eBay Finds: Accutron at its Peak, A Sea-King Whale, & More

eBay Finds is back! This bi-monthly 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!

1969 Bulova Sea King “Whale”

First up this week we have this slick vintage Bulova Sea King. I don’t know why, but I’ve always loved the little whale logo on these Sea King models. Maybe because it’s so darn cute. Anyways, the rest of the watch is pretty spiffy too. The steel case with screw on back and fancy lugs are excellent and look like maybe it’s had a very light polish in its life. Seller doesn’t state the size, but from my experience I’d guess it’s between 32 and 34mm wide. Seller does state that it runs and keeps time. The dial looks perfect and original, and has a fantastic radial brushed finish to go along with the applied steel Bulova logo and stick markers. The lume filled dauphine hands are also excellent. Really sweet classically styled dress watch that should go for an affordable price.

View auction here.

Vintage Helbros

This vintage Helbros watch isn’t going to win any horological or design awards, but it is pretty cool and how can you go wrong when it has its original box and papers? The 32mm chrome plated case shows a bit of honest wear, but it is still in decent shape. The simple white dial does have nicely stylized Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9, and looks in really nice condition. The period correct (although not likely original) stretch bracelet is wild, with what looks like leather panels and one of those cool add-on calendar gadgets. Best of all this comes with an original plastic box as well as a guarantee booklet and some tags. This shouldn’t go for too much, a great opportunity to add a vintage full kit watch to the collection without breaking the bank. 

View auction here. 

1969 Bulova Accutron

Here we have a truly gorgeous vintage 1969 Accutron 214. The Accutron 214 movement is their original tuning fork movement, a true horological milestone. The 218 movement came later and lasted quite a bit longer in production than its predecessor. The 214 is easy to tell by the fact that it does not have a traditional crown on the side of the watch. Instead it has a fold out half ring that serves to set the watch. This example is in beautiful condition with a clean and simple round steel case with thin lugs. The beautifully symmetrical dial is silver with radial brushed finish and simple stick markers. No date and no crown reinforce the symmetry of the design. The dauphine hands are lume filled and in excellent condition. The movement runs and keeps time per the seller. Really sharp example of a classic vintage Accutron 214.

View auction here.

Vintage Tissot Visodate

This vintage Tissot Visodate may be small, but it has big style. Simple and elegant, the 28mm steel case has thin lugs and a classic dress watch style. The case is unpolished and the cool sun logo caseback engraving is still nicely visible. The applied steel stick markers go with the simple lume filled dauphine hands. The crown looks like it’s signed to my eyes, although there is no side view picture that directly shows it for sure. The milanese mesh bracelet doesn’t seem to be signed, but very well may be original. Either way, the bracelet is super cool (and comfortable I can say from having worn this type before), and definitely looks correct.

View auction here.  

1965 Omega Seamaster

You can never go wrong with a vintage Omega Seamaster, and this 1965 (dated from movement serial number) example is no exception. The classic Seamaster styled steel case is 34mm and while it shows some light wear, does not appear to have been polished. The caseback Hippocampus engraving is bold and clear as it should be.  The white crosshair dial shows a very cool patina, which is common for vintage Omegas. This type of patina isn’t for everybody, but if you dig it this one is a nice one. It has the applied steel Omega log and classic “Seamaster” script along with applied steel stick markers and a date window at 3. While earlier 1950’s Seamasters had the well-known ‘clover’ style crown, this domed crown with deep grooves is correct for this model. The caliber 562 automatic movement is clean as a whistle, a real beauty. The cal 562 is an awesome movement, I can speak from experience, and is a must for any Omega collection.

View auction here.

1971 Seiko Bell-Matic

Time to finish up this edition with a cool, chunky 1971 Seiko Bell-Matic alarm watch. The 39mm steel square cushion case looks unpolished with the original brushed finish. This is a classic 70’s case that has a ton of vintage swag. The silver dial is super clean as is the inner rotating alarm setting bezel. This example comes on the correct and original ‘coffin link’ bracelet which looks fantastic. The movement is clean and the seller states the watch runs and the works. You have to love vintage alarm watches, a complication that even in today’s smartphone world is still handy. 

View auction here.