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redpcar
路One of my favorite sleeper brands. Always well made. Always cheap (for now).
What are good "starter" vintage watch brands
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Dan S
路Omega. They are incredibly common. 馃榿
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JimJupiter
路I started with Tissot. Often they shared the movement with the more famous Omegas for a smaller price and often more interesting design. Also great and good bang for the buck are Certinas and of course, Enicars 馃槈
Nico
Nico
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hejsam
路I would rather look at the quality and condition of the watch than the brand it self, you can find a lot of underrated / unheard of brands that produced very good quality watches.
This are some of the watches I have owned in the lower price range, some of them from very unknown brands and some from better known brands that still are cheaper than Omega and Longines.
This are some of the watches I have owned in the lower price range, some of them from very unknown brands and some from better known brands that still are cheaper than Omega and Longines.
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Spruce
路路Sunburst dial fanI would rather look at the quality and condition of the watch than the brand it self, you can find a lot of underrated / unheard of brands that produced very good quality watches.
This are some of the watches I have owned in the lower price range, some of them from very unknown brands and some from better known brands that still are cheaper than Omega and Longines.
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hejsam
路You have a lovely collection but I sometimes have a problem locating parts for older or more obscure models, including 60s Certina and Tissot
But in my experience its also way cheaper to buy movements/watches for parts if they are not branded Omega. I have always been able to find parts but sometimes it have taken some while!
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Omegamonkey
路Thanks for all the great alternative brand ideas.
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Redwes25
路I would rather look at the quality and condition of the watch than the brand it self, you can find a lot of underrated / unheard of brands that produced very good quality watches.
This are some of the watches I have owned in the lower price range, some of them from very unknown brands and some from better known brands that still are cheaper than Omega and Longines.
That Waltham alarm is amazing.
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vibe
路I think a great start brand, al though a bit pricey is Tudor. The oyster case is a great design and case parts are available. The eta movements are great quality and parts are readily available.
Other than that, I鈥檇 look for watches that have good water resistant cases because the dial, hands and movement will probably be in better condition. Those watches should also be pretty durable.
Other than that, I鈥檇 look for watches that have good water resistant cases because the dial, hands and movement will probably be in better condition. Those watches should also be pretty durable.
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eternalover
路I think a great start brand, al though a bit pricey is Tudor. The oyster case is a great design and case parts are available. The eta movements are great quality and parts are readily available.
Other than that, I鈥檇 look for watches that have good water resistant cases because the dial, hands and movement will probably be in better condition. Those watches should also be pretty durable.
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Hnansen
路
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ConElPueblo
路It isn't easy to define what makes a great starting watch brand, as your financial position and access to watches/watchmakers/parts are all important issues.
If you have a large budget and care about preservation, some Omegas may be great starting watches as they can often carry the cost of a service, whilst that will be impossible to do with most old Seikos, Tissots and Certinas, to name a few of the previously mentioned watches.
If your goal is to have a low cost of entry and try out a lot of different types, try out the cheaper brands as the above and don't use money on servicing, but move them along after a short while or just don't wear them much.
If you have a local watchmaker you can build a good relation with, listen to his recommendations.
If you have a large budget and care about preservation, some Omegas may be great starting watches as they can often carry the cost of a service, whilst that will be impossible to do with most old Seikos, Tissots and Certinas, to name a few of the previously mentioned watches.
If your goal is to have a low cost of entry and try out a lot of different types, try out the cheaper brands as the above and don't use money on servicing, but move them along after a short while or just don't wear them much.
If you have a local watchmaker you can build a good relation with, listen to his recommendations.
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Helvetia History
路Definitely not Helvetia! (got enough competition in my aim to own every watch they ever made).
I like the history of the brand as well as just the look of the watch. Helvetia were pioneers in waterproof and shockproof sports and military watches.
I like the history of the brand as well as just the look of the watch. Helvetia were pioneers in waterproof and shockproof sports and military watches.
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b-lilja
路I would add Girard Perregaux from the 60s to the list.
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Medinatalzahra
路In addition to some of the excellent suggestions above, for an introduction to chronographs, I would recommend focusing on the movement -- specifically valjoux movements. As valjoux powered multiple brands in the 1960s and 70s (and still does with the 7750), there are a lot of great options to explore that will not break the bank -- including Heuer (e.g., Camaros), Eterna, LeCoultre, Briel, Breitling, Gallet, Zodiac, Certina, Hamilton, Longines, and Yema to name a few. My personal favorite is the Valjoux 72, but the 7730 and its variants (see below) really democratized early chronos. There are so many cool examples to collect and learn from. Just do some searches and include valjoux and see what you find... Happy hunting!! M
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b-lilja
路Also, thank you for getting this thread off the ground - great stuff.
Another big vote for Certina. I had the back off my DS-2 last night and was really enjoying the quality - really excellent, and interesting watches.
I think in a certain way Tissot has shown the most democratized design innovation - esp in the 70s...they were the proto-Swatch.
Another big vote for Certina. I had the back off my DS-2 last night and was really enjoying the quality - really excellent, and interesting watches.
I think in a certain way Tissot has shown the most democratized design innovation - esp in the 70s...they were the proto-Swatch.
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vibe
路The V. 7730 is a great robust movement that is quite accurate. It is actually the same as the Venus 188. 60鈥檚-70鈥檚 stainless chronographs typically come in nice waterproof cases as well.
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Medinatalzahra
路Great examples above! M
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