It doesn’t take much to get a solid watch on the vintage market. As we learned earlier this week — when we asked three experts for recommendations for affordable vintage watches — you can find a myriad of attractive, historically significant and well-engineered timepieces for under $1,000. So, in that vein, for this week’s “Found” we gathered standout examples of their recommendations. Turns out they’re available for far less than a grand.
Seiko 6139 “Pogue”
SeikoWhat We Like: Despite being one of the first automatic chronographs ever made — and the first automatic chronograph in space! — the 6139 remains an absolute bargain on the vintage market. This one is a “Pogue” model, notable for having the same case and bezel design as the 6139 worn into space by Colonel William Pogue. Given its condition and provenance, it’s a genuine steal at this price.
From the Seller: “Original condition — unpolished, with original crown, bezel, crystal, dial and hands. The bracelet is aftermarket-but you would not know it. The automatic winding movement was just cleaned and all functions are operating accurately and smoothly.”
Vulcain Skindiver
What We Like: Vulcain was known for its Cricket alarm watch, but the brand made a number of other great watches that fly under the radar today. This diver is a gread example — it’s a classic skindiver with a sharp 37mm cushin case, a simple black dial and a hand-winding movement inside. Its dviving days are behind it now, but it’d be a stylish piece you could wear on land every day.
From the Seller: “Stainless steel cushion case is is very good condition with sharp bevels on the lugs and no signs of over-polishing. Rotating bezel is in very good condition with light signs of wear. Dial is in very good condition with fine even patina to the luminescent elements of the hour markers and hands.”
