Probably been covered but I didn’t find it and I’d like to know everyone’s thoughts. I’m building my collection search list. What are your top 5 non-Omega vintage watches? A few caveats: they must be reachable (for me) price-wise (let’s say under $3000), they must be pre-1970, and nothing over 42mm. Let keep it to wrist watches. I have a good idea of my list in the pocket watch realm.

I don’t have a top 5 pounded out but my list might include Longines, Universal Geneve, Seiko, Nivada Grenchen, and I’d like to have a true military piece…I know I’m missing some great ones, hence the question. That list is certainly subject to change. Pics from your collection would be great! Fire away!

 

Citizen.

 

You know you gotta have one. They can be had for under $3k.

 

And just to complicate things more, here are some other brands you didn't even mention. All very affordable, and just sticking with simple time-only watches. Don't get us started on chronographs or tool watches.

 

And don't forget JLC, some models can be found for under $3k. Maybe 5 isn't enough.

 

Hamilton Piping Rock
Hamilton Coronado - this one along with the Piping Rock are some of the best Deco design watches in my opinion.
Bulova Accutron Astronaut - the tuning fork movement is so innovative and cool, and this has to be the coolest version made.
Longines sei tacche - simple, elegant, what else do you need?
A-11 - to fill that military niche.

 

Zenith also deserves a place on the list. Time-only Zeniths have been sadly neglected in my collection.

 

Mido Ocean Star
THIN, elegant
Original bracelet
300 meters

Whether you can find one with its' original logoed bracelet is another story.

 

For an alternative dress watch

Enicar Sherpas (or Sherpa soon after 1956)
EPSA case
Top movement

 

Might be worth considering Tissot and also vintage Heuer (Photos not mine -from Google search)

 

I knew that question would broaden my horizon! Beautiful watches that I clearly left off my list out of ignorance. I’ve never seen or heard of a Hamilton Piping Rock or Coronado! That I didn’t list the likes of IWC, Mido, Eterna Matic, Enicar, JLC, Certina, Citizen, Heuer, Tissot, or Zenith further illustrates the early status of my collecting journey. (Can you really find a Rolex for under 3k, @Dan S ? I always thought that one would be beyond my reach. ) Thanks all for the replies and pics!

 

That particular Rolex, ref 6424, would be under $3k without the bracelet. However, it's a pretty rare model, 36mm and hand-winding. The bracelet is expensive, though, because it's also used for expensive sport models.

However, there are various hand-winding and automatic references that can be found in very nice condition for less than $3k with a bracelet.

 

Here is my 1929 Piping Rock in white gold.
I don't own a Coronado so this photo is from the net.
Both models could be had in white or yellow gold.

 

Be Careful it really is a rabbit hole.

Just think of all the ones not yet mentioned. just a few off the top of my head
Breitling, Tudor, Cartier, Panerai, Doxa, Vulcain, Lanco, Lemania, Glycine, Bulova, Wakmann ........and there are many many more.

EDIT. Look at the WRUW OF thread every day and you really will appreciate the diversity that's out there

 

Such an interesting question. Which brand to collect, or which type of watch: dress, diver, time only, sub-seconds, SS or gold, deco or 60’s style, military or space/flight or railroad, with inscriptions or without, US or Swiss… So many ways for you to go.

A lot of extinct brands used quality ebauche movements and can offer a lot of fun and quality a really low prices. Bulova, Gruen and Longines made a lot of good looking watches over the years. Avoiding modern Gruen, you can get some fun pieces for not a lot of money, or exceptional piece for good money. I don’t have a Longines yet, but for not a lot of money…

Bulova “Ben Hur”


Gruen “veri-thin”

 

Why only 5


Well this one below might blow the under $3000 being Rose Gold. (With a slab of a case back that weights more than most entire gold watches)

 

Great choices offered here. I have found a Zenith, and Longines for reasonable prices - both dress watches. Yes, you can find a decent Rolex (manual) for under $3k. I did, right here on forum. The Mido above is very cool. For military watches, you might be able to find an Ollech & Wajs, but they are somewhat rare. Enjoy the hunt.
https://ow-watch.ch/collections/ollech-wajs-classics

 

Talk about being a kid in a candy store. At this point, I can only think of five brands that I would dive into: AP, JLC, Lemania, Glycine and Universal Geneve. The actual watch choices would be an exercise in utter frustration. Too many that I would want.

 

You will get as many answers as there are watches in the world! Some great stuff has already been suggested. You can find some cool Longines, Enicar, or Bulova vintage pieces on a budget that would get you started. It's a matter of sitting down, deciding what you want on a watch, and then starting the hunting.

Since nobody has shown a Seiko, I will suggest that! Lots of nice pieces out there with a wide range of prices. Something like an 8305 / M77:

 

Eterna-matic
Hamilton
Glashütte
Endura
Croton
Pobeda (space theme)
Seiko (space theme)
Casio (space theme)
Bulova (space theme)
Glycine (space theme)