Psssst... Wanna buy a watch? (I mean, I do.) Where should I look?

[PreRaphaelite]

So, I need a watch for work. I've been borrowing my partner's stainless steel bracelet watch for the last few work trips, and he wants it back! Selfish jerk! (just kidding)

Anyway, I'd like something with a vintage, swashbuckling style, no fancy complications necessary but day/date would be handy I suppose. No high-value or designer name needed but good quality hopefully. I've looked at lots of modern watches at the low end, but they're all so soulless. I just can't pull the trigger.

Anyone know where i should look, or maybe what my search term key words should be?


ps- I've always liked the J-L Reverso style of watch and a million years ago I bought an 18k diamond one from NM in Tampa. When I found out that the two dials on the two sides of the case were not independent of each other, so that i couldn't have them set to different time zones, I returned it. (The clerk was very unhappy. That was a harrowing afternoon.)

 

[PreRaphaelite]

I kinda like this one - anyone have an opinion?

 

[MMtwo]

OOOOOH, I love watches. I actually bought a man's Seiko much like the one shown as a "tool watch". It's cheap, so if I kill it, no worries. I would be concerned over the one you posted because I would want to know why that dial is colored; it could mean water damage. Also, could need servicing which would cost the same as the watch. The one I am wearing (almost identical to the posting) is still available on Amazon. It has a sapphire crystal and is super light Titanium, so will work well in a busy environment. If you like mechanical watches, you could alternatively get a man's Seiko 5 for not much money (and enjoy watching the winding mechanism with a clear back).

https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SGG705...d=1567680370&s=gateway&sr=8-2#customerReviews



When I am feeling retro, I wear my 1965 Ladymatic Seamaster automatic wind by Omega...but it is unfashionably tiny. Runs well though, I have a great watchmaker. Old watches with discolored dials are usually to be avoided though!

 

[MMtwo]

https://www.watchreviewblog.com/best-retro-style-watches/

This article has a few. The Seiko Presage has my heart. I'll "need" one at some point.

If you want a ladies watch, I'll switch gears! I have those too.

 

[MMtwo]

https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-Mens-Watches-Titanium-SGG727P1/dp/B000MQ96R0

Oops, the first Seiko watch was a different watch. I have this one.

 

[foxinsox]

Ooh affordable vintage watches! My favourite!! Have a look on eBay as Seikos are pretty common and quite reasonable. Also Hamilton if you want an American watch. I have these three:
Tissot handwind - technically a frankenwatch as the case doesn’t match the era/model the face is from.. And it’s been repainted/redialled. But it gets a lot of compliments and is a lovely clean face.

The Eternamatic automatic was one I wanted not for the face (which I’ve come to really love) but because I love the appearance of the movement and think it’s beautiful.

The Hamilton Thin-o-matic (that name right?) I bought recently and have yet to wear as it needed servicing to run properly but I fell in love with the face.

All 50s and all about 33-34mm so not huge but not wee either. The Tissot and Eternamatic were about USD$75, I overpaid for the Hamilton at $220
Be careful tho - watches are addictive. I started the year not wearing a watch but decided to so I was using my phone less. Now I’m sorta hooked and lining up the next one!

 

[Bron357]

Yes, men’s Art Deco watches are design icons.
Try eBay.
Search Bulvola, Hamilton, Elgin or just Men’s Art Deco Watch. They will be wind up of course but 110% stylish.
More modern, try Tissot, Seiko, Waltham, Oris. Longines and Omega too but they are a bit more pricey.

 

[Bron357]

Ooh affordable vintage watches! My favourite!! Have a look on eBay as Seikos are pretty common and quite reasonable. Also Hamilton if you want an American watch. I have these three:
Tissot handwind - technically a frankenwatch as the case doesn’t match the era/model the face is from.. And it’s been repainted/redialled. But it gets a lot of compliments and is a lovely clean face.

The Eternamatic automatic was one I wanted not for the face (which I’ve come to really love) but because I love the appearance of the movement and think it’s beautiful.

The Hamilton Thin-o-matic (that name right?) I bought recently and have yet to wear as it needed servicing to run properly but I fell in love with the face.

All 50s and all about 33-34mm so not huge but not wee either. The Tissot and Eternamatic were about USD$75, I overpaid for the Hamilton at $220
Be careful tho - watches are addictive. I started the year not wearing a watch but decided to so I was using my phone less. Now I’m sorta hooked and lining up the next one!

Oops.

 

[foxinsox]

@Bron357 you do not do things by halves!

 

[MMtwo]

Oops.

Oh Bron, you and I could be such good friends! I love the mystery watches

 

[AV_]

There is only one watch here - the little Cartier...

 

[PreRaphaelite]

Wow! What a great collection! And thanks so much everyone for responding. I used to have a Cartier trinity 18k (not the les must) on a pearlised pink leather strap. It was too small a face for my chunky wrist, but I loved the colors and wore it often. Sigh.

Thanks for the suggestions - I’m going to look for those key words and post back possibilities. Stay tuned!

 

[AV_]

I’m going to look for those key words and post back possibilities.

Thinking out loud - WWW , WWW

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

this reminds me my Seiko needs a new battery
i havn't worn a watch since 2012 when i managed to get from Wellington NZ to Moncton NB Canada with 4 flights each way with no watch
i just desided i don't need a watch after having worn one every day since i was about 10, its kind of liberating
but if i misplace my phone im ####ed

Oops.

im your polar opposite

 

[Bron357]

I rescue old watches from being melted down, I just love the quality of workmanship and precious metals and gemstones. To be honest I wear them more as jewellery than to tell the time.
My Gran has this lovely marcasite watch that she got for her 21st (watches back in the day were very expensive and highly regarded) which she wore in the shower and wrecked beyond repair. Yet she still wore it.
“It’s right time twice a day” she said - miss her, she was a real character.

 

[Bron357]

This was my Grans “good watch” which she bought in later years. She wore it all the time, replacing the marcasite one. Funny thing was while it worked, she never wound it, she was used to wearing a non working watch and anyway she said “the face is too small I can’t read it anyway”.
It’s now mine.

 

[icy_jade]

ps- I've always liked the J-L Reverso style of watch and a million years ago I bought an 18k diamond one from NM in Tampa. When I found out that the two dials on the two sides of the case were not independent of each other, so that i couldn't have them set to different time zones, I returned it. (The clerk was very unhappy. That was a harrowing afternoon.)

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duo. Two different time zones on back and front.

 

[MMtwo]

The bottom box has a few antiques and a few I should throw away. The Irima in the top left from the teens has been serviced and I wear it sometimes. The tiny Titus and Boulova are new old stock and run fine, although need servicing. I dont want to pay 100 bucks to service a watch worth half that amount. I am pretty sure my watch maker doesnt love the headache of taking a watch apart that is smaller than a dime.

The Ardmore from Hamilton (Silver rectangular watch) in the top box has been in production since the 1930's.

 

[PreRaphaelite]

Just for fun, get a load of this!

http://www.thejewelleryeditor.com/watches/article/a-history-of-womens-watches-at-patek-philippe/