There are similar threads, but I thought it would be fun to have a dedicated thread to those super cheap fun watches. Here is my contribution, a 70s Timex I just bought for $10. Any recommendations for a new strap / bracelet? I'm to hairy for the stretchy.
Wore mine today! It was fished from the ‘Bay for less than $10 and featured a broken crystal, tarnished hands, and worn-through lug holes. It cost twice what I paid to mail it to me, and twenty times that to service it. Clearly, I have the cost-to-value part of this hobby completely backwards.
My go to watch source...sold this to me for tax only $1.08. Girard-Perreguax Sr# 263998 17j Cal 26.3 1969
Lovely set, I do enjoy these sorts of watches. Of course the luxury watches are a treasure, but the everyday man's watch has many stories to tell. The ord dept. Elgin is cool, the Bulova waffle dial, all the misc divers, etc.
I've been accumulating for over 35 years here at "The Home For Wayward Watches" otherwise known as the "Black Hole" where watches go in but they never come out. $200 was rather more money in times past. Some few of these were under $10. In no particular order of date of acquisition.
Those are just what I had on my phone. I love the “bargainl watches that are actually well made and designed well. I don’t discriminate when it comes to watches- good/classic design isn’t only reserved for the $$$ brands. And check out the vintage Bulova thread if you want to see some sexy watches that almost anyone can afford.
@noelekal you have a nice collection. You are right that $200 used to buy more, but there a lot of those low cost gems there! If you know where I can get a sub $200 constellation today let me know.
I have spent a fair bit of time there. My family had a jewelry store that closed in the eighties when I was still pretty young. They sold a lot of Bulova watches, so I have a soft spot for them. They also sold Seiko, Wyler and Omega. Someday I would like to pick up a decent Wyler, but they are hard to come by.
That Seawolf for under $200- way to go man! And love that Mido, I have a soft spot for them. And yeah, a Connie for under $200...must have been quite the yard sale find.
Paraguay I think. The Constellation was late 1990s Ebay purchase back when I first joined up. Dial's not so hot. A redo and I didn't even know it until joining OmegaForums. Vintage Mido watches are endearing with distinct styling. Two live here. Would like to add one or two more. Sea Wolfs were cheap on Ebay up until a few years ago.
Nice watches guys but nowadays I’d guess that some are north of $200. Comments like “25 years ago you could buy a mixing bowl full of watches for $25. “ haunt me still.