When the watch bug bites, different aspects of watch collecting appeal differently to different collectors. For some it's in military watches, others like dive watches. And of course, some just collect speedmasters.

In the last year, I think my taste evolved a little and I've been getting really into watches with funky designs. For me, my most recent pickup was a vintage Carrera that I still can't seem to get enough of.

The blue dial/orange hand is one thing, but the asymmetry of the dial grab my eyes every time.

I'm curious what vintage watches you all think have unique/distinct designs (dial, case, etc. anything is fair game)... and of course, share pictures!

I'll start (picture was taken by the previous owner, but I'm using it since it's A+):



(This is also partially inspired by this talking watches episode with Roni Madhvani, and his collection):

 

You will be surprise on how many strange watches exist..I just google it a little

 

I think for unselfconscious funk we still need to revisit the Seventies, e.g.

 

Well you said funky

 

Agreed

I've always kept an eye out for one of these Desotos chronographs even though my sleeves are always rolled up..
I can't find a better picture to show the intent but it's supposedly to remove the effort of having to pull your cuff back

 

They just don't make watches like they used to huh... That is super neat

 

Old funky..

or new funky

 

I'm still in the process of waking up but what is that on the right? Surely not the movement...

 

I love the look of this one - plus it’s a Parker. Don’t know much about the brand but I’ve got an old 3 hander Incabloc Parker that I inherited from my dad so I’d love to pair it with this chronograph...

 

That Parker is not one I've seen before.
But I do keep an eye out for very similar designs. Plenty of different makers for these and a couple of different movements and dial layouts.

 

Agree for funky designs 70's were where it was at.

 

Hunting for the above and found this Fortis which bears more than a passing resemblance to that Desotos "cuff dodger" though different layout again and slightly less wacky.


Amazing what a different angle can do. Looks ao much squarer from here: (the Fortis)

 

Mondia Chris-Craft circa 1968 or so:


Those 3D indices are something else.

 

I really like all of these, and most on this thread, I must head to eBay to try and get one!

 

People can shout ‘fugly’ all they want, but you just don’t get creativity in watch design like that anymore (at least not in the ‘affordable’ category). Hooray for the seventies!

(Not my watch, sadly).

 

Early Swatch

 

More time travel:

 

Posted previously. I’m actually proud to own it for some reason. I guess because, while it may be ugly, it’s my ugly.

 

I think this falls into the category.....

 

Hamilton Electrics define “funky” when dealing with watches. Ventura, and Everest.