Oh, how the weeks fly by. Can you guys believe it’s nearly November? Before we get there, we have to get through Halloween first, and what better way to tackle the tricking and treating than by rocking a sweet vintage watch? You can totally pull off that old school recreational diver costumer you’ve been planning all year with some of these pieces. Enough talking, let’s check out this week’s Market Watch(ing) picks.
Neil’s Picks
BME Yachting Regatta Chronograph
What do we all want? Vintage chronos that won’t break the bank. Well, that’s what we have here. This BME Yachting Chronograph utilizes a Valjoux 7733 movement that we all know and love, especially when paired with classic ’70s shapes and colors. The cushion case is sharp with minimal wear and frames the dial nicely. Speaking of the dial, it has a wonderful deep purple color accented with bright orange chronograph hands and blue and pink on the sub dial at 3. All of which make for a stunning combination. 1970s yachting chronographs are some of my favorite vintage pieces and Justin over at WatchSteez.com always seems to find killer examples of them. Act fast because his inventory doesn’t stick around too long.
$1,300
Abercrombie & Fitch Chronograph
Abercrombie and Fitch actually used to be a legit brand. Not the skinny douche-magnet company you see today. One of the many things they produced were timepieces. The overall condition looks outstanding, from the hands, dial, and to the case. The seller claims case is unpolished. Although difficult, if not impossible to guarantee, it looks top notch none the less. The classic two register dial paired with Arabic numerals give it that early 20th century look. The combination of the silver dial, blue number track, and champagne sub dials set this apart from comparable, yet more bland, white dialed watches. With the best offer, I would try to score this at below $1k if possible.
$1,250 or Make Offer
Isaac’s Picks
Rolex Turn-O-Graph Ref. 6202
The Ref. 6202 Turn-O-Graph is a curious reference that has been sparking my interest as of late. In the grand scheme of things, it could be said that this watch laid the framework for the Submariner, and all subsequent Rolex sports models, as this was the very first Rolex to feature the rotating bezel. Yes. This of course would make you think that the 6202 is a largely unattainable reference, but you’d be wrong, as it’s surprisingly accessible in comparison to other references of a similar vintage.
Here’s an example that was listed by our friends over at the Keystone, and if you look closely, you’ll notice the presence of the words “Officially Certified Chronometer” on the dial, which is both rare and highly desirable. With several 6202’s popping up in all the various auction catalogues for the upcoming season, I think now is a very good time to get into one of these early sporting watches.
$26,600
Omega PloProf 600 Ref. 166.077
While some will scoff at the design and make remarks about its impracticality, I’ve always been attracted to Omega’s PloProf dive watch. There’s just something about that slab of a stainless steel case that’s so raw and almost alien looking, that you know it had to have been designed with a dedicated purpose in mind. It’s a bona fide tool watch by all definitions of the term.
The example in question today is perfect. I’m talking like, perfect. Everything has aged just as you’d want it to: case lines couldn’t be sharper, and included along with the watch and original box and papers is the original shark mesh bracelet, the original Omega isofrane, and rubber diver’s extension. If you’re looking for a PloProf, I really don’t think they get nicer than this. I mean, look at it!
$12,500
Dean’s Picks
Enicar Sherpa Star Diver
Orange divers seem to be popping up quite a bit recently and while the hype over some off the off-brand (aka, not Rolex or Patek) vintage sport watches seems to have cooled off a bit, this one is too cool not to show y’all. It is a funky orange Enicar diver that I’ve never seen. The model is the “Star Diver” and it has a great look to it with an interesting day-date format. The seller states it’s in mint condition and includes the original box, and who am I to disagree? The honor will cost you around €4K.
Modela Saat
Great expensive watches, my favorite is BME Yachting Regatta Chronograph
Dave
You guys ok?
Love this site, hope it continues.
Shane Griffin
Thanks for thinking about us! We will probably continue to post, but they’ll be few and far between. We’re all pretty tied down with life at the moment and the blog has taken a back seat.
Best,
Shane