Nice early 60’s Swiss made Elgin, stainless case, tucked crown, radium pips around the inner bezel (hands could use a touch-up) very similar to the Mido Ocean Star which is such a clean and elegant mid-century modern look.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/224052946383Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

And @Dr.Sascha I see your Wakmann and counter with the silver dialed version (although sub-branded but stamped Wakmann inside)- also an eBay buy long ago

 

Wow, that is a brother by another mother. These models, for a modest chrono, have a lot of nice touches--the alpha hands, the contrasting red and blue outer markings, and art-deco arab numerals reminiscent of the Paris Metro signs. What's the movement in this one?

 

I honestly don’t remember but I think it is a Landeron 248. I love everything about it except I feel the sub-dials are a touch too small- it’s actually kept me from really bonding with it. Funny how something that inconsequential can change how you feel about a watch.

 

Talis Supercompressor Vintage Automatic Dive Watch https://ebay.us/HTAjzg


Needs a new crystal and a service, but not a bad SC, if the bidding stays sluggish.

 

Cheap diver alert!! Buy it before I do.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/324217423003Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Bulovas, and frankly many other American watches, make for excellent values IMHO. Especially if you don't mind a watch in a smaller case size or you can appreciate the styling of a dress watch. Love (what I assume is) the OCBD! Bulova was totally in-house and quite an innovative company during the 1920s to 1960s.

 

Totally agreed- and I have pretty much been wearing my 32-36mm watches for the last few weeks exclusively and when I do throw a “big” one on, it feels like an arm anchor (I’m talking to you Speedmaster )
And yes, US made BB OCBD; I get the older USA made ones thrift (or on eBay) and have them tailored to fit (they always cut them blousy)...best shirts on earth.

 

Another cheap diver, this time a Camy. Pretty compelling for under $100. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/153973364613Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

That would actually be an awesome project watch for anyone wanting to try their hand at reluming. Do hands first, then see if you’re adventurous enough to scrape off the old dial lume and lay down fresh squares. A wet sand on the crystal (or new generic $10 Diver Tite) and a service....could be a stunner after.

 

They certainly are the best shirts on Earth! I've always been a BB man myself since I started my career. You can't go wrong with a USA-made, blue BB OCBD. It's such a shame they are shutting down the factory in North Carolina.

I prefer small over big watches since I have pretty small wrists. My favorite watches are Hamilton tanks from the 30s and 40s, which are downright tiny compared to today's watches, but very elegant in my opinion. I also think those earlier, USA-made Hamiltons represent an excellent value from a quality perspective ("the Patek Philippe of America"). I recently bought a 41mm Zodiac chronograph and I'm trying to get used to wearing a wider/thicker watch.

 

The Hamilton CLD line seems some of the most beautiful watches on the planet IMO- I bought one for my lady and I almost kept it, but at 30mm its just too small for me. My 31-33mm Mil watches I usually wear on one piece straps which helps bulk them Up a bit. 33-37 is my sweet spot these days (particularly with long sleeves). I have several 39-44 and just don’t wear them much...and I have 7.5” wrists (although I wear my watches loose and have bony wrists). If I had a tree trunk of an arm then maybe I get the aversion to small watches, but otherwise, it’s just a matter of getting used to them.
If you can pull off the slender tank style then the world is your Oyster these days for pennies on the dollar in comparison to the later stuff - Bulova, Gruen, Wyler, Hamilton, Elgin, Mido...have your pick! And you can hold out for 14k and super clean dials for the cost of a Hamilton Khaki.

 

Did someone say Hamilton?!

If you haven't seen www.Hamiltonchronicles.com then you are in for a treat.

Hamilton has a few 39mm. Check out the Rodney Hamilton.

 

Ha! It's funny that you mention the Hamilton CLDs. One of my favorite vintage Hamilton's in my collection is a late 1940s "Nordon," which is probably in the 30-31mm range, which would be considered a ladies watch today. I still love it. It was $65 at a local flea market.

It's amazing how cheaply you can get these smaller, gold watches since collectors seem to totally ignore them these days. It's not unheard of to get solid 14k gold Hamilton tanks (mostly from the 40s) for around $300-$400, which is an absolute steal in my book.

 

Was wearing my 31mm Bulova Ord watch tonight (just post WWII). $100 on eBay (kept that deal for myself- didn’t share it, sorry guys). NOS second hand on the way for $10, Should be a stunner.

 

Nice linen dialed Benrus, 34mm- bit of dial patina but some may find it attractive.
Price is nice for a running Eta based Benrus.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/193552558157Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

These usually go for twice that, and are often put together from random parts. Nice snag!

 

Nice little Benrus gold filled tank- the dial is really nice on this one (only see one little Mark). Throw this on leather (or reptile) and it really be a nice watch if you have small wrists or know someone who does- hey @SportChief


https://www.ebay.com/itm/233641971190Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

I’d snag this but it would never fit my split rail fence.

 

Lol! It took me going back to the pics to get it.