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eBay Finds is back! This bi-weekly installment will feature a selection of watches currently listed on eBay that have caught the eye of editor Christoph McNeil (@vintagediver). If you come across any hidden gems on the ‘Bay drop us a note at [email protected] for potential inclusion.
Zenith A3630 Vintage Diver
Here’s a rare gem to start us off this week, a vintage Zenith diver with original bracelet! This Zenith A3630 has a classically styled 38mm diver case in steel that looks to be unpolished. It does have some wear consistent with use and its age, but it does not look abused. The matte black dial looks excellent, with a contrasting white outer chapter ring and applied steel markers, and an unobtrusive date window at 4:30. The steel hands have large lume plots, and the hour hand has a nice big arrow tip for easy reading. The oversize crown is signed with the Zenith star symbol. The aluminum elapsed time bezel insert has some nice fading to it, but overall it’s in good shape. This piece comes with the original Gay Freres steel bracelet with a Zenith signed buckle. The Zenith automatic movement is clean and runs well per the seller. Great hard to find vintage diver!
Heuer Autavia 1163 Vintage Chronograph
Next up is another heavy hitter, a vintage Heuer Autavia 1163 chronograph. Wow, this beast is a real beauty. The 42mm steel cushion case is superb, unpolished with crisp edges and the original brushed finish. The black dial looks original and super clean, with two white sub-dials for the classic reverse panda look. The Autavia dial has the date window at 6 o’clock, giving it a superb symmetry that offsets the unconventional left sided crown, which is signed with the Heuer logo as it should be. The original fluted pushers are on the right side. The tachymeter bezel has deep grooves on the side for easy grip. The watch comes on a nice black leather rally strap with a steel Heuer buckle. The watch is powered by the Heuer caliber 12 automatic chronograph movement which is clean and running well per the seller. While these are not rare, it is rare to find one in such nice condition at auction!
Vintage Seiko Sportsmatic 5
Here’s a nice vintage Seiko Sportsmatic 5. I’ve had a few of these models over the years, and they are well made with robust movements. This one is a model 6619-9010 from August 1966 per the serial number on the back. The steel case is in good shape, and it should be around 38mm if memory serves. The silver dial is super clean, with applied steel markers, steel dauphine hands and a nice radial brushed finish. There is of course a day/date window at 3 o’clock. The seller points out that the acrylic crystal does have two cracks in it. The crystal appears to otherwise be fine, and you could have the crystal replaced easily enough. The caliber 6619A automatic movement is clean and runs well per the seller.
Vintage Ricoh Diver
If this vintage Ricoh looks familiar, it’s because it has a striking resemblance to the famous Seiko “Tuna” diver. This Ricoh version has the same style with the outer protective shroud, but with a bright orange dial. The shroud is titanium, and in pretty good shape with a few nicks to the paint. The thick bezel is in great condition, with a few marks. This is typical as this is a genuine tool watch and they were usually used as such. The orange dial is in perfect condition, and the lume on the dial and hands are bright and clean. The watch comes with the original oversized screw-down crown to aid in its robust 700m water resistance (originally at least!). This watch is powered by a quartz movement, which is running well per the seller. Really cool vintage diver that you don’t see often.
Vintage Omega Digital LED
Time for the inevitable vintage LED watch, and this one is a real treat. This vintage Omega digital LED is from 1977, and comes with the original box and papers, a full kit! The watch itself has a cool, horizontal design, with an integrated steel chiclet bracelet. The crystal is clean, with the Omega symbol and Omega name clearly printed on it. The watch runs and functions well per the seller. This rare gem comes with the original plastic box, the digital caliber 1602 instruction manual and the original guarantee papers that are filled out. This has a fantastic space-age design that is both retro, and timeless.
Vintage Duward Aquastar
Last up is a killer vintage Duward Aquastar Super Compressor diver with original bracelet. This is the large 42mm size Super Compressor, and it’s the scarcer cushion style to boot. The case is excellent and unpolished with sharp edges and original brushed finish, and the caseback medallion is nice and clear. The gloss black dial looks perfect, with beautifully aged patina on the hour markers and hands. The elapsed time divers bezel is of course internal, and rotates via the top crown. The large dual crowns are both signed with the Duward logo. The original cuff style bracelet is really neat and not often seen. It is made of two bent pieces of basically sheet steel that have a clasp, also signed with the Duward logo. The automatic movement is clean and runs well per the seller. The inside of the caseback has the EPSA Super Compressor logo stamped on it. Great vintage diver that has a ton of wrist presence!
