Hello,

I am new to this forum and to watch collecting in general. I suffer from a mild case of nostalgia (though from time periods in which I was not alive), which is perhaps why I have gravitated towards vintage watches recently. Don't laugh, but it was a Kronotron Electra I picked up a couple years ago at a flea market that prompted this interest. I had only had quartz watches before, so the act of winding and watching it go was enthralling. I now have a couple of Kronotrons because I'm a sucker for their weirdness (and I have gotten each of them for $10) and I also have a tiny little automatic Gruen that I got for $5 at a thrift store.

I recently got a small raise and wanted to treat myself to something nice. I saw a really nice stainless steel Seamaster with a honeycomb dial and stainless original bracelet at a local watch dealer and it looks really good, but as a frugal (not cheap! FRUGAL) person, I'm not about to spend $$$ until I know for sure that I'm getting the real deal and getting it for a good price. So, I'm researching, going down the forum rabbit hole, and trying to learn now before I pull the trigger on anything.

I also have a tendency to pick up what would be considered "masculine" hobbies, (fast cars, woodworking, fishing) so it's not surprising that I've been bitten by the watch bug. Yes, I'm a lady. A lady who drags her husband to the car shows, who repairs his shoes for him, who cringes when he buys a watch at Target with a pleather strap. Even though I tend to know more than him about dude things, like cars, I find oftentimes dealers of various trades try to see if they can fleece me until I throw out some jargon and take a hard line on negotiating, or bring my husband with me just to have a male presence. This is why I research a ton. I'm also trying to learn how to tinker a bit, as I love to do things that involve working with my hands.

I'm ready to graduate onto more quality pieces than a Kronotron. I want to spend less than $1000 initially and ideally $500 or less. I am aware that my budget is very limiting, but I am patient. I really love the look of Seamasters, Constellations, and Longines Conquests (pie pans especially) for my work attire, and am looking for some colorful divers or funky pieces for my more casual outfits. I am very open to lots of brands and styles. On the plus side, that's probably a good thing given my budget, but on the negative side, I like too many things so it's hard to pin down a brand or style.

I LOVE weirdo 60's and 70's watches (and some 80's). The Geneve Dynamic, Cosmic, small subs (I love the Doxa 200 because it's smaller, has wonderful colors and I'm obviously a big Cousteau fan, but obviously I will never be able to get my hands on one or have the funds for it), Zenith, Mondia, Caravelle, Seiko, Gruen, anything cushion shaped, all of the colors!

I'm on these boards because finding watches I like isn't the problem...the problem is I don't know is what a reasonable price range would be on most watches and I don't want to end up with any fakes, frankens, or fuglies.

Anyway, sorry for the lengthy intro. I have found a lot of these threads to be very informative already, so thank you for all of the time you put into these forums!

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome, you'll like it here!

 

A very Warm Welcome. as well

New Members with lower levels of rampant testosterone,.... are always, a pleasant surprise

What have you looked at on Ebay already ?.....that you liked ?

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome! It’s great to have more ladies on OF, we really appreciate diversity of perspective.

Have a good look at our Sales Forum for inspiration, you’ll find the best watches right here!

 

500-1k and your requirements are a little tight. Seiko has great wonderful pieces with 70’s funk in them in that range. It’s a nasty rabbit hole to fall down though. Research on these is fun but not the easiest to identify correct pieces. But they are going up in price rightfully so.

Also there are great 32-34mm pieces that right or wrong get passed over by male collectors due to the size from the 50-60’s that are stunning and in your range. Not always from the big makers that we know today but quality wise match Omega from the period.

Welcome ! This is a great forum to learn about all brands and styles!!!

 

ebay
Just to give you an idea of some styles, this is what I'm into (most of these are the funky ones). I either like super classic or super weird. I could fall in love with a 50's chrono by Longines, and then the next day want an 80's looking Rado. My day job is pretty traditional, but I tend to have fun with my outfits when I'm not in court dress pretty casual on my own time. For work right now, I usually oscillate between an all gold ESQ watch and all stainless Michele Deco watch. The ESQ is junk though and loses time, so I'd love to replace that one. I also want something funky at some point. The Michele is sentimental (gift from my husband) and has a nice look and weight, so that one stays.

I am aware that most items below are not in my budget. Some auctions have ended, so I just posted a picture, while some are still going on. For dressy watches I like classic looks and gold tones mostly (though I have my eye on a mint stainless Seamaster with a honeycomb dial at a local shop). Chronos with complications are lovely too, (think A. Lange) but generally the ones I like are so up there in price that it's not even worth perusing at the moment. I'm definitely open to suggestions on brands that made lovely affordable chronos. I like divers when they have some colorful pizzazz to them and are not larger than my entire wrist. I'll post a million links below if anyone gets bored and wants to delve into my spazzy mind. You can tell by most of the link titles what they are.

