Learning How To Fish: The Under $50 Collection

ClarendonVintage · Feb 10, 2018

ConElPueblo
My latest purchase is the bumper automatic to the right in this group. Midos are outstanding value for money - along with Certina, they are my current favourites.

The two others in the picture were a part of a lot I purchased last year along with a few Certinas and even an IWC - so technically also well under $50 😗

The one to the left has a 14K gold bezel and is one of my favourite watches of all I own. The level of craftsmanship on the case is completely unbelievable, much better than the finish on contemporary Omegas and such. When I get my Multi-Centerchrono back from servicing later next week (hopefully!), I'll put together a post showing just how incredibly well finished these 40's and 50's gems really are. It is truly something else!

Definitely on my list as well. Been on a hunt for Midos and Certinas, since I have been hoarding similar stuff like vintage Tissot and Cymas

Looneytoons · Feb 10, 2018

ConElPueblo
My latest purchase is the bumper automatic to the right in this group. Midos are outstanding value for money - along with Certina, they are my current favourites.

The two others in the picture were a part of a lot I purchased last year along with a few Certinas and even an IWC - so technically also well under $50 😗

The one to the left has a 14K gold bezel and is one of my favourite watches of all I own. The level of craftsmanship on the case is completely unbelievable, much better than the finish on contemporary Omegas and such. When I get my Multi-Centerchrono back from servicing later next week (hopefully!), I'll put together a post showing just how incredibly well finished these 40's and 50's gems really are. It is truly something else!

No wonder I can't find any for <$50. Too much competition. I also have been looking at vintage Mido.
The 14k gold bezel in your picture is a beautiful watch. Thanks for posting it. Now I have a target to shoot for.....

AveConscientia · Feb 11, 2018

ConElPueblo
My latest purchase is the bumper automatic to the right in this group. Midos are outstanding value for money - along with Certina, they are my current favourites.

The two others in the picture were a part of a lot I purchased last year along with a few Certinas and even an IWC - so technically also well under $50 😗

The one to the left has a 14K gold bezel and is one of my favourite watches of all I own. The level of craftsmanship on the case is completely unbelievable, much better than the finish on contemporary Omegas and such. When I get my Multi-Centerchrono back from servicing later next week (hopefully!), I'll put together a post showing just how incredibly well finished these 40's and 50's gems really are. It is truly something else!

A few days ago I lost a Mido Mulitfort auction that had a Jb NASA bracelet and goodwill had no clue sold for 57$ and I was out of data and far from wifi my biggest eBay regret yet

voere · Feb 11, 2018

A few days ago I picked these two up for under $50 The Elgin is in pieces but all the parts are in the paper in the tin. The KS needs a new strap.

voere · Feb 11, 2018

Another well under $50us This one needs a new crystal the mineral crystal is toast. Under that crystal the dial and hands are in very nice shape.
One of Seiko's officially certified KS's works but you can't see the dial under that funky crystal I see some crystal online time to get a new crystal

I found a picture online of the dial that is under this crystal. Not my picture but it will work to show the dial that's under this funky crystal

GuiltyBoomerang · Feb 11, 2018

voere
Another well under $50us
One of Seiko's officially certified KS's works but you can't see the dial under that funky crystal I see some crystal online time to get a new crystal

A very funky piece and chronometer rated too. Great pick up!

voere · Feb 11, 2018

GuiltyBoomerang
A very funky piece and chronometer rated too. Great pick up!

Lucky find

Professor · Feb 11, 2018

Why I never wear a watch on the hand that goes in a zippered pocket. I wrecked a couple of crystals back in the day when I wore a 50's style motorcycle jacket.

The dial looks a bit like the 70's paneling in my spare bed room.
All very Venture Bros.

ConElPueblo · Feb 12, 2018

1966 Certina with manual winding cal. 28-15 😀

tikkathree · Feb 12, 2018

Waltesefalcon
That is awfully pretty. I cleaned it two years ago and before I joined this site I would have shipped the dial off in a heartbeat, now I am a bit more leery about having one refinshed. Granted it will never be a Connie.

That's about right for a Vostok but I like the bokeh above your wrist.

