eBay Finds: Electric Watches, Fat Lugs, & Vintage Formal Wear

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 Bulova Ambassador

Here’s a sweet vintage Bulova Ambassador, complete box and original strap. The steel case is 35mm wide and in great shape, with nice slim lugs and clear deeply engraved ‘Ballerina’ caseback logo. Gorgeous silver dial with simple steel stick markers and hands and a date window at 3 o’clock. The original acrylic crystal looks perfect and has the correct internal date magnifier window. This is front-loading case so no surprise that there is no photo of the movement. This beauty comes with the original Bulova strap, and maybe even the original Bulova buckle, although there is no photo of it and the seller doesn’t say. Boxes are included which is nice, although the seller states the inner box is damaged.

View auction here.

Eterna-Matic Centenaire

This vintage Eterna-Matic Centenaire is one you don’t see too often, which is a shame as it’s a great looking watch. That said, here’s your chance at one! The 35mm steel case is simple with slim lugs like the Bulova above, with the biggest difference being the crown is neatly recessed into the case giving is a streamlined look. The dial is white with killer applied steel faceted arrow markers and the classic “Eterna-Matic” and “Centenaire 61” printed script. Simple date window at 3 o’clock. The dial isn’t perfect, but it still looks great. Seller states the watch runs great, but again no photo of the movement. As a bonus this one comes with a box and two hang-tags, always a welcome addition!

View auction here.

Hamilton Asymmetric Electric 505

Next up we have a great piece for those that like something a bit different. This vintage Hamilton Sea-Lectric has a unique asymmetric steel case and features the famous Hamilton cal 505 electric movement. The case is 34mm wide and is asymmetric top to bottom for a really cool look. It looks unpolished but with some light wear as should be expected. The crown is set at 3:30, adding to the unbalanced look, and is signed with the “H” logo. The silver dial shows a touch of patina, but overall this is a clean example of a scarce electric Hamilton. Seller states the watch runs and keeps time.

View auction here.

Vintage Omega Seamaster

Another week, another Omega Seamaster! But you simply can’t go wrong with vintage Seamasters. This example features a yellow gold fill prototypical “fat lug” case that measures about 35mm wide and has a nice wide bezel to boot. The two-tone yellow dial has applied Roman numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 with slim arrow markers at the other hours. This is one of the classic Seamaster dials and looks to be original with mild patina (like most vintage Seamasters). Give that acrylic crystal a polish and you’ll have a real looker. The crown is the correct clover leaf style. Seller states there is a name engraved on the back, and that it currently runs well. Great looking original Seamaster!

View auction here.

Wittnauer Electro-Chron

Ok, so this one is a bit of a risk, but it’s such a cool and rare watch I couldn’t NOT share it with our readers. This is the famous Wittnauer Electo Chron, with its insanely cool handset that are electricity themed owing to its electric movement. This is the same model famously owned and worn by Joe DiMaggio, which just adds to the overall swag this watch brings to the wrist. The 35mm steel case looks unpolished and in great condition. The silver dial looks perfect, and just look at that hour hand! Wow. Now, the risky part is the seller states the watch “ran a year ago and likely needs a new battery”….which you will of course have to take with a grain of salt…or two. However, these don’t come up for sale often, and cosmetically it looks great. So if you’re willing to take the chance the movement may need work, then take a swing at it! See what I did there? 😉

View auction here.

Movado Kingmatic

Finishing off this week with another slim lug steel cased dress watch with a silver dial, this time it’s a vintage Movado Kingmatic. The 33.5mm steel case is clean and looks unpolished, with the cool caseback medallion nice and bold. The simple silver dial looks near perfect and has applied steel stick markers to go with the steel stick hands. The crown is unsigned and may not be original, but I’m not sure. The caliber 395 automatic movement is clean and runs well per the seller, and the rotor has the cool “M” logo cut into it. Even though you never really see it, it is a cool touch. Just a simple, classic dress watch that shouldn’t break the bank.

View auction here.