Latest Review
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!
Seiko SilverWave Diver
Here is a fantastic and scarce vintage Seiko SilverWave diver. The SilverWave model is one of Seiko’s earlier sport divers, and is arguably the coolest design. The 36mm steel case has a deeply grooved crown at 4 o’clock, and a snap on case back. There were a few different variations, but this model was rated to a depth of 30 meters. The silver dial has simple stick markers, but the coolest feature is the internal rotating dive bezel. By turning the crown in the ‘in’ position, the internal bezel rotates. This is something Seiko has done on many models, but I think the SilverWave may have been the first. Seller states the watch runs, and it’s in overall great condition for this watch which is usually found pretty beat up.
Benrus Sea Lord
Next, a nice vintage Benrus Sea Lord (great name btw), complete with box and papers. The gold plated case is excellent and looks unpolished, and the crown is original and signed with the Benrus “B” logo. The silver dial is simple and clean with a radial brushed finish, with applied gold stick markers and big stick hands. The vintage stretch gold band is most likely a replacement, but it’s definitely from the correct era. This watch comes in the original box and has the original guarantee and instruction booklet as well as the little hangtag. Great full-kit piece that should not break the bank.
Glycine Airman
Next up is a sweet vintage Glycine Airman from the mid 1960’s. This aviator’s watch is much sought after by collectors as it’s a great looking design. The black dial has 24 hour markers to be used with the GMT pointer hand. It also has a 24 hour rotating bezel that locks with the second crown at 4 o’clock. This gives you three time zones you can use at any given time! The 36mm steel case is excellent and looks unpolished, and the black dial looks fantastic. Seller states the watch runs well but there are deep scratches on the acrylic crystal. Great and rare piece!
Wittnauer Military Watch
Here’s a nice little WWII era Wittnauer military style watch. The 31mm steel case looks sharp and unpolished with crisp lugs. The white dial has the classic military style Arabic lume numerals plus smaller 24 hour numerals inside. The blued steel hands are lume filled and in good shape. The manual wind movement is clean and the seller states it runs well. Comes on a classic mil-strap. Another great piece that should end at a reasonable price.
Vintage LeCoultre Art Deco
This classy vintage LeCoultre Art Deco tank-style dress watch is a beauty. The gold plated case is in great shape, and has really thick, bold lugs for a watch of this style and era. The two-tone dial is pretty clean with some patina but looks original to me. The caseback is hand engraved with the original owner’s initials. The watch comes with the original box and papers as well. The best part about the paper is that the movement number is written down on the guarantee booklet, which is not all that common. Really special and beautiful dress watch with a full kit from a legendary watch manufacture.
Vintage Omega Mememoatic
Closing out this week with an unusual vintage Omega Memomatic alarm watch. Omega isn’t known for their alarm watches, but yes, they did make the very 1970’s styled Memomatic! It features the so-called ‘helmet’ case that is big and chunky. It has some wear, but it is unpolished with sharp edges and original brushed finish. The unique dial is gray and black with a nice geometric design. The alarm is set by turning the inner gray wheel with an orange pointer painted on it. Bold, lume filled white stick hands make reading easy in any light. The crown is original and signed with the Omega symbol and the watch comes on the correct and original Omega signed bracelet. Not a piece that you see often, so here’s your chance!
