Market Watch(ing): And Then There Were Two

At Wound For Life, the past couple weeks have been a little hectic. That’s why we unfortunately didn’t get to publish our weekly instalment of Market Watch(ing) last Friday, but fear not, your favorite watch roundup article is back. While the whole team isn’t exactly back on track just yet, Isaac and Dean came through with some stellar picks as per usual.

Isaac’s Picks

Omega Seamaster 300 Ref. 165.024

My first pick this week is an Omega, and it comes from Boston’s European Watch Company. What you’re looking at is a 1968 Ref. 165.024 Seamaster 300, and an incredibly clean one at that. Over time, this SM300 developed an even, custard-colored patina on the hands, dial, and luminous portions of the bezel, giving the watch that warm, weathered glow that a well worn vintage watch should have. Although the bezel does appear to have a small chip, it’s nice to see that the watch has just been serviced, and that it’s being sold with a bracelet, so you don’t have to go hunting one down on the interwebs.

$12,900

Patek Philippe Swiss Timing Center Brochure

While looking at watches on eBay, I often come across vintage, watch-related curios like brochures, books, signs, and advertisements that I most definitely have no need for, though still add to the gargantuan and aptly named “watch list.” You know, just in case. Here, we have a Patek Philippe brochure from 1964 that highlights the watchmaker’s Swiss Timing Center at the World’s Fair in New York. It’s things like these that reveal to us the context in which some of the most coveted vintage watches of today were released, and for that reason, I’m hooked on tracking them down.

$49.43

Dean’s Picks

Universal Geneve Compax Ref. 22705/1

Watch number one is a very great piece that I think represents something of a decent deal. This is another UG that is very similar to the one I picked a couple weeks back however, this is a straight Compax as opposed to a Tri-Compax. The similarities are the multifaceted brushed silver dial with a great applied logo. I believe the case is the same with the finely twisted lugs. Really the whole package is excellent and these watches have to be seen in the metal to be fully appreciated. The negatives? A slightly polished case and some oxidation on the hands. This piece is on offer for a buy it now of $6500 which I think is fair given the current run UG has had.

$6,500

Breitling Transocean Ref. 2119

This next piece is also an under-appreciated, overlooked watch that really pops with a super funky dial. The watch in question is a Breitling Transocean Chronomatic. Inside beats a Caliber 11 movement, the same Cal. 11 better known as one of the contenders for world’s first automatic chronograph movement introduced in the Heuer line of 1969. The real draw for me here though is the look and the price point which at just over 2k CHF seems quite reasonable for what you are getting. Overall condition also looks great.