New guy from Toronto looking for vintage watch

gatorcpa

They have made it plenty clear that they want no Yanks over there, so good day sir.
gatorcpa

dmcleod

Hi,

Brand new member here from Toronto, Canada. I recently turned 40 and would like to get a watch to celebrate this milestone. I've been browsing on Chrono 24 and here and have become interested in a few brands. I would like something fairly old, from the 1940's - 70's, automatic, preferably no date function, I like arabic numerals rather than indices, and price under $2000 USD. For the brands, I've been looking at Ulysse Nardin, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Omega, Universal Geneve and Frederique Constant (I'm aware this is outside of that time range). Hoping for a watch that I can wear daily and I don't really have much interest in a collection, rather one piece that has a classic look. I work doing furniture design and making and have fun sailing on the weekends but wouldn't necessarily wear a vintage watch on the water.

Any advice would be great. I've read that Ulysse Nardin's are often knocked off/modified and am of course interested in getting something genuine.

I was referred here from people at Watchuseek in case anyone is also there.

Thanks!

Derek

Archer

"Please note that if your application is made outside of Canada it will be refused.... solely because you are not Canadian."

Well clearly if you don't live in Canada, you are not Canadian! 🙄 Expats need not apply!

WhatYourWatchSay

There's a Canadian forum called Canadian Watch Collectors. Lots of interesting new and vintage watches posted there:

https://canwatchco.ca/

Canuck

Watches from the 1940s are 70 to 80 years old! From the 1950s? 60 to 70 years old. From the 1960s? 50 to 60 years old. You plan on acquiring a watch that is as old as any of these, and wearing it every day? Keep us posted re: what you decide on, and how successful the watch might be! How long might you expect a watch to last? And what might you be prepared to spend to maintain an older watch in running condition. Numerous watch companies are offering retro models as a tribute to vintage styles. One of these retro ones would be a better choice, in my view.

pedrocarlone

Given that you like sailing, what about an Omega Admiralty. Im not sure if the no date ones are automatic though. Im sure the members on here can advise you on a good original one. They have a diver version too with a rotating bezel if you prefer that.

berrychlossom

Welcome to the forum!
If you like arabic numbers a lot I would recommend Universal Geneve Railrouter. The case has the classic Gerlad Genta design with an enamel dial.

WhatYourWatchSay

There's a Canadian forum called Canadian Watch Collectors. Lots of interesting new and vintage watches posted there:

https://canwatchco.ca/

Deafboy

Also, are you considering a dress watch or a sportier looking tool watch?

Archer

Lots of people here wear a vintage watch daily, so if properly maintained, it's not a problem...



Cheers, Al

WhatYourWatchSay

OP is Canadian so he'll be welcomed with open arms.

Archer

Feel free to post whatever you want over there...but it's a rather odd thing to say that because you aren't located in Canada, you are not Canadian...do you not agree?

Archer

there used to be a section in the sales area that was titled something like "Watches for sale to Canada" which implied that watches from outside Canada could be sold there to Canadians

Deafboy

Since it would be a daily wearer, perhaps you should consider a watch that has shock protection. In these, the most delicate part -balance wheel pivots- are "suspended" and are protected from bumps to the watch. Uncommon in the 1940's but pretty standard by the '60's.