Hello all.

Vintage watches, I like them a lot.
Chronographs are for me very interesting, so I like to get myself one.
Yes, I know they come with a higher price, but they also come with a great complication.
But, I need some help, tip.
A lot of the chronographs used movements from the same makers, but, there was ok, good and very good movements.
Not just thinking about how accurate they where, also how solid, long term use, any tip on witch to walk away from?
I feel a lot just look for a name and then go for that, but there was small makers, gone now, that I am sure also made good chronographs, I am ok with these. Maybe it also keeps the cost down a bit.
Quality on cases, pusher, crowns and so, I am sure not all where up to the best.

Best? Well, I am not in a Patek Philippe class. More, Longines, Tissot, Angelus and so class.

All help, tip is welcome.

 

Some inspiration.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/show-your-unusual-chronographs-guys-non-omega-welcome.7079/

 

Velkommen!
Good to see a countryman here.
Been collecting for a while and chronographs are one of my focus areas.
As you have observed they come in all kind of packaging and qualities.
Fortunately not all are as appreciated as the known brands, and hence good buys could still be found.
Send me a PM.
Hilsen fra Drammen.

 

At the top is Longines and then there are manufacturers such as Minerva, Movado, and Eberhard. Certain Lemania and Valjoux movements are well done too. It all depends on budget.

 

Martel and Excelsior Park are not too shaby either. Here are a couple of great pages for inspiration/discouragement: https://www.instagram.com/tchrono/ and https://www.instagram.com/shinakym/

 

The Valjoux 7730/7733/7736 powered chronos from various manufacturers are a great start.

 

The only caveat for older chronographs, in my experience, has been if something breaks, it is not cheap to fix...

 

Most good stuff ain't free!

 

But if the OP was looking at "not super expensive" vintage chronographs, I have had issues with a chronograph that would have cost more to fix than what it was worth/paid for...

 

Much like with vintage cars.

 

Neat watch if you can stomach the size and are in a hurry: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/191790270760?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&fromMakeTrack=truePurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

1959 Omega 2278-3 Cal320

 

Ahhh. no!
LOL.
Thanks for the links, oh, so many great chronographs.

 

Wel, nice watch. But, I am not in a hurry.
Feel, buying vintage for a amateur like me, to be in a hurry is not a good idea.

 

Hello.
Thanks all for replying.
Budget? Hmm....$ 1500-2500, there are some nice to be looked at, on chrono24/ eBay, but witch one to go for....
Have got some tip here, so will go from there.

Thanks for helping.

 

Takk.
Thanks.
PM on its way.

 

Have used the weekend well, did some reading on EP, Martel and so Very interesting.
I have to say thank you to Northernman for helping me, thanks a lot!
I am sure I will come with more questions, when I figure out what to ask
First, I have to learn more about chronographs.

 

You can also look to the Seiko 6139 and 6138 series. IMHO, the Seiko Pogue (6139-6002) is an excellent choice for the beggining of a long journey, has historical background (first automatic chronograph on space), his price is well inside your budget, there are parts available and servicing them is not expensive. And, IMO, they look cool.
Take a look

 

Check out Landeron movement chronographs as a first step for good value. The above suggestions are of course excellent aswell.

 

I am not a watchmaker, but have not heard only good things about Landeron. As with several of the other chronograph makers, there may be better and worse calibers, however also some "senior collectors" have advised me to shy away.