eBay Finds: Benrus Ultra Deep Super Compressor, Nivada Grenchen Chronoking, and More

When it comes to shopping for vintage watches on eBay, it can be a gold mine, but it can also be a minefield. Our very own Christoph McNeill (you all might know him as Instagram’s @VintageDiver) wrote a must-read, common sense guide to buying vintage watches on eBay (check out Part 1 and Part 2). So if you’re looking for a vintage watch, but are still a little nervous diving head-first into those murky waters, then don’t worry—we’re here to help.  Today, we have another installment of eBay Finds, our series where we highlight some great vintage gems looking for a new home. Happy hunting!

Benrus
Ultra Deep Super Compressor 666ft Diver

Right off the bat, this watch will need some attention, but I think it’s a diamond in the rough that’s likely to be a steal. ’60s Benrus Ultra Deep Super Compressors are awesome watches and highly beloved by collectors, and this one looks to be really clean. The dial and hands are in great condition, and the steel case looks to be unpolished — you can clearly see the sharp lug angles in the first picture of the listing. The seller states that the rotating bezel is missing, but clearly the internal bezel is still there, so that incorrect description (and the “parts for repair” in the title) may have this one going for less than it should. Additionally, the seller says that this one isn’t running, so it will need a service and you should factor that into the cost. But after a basic service and a quick polish to the crystal, this one should be good to go.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Nivada Grenchen
Chronoking (Ref. 85008) 

Here’s a super cool vintage Nivada Grenchen Chronoking chrono-diver, a watch powered by the tried-and-true Valjoux 7736 manual wind movement. The “panda” style, three-register dial is gorgeous, and the big ole ’70s steel case looks good to my eye. The rotating bezel insert looks to be in excellent condition, as well. Oh, and it also comes on a vintage tropic strap, which is a nice bonus. These are not common watches at all, and when they do show up for sale they’re usually overpriced “buy it now” listings. This one is a no reserve auction, so it might go for well below market value.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Galco
NOS Diver

This vintage Galco diver ticks a lot of boxes. It has a great 1960s aesthetic and it reminds me of the Enicar Seapearl. The dial and big-arrow handset are great, and the case and black aluminum bezel are clean, too. This was likely an inexpensive diver back in the day, and the case is likely chrome-plated brass. But the condition is immaculate (the seller states claims it is new old stock), and it’s running. This one should end up being a lot of vintage diver goodness for not a lot of coin.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Elgin
17J Hand-Wind

Here’s a clean and classically-styled vintage Elgin with a great look. The silver dial boasts a simple design with baton markers and a big “12” and “6.” The stick hands have dual tone inserts with lume and black sections, which give it a very mid-century mod look even though it’s likely from the late ’60s. The whole watch looks clean and original, and the seller states the movement has been serviced, so it’ll be good to go once it lands on your wrist.

CHECK IT OUT HERE