New to Vintage - 40/50s watches

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SpeedTock

·Jan 19, 2024

Hi,

First post here, I have a modern Speedmaster and have recently taken an interest in vintage watches but as it's all new to me I wanted to ask some questions here first before spending any money.

I've been looking mostly at Longines watches dated in the 40/50s labelled as Sei Tacche. I've also seen some Omegas. My budget is under £1000 and I've found some around the £500 mark which gives me some change to get a service done. Is this realistic?

Also there is a seller on eBay called Avic Time who seems to have loads in the style I'm interested in (military style), has anyone used them before?

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to share links or not! Thanks in advance for any help

 

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theluckyluke

·Jan 19, 2024

Hi, welcome to the forum.

Yes your budget should allow some entry vintage watch plus service, but prices vary a lot depending on brands, sizes, references and condition.

Be aware that there are lots of redials out there and other things to consider (degree of case polish, replacement parts, etc) if you care to have an original example.

Vintage sizes are also much smaller (33-35mm sort of sweet spot), something to know before buying.

I cannot find the seller you mentioned on eBay.

Perhaps the best would be to add pictures of the watch you’re considering, sharing your research and members can then help you assess the condition and the price.

You can post links but they eventually disappear, so best to post pictures for posterity.

Good luck with the search!

Edited: Jan 19, 2024

 

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X350 XJR

·Jan 19, 2024·Vintage Omega Aficionado

Welcome -

Read this:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/

 

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SpeedTock

·Jan 19, 2024

Thanks for the reply

I have a few saved but this is probably first in line

 

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SpeedTock

·Jan 19, 2024

And this is the eBay seller where I've seen some others

https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/avictime...liJeZyLTNy&widget_ver=artemis&media=WHATS_APP

 

This website may earn commission from Ebay sales.

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X350 XJR

·Jan 19, 2024·Vintage Omega Aficionado

Movement appears to have seen some moisture, which is never a good thing. The dial is very tired and the hands have been relumed.

I'd be a pass for me.

How long have you been searching/how many watches have you looked at thus far?

BTW just about any watch that has MILITARY in the description, isn't.

 

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SpeedTock

·Jan 19, 2024

X350 XJR

Movement appears to have seen some moisture, which is never a good thing. The dial is very tired and the hands have been relumed.

I'd be a pass for me.

How long have you been searching/how many watches have you looked at thus far?

BTW just about any watch that has MILITARY in the description, isn't.

Ah good to know, these are the things I wouldn't pick up on!

I've only been looking about a week. I know they aren't military watches as they would be marked up as such but it's more than kind of style I like

 

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Fallout Boy

·Jan 19, 2024

Hi, this is my "military" BULOVA as an example: all original but the hands relumed (with radium!) No fixed spring bars but "mil " (caseback) . 32 mm diameter. Chromed case. Maybe BULOVA is an "entry" into handwound mil- watches

 

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SpeedTock

·Jan 19, 2024

Fallout Boy

Hi, this is my "military" BULOVA as an example: all original but the hands relumed (with radium!) No fixed spring bars but "mil " (caseback) . 32 mm diameter. Chromed case. Maybe BULOVA is an "entry" into handwound mil- watches

Looks awesome!

 

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Fallout Boy

·Jan 19, 2024

Thank you 👍 , but be aware: its a small watch (as said above) .

edit: a cool one is at C24, great patina, Vientnam-aera! Radium!

https://www.chrono24.de/bulova/us-military-watch-1950s-type-3818a-unpolished--id27739035.htm

 

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SpeedTock

·Jan 19, 2024

Fallout Boy

Thank you 👍 , but be aware: its a small watch (as said above) .

edit: a cool one is at C24, great patina, Vientnam-aera! Radium!

https://www.chrono24.de/bulova/us-military-watch-1950s-type-3818a-unpolished--id27739035.htm

Nice, thanks for sharing!

 

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Dan S

·Jan 19, 2024

You may be surprised how small they are.

 

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SpeedTock

·Jan 19, 2024

Whilst they don't fit with the military theme the other watch that has caught my eye is the Seamaster with the 12, 3, 6, 9 dial. I'm not entirely sure what the reference should be but I like those too

 

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SpeedTock

·Jan 19, 2024

Like this although I'm not sure on the gold

 

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SpeedTock

·Jan 20, 2024

What do you guys think of this one? I've managed to find some details online and I've found a couple for sale