eBay Finds: Asymmetric Cases, Sea Chrons, & Cosmic Automatics

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!

Zodiac Sea Chron Diver

Starting this week’s finds off strong with this fantastic vintage Zodiac Sea Chron chronograph diver. This reverse-panda stunner is in superb condition, and has everything you look for in a vintage watch; size, design, style, condition and of course the movement! The 39mm steel case looks unpolished with nice sharp chamfers on the lugs. The unusual divers bezel could be used as a count down or elapsed time bezel since the it only has a 30 on it. It is in great shape with just the right amount of fade to give it vintage character. The reverse panda dial is superb with beautiful patina on the lume. The oversized crown is signed with the Zodiac logo. Best of all, this gem is powered by the venerable and most desirable Valjoux 72 manual wind movement, the same used in so many other great chronos, including the famous vintage Rolex Daytona. Seller states it runs and functions properly, so get your wallet ready for bidding!

View auction here.

Omega Seamaster Cosmic Automatic

This vintage Omega Seamaster Cosmic is definitely an unusual one, with its round/cushion shaped front-loading steel case. The 38mm steel case looks unpolished, and the lugs are angled outwards, and are matched with fitting end pieces for the ever classic and comfortable beads of rice bracelet. The cream/white dial is really clean, with a nice black outer chapter ring for contrast. Since it’s a front loader (no caseback to remove), it is no surprise there is no picture of the movement. The Seamaster Cosmic was a short-lived sub-brand of the Seamaster line, and you really don’t see them as often as the regular Seamasters. Great late 1960’s design aesthetic too.

View auction here.

Asymmetric Wittnauer

…and now for something completely different (in my best John Cleese voice)! This vintage Wittnauer screams 1950’s Space/Atomic Age cocktail hour. The 27mm wide yellow gold fill case is asymmetric head to foot which gives it a really unique look. The upper lugs are thin and inset, while the case tapers to end in the integrated lower lugs. The case is in really nice shape with no wear through that I can see in the pictures. The white dial shows some light patina, and has applied gold markers and gold hands. The crown is signed with the Wittnauer logo, always a nice touch. Seller states the watch runs and it has an appropriate looking lizard grain strap that makes this looker ready to wear to your next holiday cocktail party!

View auction here.

Zodiac Hermetic

Here’s another Zodiac, although it’s definitely a little different from the Sea Chron above! This is the Zodiac Hermetic, a classic 1960’s steel cased, silver dialed non-flashy dress/sport watch. The 33.5mm steel case in in great shape, with light wear and seemingly unpolished. The silver dial has nice applied steel markers and matching steel hands. There is a simple date at 3 and the applied steel Zodiac symbol at 12. The crown is signed with the Zodiac symbol as it should, and the caliber 70-72 automatic movement looks nice and clean and the seller states it is keeping time.

View auction here.

Vintage Longines Gold Automatic

Now it’s time for some bling. This vintage 1958 Longines automatic dress watch is cased in solid 14k yellow gold. I’m not usually a big gold fan, but this case is super nice, unpolished with nice sharp edges on the lugs. The silver dial has really cool faceted gold markers that just add to the overall look. There is a sub-seconds dial at 6 which I’ve always been a fan of. The dial is super clean and really sharp looking. The recessed gold crown is signed as it should be. This stunner comes with the original box and guarantee booklet which is dated 1958 per the seller, who also states the watch is running and keeping time. The included straps are worthless, this watch deserves a nice croc or teju lizard strap to complete the look.

View auction here.

Seiko 6105-8119

Well, this week started strong and it’s going to end strong too, with this incredible iconic vintage Seiko 6105-8119! The 6105 is an absolute classic, and a must have for any vintage diver collection. The unmistakable 44mm steel case is in excellent condition, looking unpolished and exhibiting the original brushed finish. The ‘Lock’ crown looks excellent and undamaged as well. The dial is a thing of beauty, and this example looks super clean. No ‘black funk’ to be found anywhere on the lume, as is common on so many of these. Seller states this watch was obtained from the original owner, and it even comes on the correct and original XGL-731 strap! Now that’s a rare find. The bezel is crisp and clean, even the Hardlex crystal is clean, only showing a few scratches. If I were looking for one of these still under-valued divers, I would be all over this amazing example. You’d be hard pressed to find a nicer one anywhere for sale…

View auction here.