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Mid-1960s to mid-1970s - horological heaven (and an SOTC)

  1. Foxy100 Apr 12, 2018

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    A while ago I noticed almost all of my watches were made between 1965 and 1976 or so. Many iconic watch designs preceded that era: Speedmaster, Carrera, Seamaster, Submariner and so on but I like a slightly larger watch like the Heuer Autavia and Speedmaster Pro (and never really got round to buying earlier examples!). 1969 was a key year with the arrival of the automatic chronograph and electronic watch, not to mention deep sea exploration requiring watches like the PloProf, 1000M and Big Blue.

    All this new technology coincided with the era of space travel and the moon landings and manufacturers took the opportunity to use new technology in their watches to showcase new design a very long way from the fairly simple round watches of the early 1960s. Change happened quickly – from Electroquartz to ChronoQuartz (via the Marine Chronometer) was only seven years but by the end of the 1970s the small digital and quartz watch revolution was on its way and the powerhouses of Swiss watch industry were left behind by Swatch, Casio and so on. What seven years though, within that timeframe Heuer also produced the iconic Monaco and Autavia 1163 and Omega tried out a few other Speedmaster designs.

    I was hoping the recent arrival of the likes of the Apple smart watch would bring with it some new design and ideas but so far everything seems to either look like a traditional watch or a small phone!

    Back to my watches, I’m not a huge fan of modern watches, some I admire but most are continuations of old designs (which is as it should be – the 2254 for example is almost the perfect watch, probably why I sold both of mine, I wouldn’t wear anything else…) and for me I’d rather buy the originals. I have a couple of modern watches – Ninja Turtle and 42mm Explorer 2 I wear two or three days per month - but wear vintage the rest of the time. Aside from a few manual and automatic Heuer Autavias, two Heuer Montreals, four 1970s Seiko divers, Seiko Bullhead and UFO and probably a couple of other watches I’ve forgotten, my collection is based around this lot:

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    Some gone but not forgotten:

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    I don’t think I can call a favourite. The 2531 is my first and worn exclusively for 10 years until I discovered vintage watches. It’s ageing nicely (unlike me!) and an example of Omega taking a classic name and design and going off in a slightly different direction. The PloProf is remarkably comfortable for a watch with 24mm lugs and such a big mesh bracelet, the Marine Chronometer sneaks up on you, the 1000M is a classic piece of practical design and the Big Blue while slightly unwieldy with those lugs that send bracelet or strap out downwards is a proper tool watch designed to wear over a wetsuit. I’m waiting for a new (to me) 125 to come back from service (June…) too. Oddly the Speedy Pro while a lovely watch is almost too normal for me! It’s a toss up between the Marine Chronometer and Big Blue.

    I still want a 911 Flightmaster, that I think is the glaring hole in my collection of big, brash Omegas!
     
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  2. georgeszaslavsky Apr 12, 2018

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    Congrats on a nice batch of great Omegas
     
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  3. Dash1 Apr 12, 2018

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    What a fantastic collection. You’re so right that it was a period of real innovation and I’ve always felt that Omega was one of the most innovative of the Swiss manufacturers. It’s just one reason that collecting Omegas is so rewarding and can lead to a lifetimes obsession, there’s just so much diversity in their range.
     
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  4. ClarendonVintage Apr 12, 2018

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    That is the definition of 'Aficionado' right there, congrats. That connie megaquartz dial is breathtaking.
     
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  5. Foxy100 Apr 12, 2018

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    Thank you. It's a lovely watch, was fully restored by Omega.

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  6. Vitezi Apr 12, 2018

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    A nicely curated group. You have a good eye!
     
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  7. 77deluxe Apr 12, 2018

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    Super. Nicely done.
     
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  8. chipsotoole Apr 12, 2018

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    What a superb eclectic bunch of watches. Good on yer! I passed up on a great chance for a marine Chronometer about 18 months ago...pure quartz snobbery on my part! Whilst my heart beats for mechanicals there is a tiny voice emerging that seems to be whispering "lobster!".
    If you're such a fan of that 65-74 why no Dynamics? Great watches, super design, look big and brilliant on the wrist and really comfortable to wear....I want a green one!! ...or are they just too common?
    Interesting about the ploprof too. I started a thread some months back asking about what the appeal was it it had been roundly hit with the ugly stick...i got a few pelters...to hear it wears ugly too.....
     
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  9. jaguar11 Apr 12, 2018

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    Outstanding!!!!!!!!!
     
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  10. Foxy100 Apr 12, 2018

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    The Dynamic case shape never did anything for me. I like divers or chronographs, the only other non-diver three-hand watches I have are the electronic ones.

    Both PloProf and Marine Chronometer are iconic tool watches. I find the PloProf really comfortable (7 1/2" wrists help) and the Marine Chronometer is all about accuracy and precision. There's nothing sharper than that hand precisely slicing off each individual second!
     
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  11. lillatroll Apr 12, 2018

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    A man after my own heart. Most of my vintage watches are from the same period. Would love to own a stardust Connie one day. The megaquartz was the first vintage watch I bought.
    (The picture of the driver was taken from the internet and the majority of pictures were taken by the person I bought the watches from.) 119097-21a84752fe7c4c542485abed753bcf39.jpg 461590-5732640889e3b6f6b5d55805489d9d77.jpg 210697-7734c9a488715d40e8133c5e3353b9f3-1.jpg 540x360.jpg 386821-5f45f7a146c8732392d9fe0975c0a28d.jpg 387898-db73a45d21b216474d29511c6a6ce4f4.jpg $_3.jpg 285475-4af309521fa0c86ba308404da749db1c.jpg 20150614_144123.jpg
     
  12. warrydog Apr 12, 2018

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    Wonderful collection of Omegas and great photo of your Healey too! Thanks.
     
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  13. Foxy100 Apr 12, 2018

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    Thank you. That Speedy/Healey pic's in the wrong place, I still own that watch. The Healey spent 17 years being restored and is hugely modified (considerably faster, lighter, better gearing, steering, handling, ride and so on). It cost me almost all the money I had over that time which is why it took so long! I'm about to have the original 60-spoke wire wheels (optional extras - standard ones were 4 1/4" wide and had 48 spokes!) restored and fitted with new tyres and upgrade the lights and a couple of other bits. Little things to make it more useable. Here it is in a studio:

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  14. OWa Apr 12, 2018

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    Lovely car. Would you share pictures from the inside?
     
  15. TOTIZ Apr 12, 2018

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    You Sir, have got style, flair and panache ...... and I‘m not just talking about the Healey ;) :thumbsup:
    Some wonderful Omegas in your collection and it’s also opened my eyes to vintage quartz, so thank you for sharing.
     
  16. warrydog Apr 12, 2018

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  17. Foxy100 Apr 13, 2018

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    I'm afraid I'm in England so a little too far.

    I'm not sure I have interior pictures of the car of late, I'll have a look when I get to work.

    Thank you all for your kind comments! I was lucky enough to buy almost all those watches and the car back when people like me could afford to buy them...
     
  18. 105012 Apr 13, 2018

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    Great collection, love that Constellation MegaQuartz!
     
  19. bonerp Apr 13, 2018

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    what is this? Liking it.
     
  20. Foxy100 Apr 13, 2018

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    It's a Seamaster Megaquartz 32khz.