I passed on a solid gold Mido Powerwind from the 1960's at an estate auction a couple of years ago. It was a 33mm case and stood quite tall but had a bent lug - likely dropped at some point. It ran fine and the dial and hands were pristine. It went for $200 Canadian but I wasn't tuned-in to Mido at the time. Someone got a great deal but it may have been bought for scrap gold.
That would be heartbreaking. I have an 18k UG with a bent lug. My watchmaker is sending the case to a jeweler he knows to do the repair (covid delayed that repair)- it can be done but is careful work.
I don’t know how to identify a Spillman case. My fascination with and understanding of Mido is cursory compared to some of the members here who have a deep knowledge of the brand, their innovations, their cutting edge designs and the race for the waterproof wars using the Taubert case (of which I believe they beat Rolex by a year if I read the history right)- there is a thread or two on the subject... they are truly an underdog IMO. My Futura’s:
One for the ladies who love small vintage pieces https://www.ebay.com/itm/133438322263Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
For the small wristed: https://www.ebay.com/itm/274397537462Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Same seller as above- needs a crystal but the dial lume is fabulous https://www.ebay.com/itm/283749509576Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Gruen date at 6, all stainless case- nice lume pips with matching hands- what’s not to like about this one! https://www.ebay.com/itm/153971741378Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
All stainless Elgin automatic with sunburst dial and mint green radium pips. Looks like the lume is possibly out of the minute hand but would be an easy match. These 50’s/60’s Elgins are lovely watches. https://www.ebay.com/itm/324198628019Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
All stainless 35mm Benrus auto with a svelte 9mm thickness- most likely an ETA movement as they tended to be during this period. Says “running fast”- usually a hung up hairsping that should sort out with a service- could be a fun fixer-upper for little money. https://www.ebay.com/itm/333626391138Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Saw this Teltime single subdial sliderule watch for $188. I've got a Cimier slide rule chrono with an R.Lapanouse movement, so I'm pretty sure this is as well, but I've never seen one with a single subdial before. https://www.ebay.com/itm/USED-VINTA...543009?hash=item46abb60321:g:cUwAAOSw0AxdzaxLPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Not a screamin’ deal but with an offer at the right price, it would be worth it. One of the sexiest watches ever made- the Elgin Black Knight. This one has the correct conical crystal (a rarity) made in USA movement and original box. These are small at 28mm but if you have small wrists, you are lucky enough to be able to pull one of these off. Edit- box may not be original- says 100 years of watchmaking and Elgin was founded in 1863, and these Black knights are know to be early 50’s- so put no value in the box. https://www.ebay.com/itm/224046852018Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Another Benrus, fro the late 50’s - full auto with stainless case- eta movement, clean dial and case. Get it serviced and you have eta great daily or gift for someone just getting into vintage (man or woman!. https://www.ebay.com/itm/224047066350Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Agreed - I'm not always a fan, but these days it's actually quite useful being reminded what day of the week it is! Thanks again for the link!
The good: 1955 All stainless Bulova with linen dial factory signed crown and bright mint colored radium lume- look at those pips! The bad: 32mm so for the small wristed (or man who is comfortable enough with his masculinity to wear small watches) Runs but “clicks after a few winds”- sounds like a broken mainspring( edit- forgot its autowind- the rough winding may be the clutch slipping or broken gear- but again, should be sorted in service anyway- these movements are abundant and donor parts are cheaper than the watch). Since it needs a service anyway.... Cheap thrills! https://www.ebay.com/itm/193522868909Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Almost pulled the trigger on this one, but can't justify another purchase right now. Looks like a fine watch, though apparently few if any jewels. If in near unused condition and fully cleaned and lubed as stated it should last for years of wear. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Pristine-1963-Timex-Viscount-Self-Wind-Mens-Watch-4047-3163/133439533240?_trkparms=aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=225086&meid=7ea404685e884584b744b41362973e9a&pid=100290&rk=2&rkt=4&sd=323874981150&itm=133439533240&pmt=1&noa=1&pg=2060778&brand=Timex&_trksid=p2060778.c100290.m3507Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Another Bulova- 1961, stainless case with a great looking banded dial and gold colored markers/hands. Probably also on the smaller side (I assume around 32-33mm) but that’s a lot of dial area. If this were an Omega/UG/Zenith/Longines, you could tack another Zero on the price. https://www.ebay.com/itm/264767201462Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Great looking Gruen auto respectably sized at 35mm (and all dial) the sunburst dial and lume filled hands are the stars here. I had one exactly like this and traded it- fabulous watch. Have also dealt with this seller a couple times- nice people. https://www.ebay.com/itm/313118879089Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network