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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!
Vintage Heuer Autavia “Viceroy”
Starting off this week with a big boy watch, a vintage Heuer Autavia Viceroy chronograph. This classic chrono stunner comes in a 42mm steel case that is unpolished with sharp edges and the original brushed finish. The beautifully symmetrical black dial has dual white chrono subdials and a date window at 6 o’clock. The dial, hands and bezel are original and in excellent condition. The watch is powered by a manual wind Heuer caliber 12 movement that is clean and runs well per the seller. These vintage Heuer chronographs are highly sought after and hard to find at auction in this condition. Great opportunity for a nice, scarce Heuer.
Art Deco Bulova
On the opposite end of the watch spectrum we have this gorgeous vintage Art Deco Bulova dress watch. Despite the title in the auction listing, this watch is actually from 1953, denoted by the “L3” date code on the back. However, the style is definitely reminiscent of the 1930s, especially the dial, with its two tone gold color and highly stylized Art Deco numerals. The 27mm gold fill case has a fancy faceted bezel and lugs to complete the Deco look. The crown is original and signed with the Bulova logo. Great condition vintage Bulova dress watch that will be sure to garner attention at the next holiday cocktail party. The manual wind movement is clean and runs per the seller.
Vintage Longines
Here is a fantastic vintage Longines sporty dress watch. Longines is of course famous for the Conquest, Admiral and Ultra Chron lines (among others), but they also made many models that were not named. This gem looks a lot like an early Conquest style, with a 35mm steel case and thick lugs. The white dial with slim gold arrow markers is original, with a mild, even patina that is quite pleasant. The crown is the classic Conquest style, signed with the Longines logo. Seller states the watch has a manual wind caliber 30LS movement that runs, but no picture of the movement. This is a really nice, clean vintage Longines with killer style that shouldn’t break the bank.
Vintage LeJour Chronograph
Next up is this killer vintage LeJour two register chronograph. The simple 37mm steel case has a nice broad, angled bezel and straight lugs, and is in great shape. But as with most chronographs, the dial is the hero here. The “reverse panda” style black dial with white subdials is very clean, with painted lume Arabic numerals. It shows a little aging, but just the right amount. The watch is powered by the tried and true workhorse Valjoux 7733 movement that is clean and works well per the seller. You just can’t beat a good vintage chronograph, especially when it’s an “off brand” like LeJour, great quality with less cost than more famous brand names.
Vintage Bulova Oceanographer
This vintage Bulova Oceanographer has a great style, especially the cool bracelet it comes on. The square steel case is about 35mm wide, and shows some patina but looks unpolished. The Silver dial has a nice vertical brushed finish, with applied steel markers and a day/date window at 3 o’clock. Nice, thick high-hat acrylic crystal and original signed crown. Even though it has the Oceanographer name with the 333ft water depth, this is clearly a sporty watch rather than a diver. The coolest part is the bracelet, which the seller states is original to the watch, and I believe it. It is made by Duchess, with a super stylin’ design that really pops with the watch.
Omega Speedmaster 145.022
Going to end this week strong, with this all-time classic vintage Omega Speedmaster 145.022 from 1971. The steel case is excellent, with nice sharp bombe lugs. The tachymetre bezel has a beautiful faded ‘ghost’ look. The classic black Speedmaster dial with the three sunken subdials is clean and original, with nice Tritium lume markers. Original signed crown and ‘first watch on the moon’ back. The watch is powered by the iconic Omega caliber 861 manual wind movement. The movement is clean and runs well per the seller. The Speedmaster is always highly sought after, and widely considered a “must-have” for any vintage watch collection. I have one myself, and couldn’t agree more. These don’t show up all that often in this nice condition for auction, so if you’ve wanted a Speedmaster, give this one a long look.