Professor · Feb 12, 2018

I received the ZIM I won for $5.00 plus $9.00 shipping. I was pleasantly surprised, much better shape than the blurry images suggested.
The dial is a bit grungy but the crystal is in fine shape, perhaps a recent replacement.
Its been running for 6 hours and appears to be keeping time okay.
Either its been serviced and lubed in recent years or its just so worn that the gears are flying in formation without friction.
It came with a serviceable NATO strap.The strap looks new. I had just ordered one like it only grey a couple of days ago, they were priced at 79 cents with free shipping.

I had not thought a NATO strap would suit me but I find this one to be very comfortable.

A poor quality scan.
Note the ruby red second hand.
The hour hand is badly tarnished and hard to see if the light isn't good.
I hate to open this one up but i may later try to clean the dial a bit and polish that hour hand.

15 KAMEN (jewels)
The cccp marking is very tiny and hard to see unless you tilt the watch in a strong light.

PS
Looks like I lucked out with this $5 Russky watch. After 24 hours it hasn't lost or gained a second near as I can tell.
I wish the dial wasn't so grungy looking but I guess I can just call that "character".
That tarnished hour hand bugs me a bit, but not enough to open it up just yet. If it were not dead on time I'd open it up just to examine that retro (near steampunk looking) mechanism.
I got a laugh when I found the seller's real name was Ivan.
I'll invest in a decent band later, or more likely make one for it. I have a few buckles from trashed bands and just found some suitable weathered looking scrap leather that would compliment the tractor mechanic vibes.

Cutsit · Feb 17, 2018

New HMT for $22.50 from eBay

bardamu · Feb 17, 2018

This is a great thread, congrats!

Looneytoons · Feb 17, 2018

I've been having difficulty finding good wristwatches to buy <$50. I hadn't bought anything since December both of them were >$50.
Then this caught my eye and interest. $38 plus $7 shipping. 1918 Waltham 17j Gold filled case. Love the dial, but I'm planning on re-casing it and changing the hands. The hour hand is missing the tip.

Dero13 · Feb 17, 2018

Just picked this up for under 50 and got it serviced and Polywatched it. Doubt Ill get my money from the service back but still a nice beater.

Looneytoons · Feb 17, 2018

Dero13
Just picked this up for under 50 and got it serviced and Polywatched it. Doubt Ill get my money from the service back but still a nice beater.

I wonder. The vintage diver market is moving up. Depending on the cost of the service you may be able to get your $$ out if you feel the need to. But it is a nice beater.

Professor · Feb 17, 2018

Certainly a nice looking watch. If its in good shape mechanically it will certainly give good service.

Have you thought about a new crystal?

The hands look a bit out of place with those markers.
I normally prefer the fine pointed hands and they are best for setting with accuracy, but larger blunt hands would suit the layout of the dial better.

if the markers have any lume left I'd consider getting some new lumed hands for it.

That would only be if I intended to wear the watch daily with no intention of selling and wasn't concerned with collector value.
I do think those hands may not be original to that watch. Could just be the way the crystal obscures them.

Professor · Feb 17, 2018

Looneytoons
I've been having difficulty finding good wristwatches to buy <$50. I hadn't bought anything since December both of them were >$50.
Then this caught my eye and interest. $38 plus $7 shipping. 1918 Waltham 17j Gold filled case. Love the dial, but I'm planning on re-casing it and changing the hands. The hour hand is missing the tip.

Saw a nice early Waltham wrist watch recently. I intended to bid on it but lost the link.
It had a porcelain dial as pretty as the day it was made, but the minute hand had some how gotten bent very badly. I think some one had the movement out of the case and dropped it. The movement looked clean as a pin but non working. I expect it just needed a good cleaning.
It had a very intricate looking regulator.

Waltesefalcon · Feb 22, 2018

I just picked this Illinois 706 up for $50 on the button. The dial has some pretty heavy patina but I don't mind.

gatorcpa · Feb 22, 2018

Anything made by Illinois for $50 is a steal. Case and movement look to be in good condition. Just find some matching hands and maybe a dial and you're in business!
gatorcpa

Learning How To Fish: The Under $50 Collection

ClarendonVintage

Looneytoons

AveConscientia

voere

voere

GuiltyBoomerang

voere

Professor

ConElPueblo

tikkathree

Professor

Cutsit

bardamu

Looneytoons

Dero13

Looneytoons

Professor

Professor

Waltesefalcon

gatorcpa

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