I recently saw this thread by connieseamaster and it's pretty spot on for some of the things I would look for. Her collection is really right up my alley. https://omegaforums.net/threads/interesting-ladies-watches.77050/

By the way, does anyone know if Bulova made a ladies snorkel?





This listing from tomvox1 is a dream watch, but sadly will go wayyyyy beyond my budget before it's over: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Lo...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

https://www.ebay.com/itm/MONDIA-197...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Longines-N...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

https://www.chrono24.com/girardperr...ny--co-rare-vintage-compressor--id7730563.htm

https://www.chrono24.com/girardperregaux/vintage-gyromatic-deep-sea-diver--id7638386.htm

https://www.chrono24.com/zenith/respirator-x--id7916566.htm

https://www.chrono24.com/zenith/vintage-key-hole-automatic-steel-watch-cal-2542pc--id6381377.htm

https://www.chrono24.com/mondia/vintage-huge-chronograph-valjoux-7734--id8208302.htm

https://www.chrono24.com/movado/ladies-calendar-wristwatch--id1568560.htm

https://www.chrono24.com/gruen/automatic-born-on-the-4th-of-july-circa-1970--id7582985.htm

https://www.chrono24.com/all/helbro...nograph-1970-luxury-watch-la75--id8323858.htm

https://www.chrono24.com/seiko/lasalle-centennial--id7969347.htm

https://www.chrono24.com/omega/dynamic-geneve--id4272001.htm

https://www.chrono24.com/omega/constellation-18-k-gelbgold-pie-pan--id4587140.htm

https://www.chrono24.com/zenith/vin...atch-chrono-on-crocodile-lv426--id8274657.htm

https://www.ebay.com/itm/DOXA-SUB-3...238945?hash=item441ee71d61:g:4qsAAOSwfCpbBgsxPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Thank you for the welcome. I do love 70's Seikos, but I am pretty intimidated by the process of ID'ing them. Also they are going for some serious cash these days, so I'd want to be sure I'm getting something legit.

What kinds of 32-34mm pieces from the 50's and 60's were you thinking of? I'd be interested to learn more about those. I am open to all makers, I'm just looking for quality and style these days to start off.

 

I have perused the sales forum and it does seem to be the place. Is it generally safe to assume that everything is legit that is offered here or else it would be exposed pretty quickly?

 

Yes, you’re spot on.

If you want even more inspiration on what could work for you especially mid century magnificence, search @Syrte threads.

 

Oooh those are some lovely Eternas. I could get into that. I do love me some mid-century steeze.

 

This one should be good: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1960-Origi...174496?hash=item36339d3420:g:5vsAAOSwbF1aGgT2Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

If you don't buy it, I hope one of the other ladies of OF will.

 

Hi there, welcome! Nice to see gal pals join the forum.
I can totally relate to liking wacko colorful 1970s watches— alas my budget has been used on other stuff
Regarding Seikos, there are some pretty cool and reasonably priced lady divers 2205 with high beat movements and orange dial, you should be able to find one well within your budget.
But you mightt soon realize as you do some research that there are many more fun watches out there than you ever imagined.
Alas I don’t think the Bulova Snorkel exists in lady size....

Alas there are a few instances of watches that are not what they seem even on the sales forum here. You should always be careful, no matter what.

 

Thanks for the link! Certainly in the price range! I do like it, even though it's a smidge smaller than I normally go for. Any idea what a reasonable cost to clean up that crystal would be? The dial looks like it's in good condition. That seller could use a photography primer.

 

One important part of the whole equation, if you're looking for vintage, is having access to a watchmaker you can trust. Unless you buy here a watch that you can trust has been serviced. (depends on who's selling it, whether they have a receipt, or whether you can trust their word).(PS a lot of "trust" involved in all).
Also vintage watches are mostly unsafe to wear in rainy or bad weather -- unsafe for the watch, not for you.
If it's a dive watch and its gaskets have all been replaced I suppose it will withstand more humidity than your average vintage watch but that remains to be confirmed by members who specialize in collecting vintage dive watches.
But this gives you an idea of the limitations.

 

Thank you for the advice. I may still have to pick up a Snorkel anyway someday even if a little guy doesn't exist, because who doesn't love a devil diver? I do like those 2205's, thanks! I will have to keep an eye out for those. If it has a pop of color I'm usually game. I like blue on blue on blue rally divers too. I really would like a nice gold chrono too for my every day life, but where those are concerned, I've got Veuve taste on a Bud Light budget.

Maybe I'll get that Certina that @ConElPueblo mentioned as a daily for now and then get into the funk?

In terms of service, I live in Philadelphia and I have seen some threads that mention some watchmakers there, so I'll look at those again. I am certainly open to more suggestions in that area though if someone from the area happens to be reading this.

 

A bottle of this will outlast you and all the crystals on your watches

 

Wait, so it’s just like car headlights? That would make sense. I just did my headlights last week so perhaps I can actually tackle this one! Thank you!

 

Yup look up instructions for poly watch though to protect the case.