eBay Finds: Vintage Chronographs Galore; Seiko Quartz; & 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!

Mathey-Tissot Valjoux 72 Chronograph

Got to start off strong this week with this incredible vintage Mathey-Tissot chronograph…how can I not? This 1970’s gem is simply gorgeous, with a really nice 40mm steel case that is unpolished and has nice sharp chamfers on the lugs. The dial is the perpetually classic ‘reverse panda’ black dial with white subdials, and it looks to be in perfect condition! The red highlights on the dial match the bold red chrono sweep hand. The countdown diver’s bezel is also superb, with no wear or fading that I can see. Best of all this beauty is powered by the venerably and highly sought after Valjoux 72 hand wind movement, same on used in the Rolex Daytona chronograph. This example also comes on the original signed bracelet, so you’re ready to roll!

View auction here.

Seiko Quartz 7A38-7069

How about a vintage Seiko quartz chronograph in steel and gold for your 1980’s fix? This great piece hails from March 1986, and just oozes 80’s vibes. I would’ve killed for one of these in high school! Amazing style aside, the 7A28 quartz chronograph movement is a real, robust classic that is tried and true and quite desirable. The two-tone yellow gold and steel look is awesome, with the steel case and gold bezel and two-tone bracelet. The silver dial has three subdials with a day date window in the 3 o’clock subdial. Not only are these 7A38 chronographs stylish and collectible, but they are quite functional and usable!

View auction here.

Wakmann Valjoux 7733 Chronograph

Here’s another vintage chronograph, although quite different in style and era. This vintage Wakmann two register chronograph shows a little wear, but overall presents nicely and shouldn’t break the bank. The 37mm case is chrome plated and sadly does show some pitting, but when you’re looking at this watch, all you will see is the beautiful black dial with silver subdials! This one is powered by the Valjoux 7733 manual wind movement, a true workhorse movement that is clean and working well. A little wear to the case, but the dial and movement combine to make this chrono a winner.

View auction here.

Vintage Longines

Here’s an interesting one, a vintage early 1950’s Longines with great looks. There is an inscription on the caseback from 1956, but I suspect this watch may be a couple years older. This looks like something that is just pre-Conquest. You can see some similarities with the first generation Conquest, but this has some unique qualities. The dial has raised arrow and 12, 3, 6, 9 markers, and isn’t perfect but has a nice patina’d look to it. The steel case has the ‘lug nut’ screw on caseback and really cool lugs. In fact, I’ve never seen lugs quite like these. The crown is an oversized one signed with the Longines logo, a nice touch. Great looking early 50’s Longines that has a ton of style.

View auction here.

Vintage Seiko Bell-Matic

The Seiko Bell-Matic is a well known and classic vintage line of mechanical alarm watches. Even though we don’t really need an alarm, it is pretty damn cool to have an alarm watch. This 4006- 7020 example is from July 1968, and is easily one of the best Bell-Matic designs. The 36mm steel case is nice and sharp, still showing the original factory brushed finish. The silver dial is an ode to functional design, easy to read and use. One of the great features of this watch is the super-cool ‘coffin link’ bracelet. Such a great (and comfortable!) design. Seller states the watch runs and works, no excuse now to be late for your next meeting!

View auction here.

Vintage Omega Speedmaster

What, another chronograph? Yeah, but this isn’t just any old chronograph, it’s a vintage Omega Speedmaster…THE vintage chronograph. Rolex may get more attention, but honestly the vintage Speedmaster is the single most classic chronograph and most collectors agree that it is the one watch every collector should have. This example is from 1970, and is a ‘transitional’ model with the later 861 movement but with the Hippocampus back rather than the moon landing back. The dial looks super clean, with some aging to the lume on the hands evident, but over all pretty clean. The case looks excellent, and the bezel has a beautiful faded patina. The 861 manual wind movement looks clean and seller states it currently runs well. Even the original (and hard to find!) bracelet is included. If you’re in the market for a vintage chronograph, and you have a few coins to spare, take a close look at this beauty!

View auction here.