with the passing of each and every second, and it’s easy to see why. With strong, thick lugs, a clean, highly legible dial, and a reliable hand-wound caliber, the Big-Eye has all the key ingredients of a great vintage chronograph, at 37mm across, the watch is perfectly sized and proportioned. An example has become available for sale at Miami’s Menta Watches, and it looks to be quite clean, so if you’re in the market for one, this might just do the trick.
$28,000
Dean’s Picks
Universal Geneve Pilot Chronograph
Price on Request
Shane’s Picks
Yema Yachtingraf Chrono
As we’ve mentioned in the past, a number of off-brand chronographs have gotten hot in the last year or so, and the Yema Yachtingraf is no exception. Wanna know why? Because it’s cool as shit. Take one look at the oversized minute register and the demand for these watches becomes obvious. The overall condition of this watch seems above average, and the price of €3,000 doesn’t seem ridiculous at this point. What’s more, the seller goes by Karatekid in his sign off. I mean, if you can’t trust Daniel-san, who can you trust? Still, I’d ask for more photos, including movement shots.
€3,000
Selectron Computer (Just a ridiculous name)
Here we go with another reverse panda chronograph, this time from Selectron. Apparently an Ollech & Wajs watch, the Selectron Computer features a slide rule for making those necessary calculations when you’re in a pinch. The overall condition seems to be solid, and it’s currently sitting at no bids. Maybe you can work a deal off eBay for more like $850 to $1,000. There’s what appears to be a nicer example on Chronotrader at the moment, but that one certainly has the wrong bezel. Wouldn’t want to lose the slide rule capabilities!