Best Vintage Watches 2024

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ORIGINAL POST

You know, if we're talking about a vintage dress watch that still feels perfectly at home today, I have to give it up to the Longines Conquest from the 1950s. Timeless and clean design that pairs easily with jeans as it does with a suit and it's built so well that it still runs beautifully decades later. Very elegance but in understated way (always earning it lol) that will never goes out of my style. I'd honestly got a lot of collection with vintages watches but this one always ends up on my wrist when I want something reliable, versatile and quietly stylish.

What’s your go to vintage dress watch for everyday wear? Have a great day everyone!

i.redd.it

9 replies

FreeHose · 12 days ago

Vintage VC. This is a triple calendar but all of the pieces from the 40s and 50s are really incredible.

3 upvotes on reddit

MaxwellIsSmall · 12 days ago

Absolutely beautiful mate.

1 upvotes on reddit

FreeHose · 12 days ago

Thank you, really timeless design

1 upvotes on reddit

davucci89 · 12 days ago

Any tank watch - Seiko to Cartier - looks extremely classy IMO

1 upvotes on reddit

butteryfat · 12 days ago

Real! The Omega Seamaster in pie-pan dial works and really got me a lot.

3 upvotes on reddit

kosnosferatu · 12 days ago

https://preview.redd.it/mspsevc1pynf1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=301d8f51586d6745926dd0259ea3f6bdd1ca5cfc

Vintage JLC!!

6 upvotes on reddit

lostin76 · 12 days ago

Yes!

https://preview.redd.it/p08eukh2uynf1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=379caeda98c33be2a85f434b6b0fb2774d0cbb65

3 upvotes on reddit

kosnosferatu · 12 days ago

Ahh I see you're also a gentleman and a scholar!

2 upvotes on reddit

xtermn8 · 12 days ago

Honestly, any tank style watch or anything round still works imo. I think the only things that look too vintage to be modern are the super unique pieces, like the Hamilton Atache, Zodiac Olympos, and Hamilton Piping Rock. I'm aware those last 2 have reissues, but my point stands.

But the absolute BEST, to me, is a good condition, possibly restored, Rolex OP ref. 6565.

3 upvotes on reddit

See 9 replies

r/Watches • [2]

Summarize

[DISCUSS] Most Historically Important Watch Most Collectors Overlook?

Posted by Plubio · in r/Watches · 1 month ago

Longines 13ZN Choronograph was one of the vintage chronograph that doesn't and will never disappoint me. Unironically one of the best watches I've seen on reddit :) Any lover of vintage watches will know that the 1950s and 60s are often considered the “Golden Age of wristwatches” and if you know you know :)

Today, Longines is known for solid entry level luxury pieces, but back then, they're absolute titans. While Rolex was buying movements from Valjoux (yes, really), Longines was designing their own in house, column wheel chronograph movements (some of the most advanced of their time).

Longines is often noted as being one of the oldest, unchanged names and logos in the industry. Today, they are owned by the Swatch group and have been since the 1980s. They are considered to be a mid tier watch with a history only trumped by that of Rolex and Omega (and maybe Nivada). With contributions like the 20H to the horological world, they certainly know how to make a watch. One of their most prolific movements is the 13ZN which is said to have set the standard for all chronographs that have succeeded it. And I really really loove itt!

Any other slept on legends I should know about? Hit me with your favorite under the radar grail!

HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYONE!

i.redd.it

266 upvotes on reddit

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12 replies

EUGsk8rBoi42p · 1 month ago

Vostok was the foundation of the Soviet Union, before them, farmers had no way to tell time besides the Sun/Moon, Vostok allowed the world's largest nation to unify under a similar time schedule, get to factories on time en masse, and arguably made the biggest contribution to the events of the 20th century of any company, at least in watch companies, and possibly in all companies.

29 upvotes on reddit

Freaky_Barbers · 1 month ago

I’d argue Pobeda has a pretty solid case here too, being the first mass production watches in the Soviet Union immediately post-war.

11 upvotes on reddit

drjamesincandenza · 1 month ago

Vostok and Glycine were my entry into the watch hobby, because I've always thought the 24-hour time scale makes more sense than the 12-hour scale. After a while, I changed my mind about that (at least as regards the ability to show time on a wristwatch... I still use 24-hour on all digital clocks). I still hold a place in my heart for Vostok, Pobeda, Strela, and some of the other Soviet/Russian watches. After 10 years of collecting, I just sold my last one last week, with my Strela Chrono finding a home in the US.

7 upvotes on reddit

peninsulaparaguana · 1 month ago

It's still very pricy at 20-25k but I feel the VC 47101 should be as popular as the Patek 5070 that goes for 70k. Same lemania 2310 base that VC calls 1140 and beatifully decorated.

33 upvotes on reddit

MirusTheVirus · 1 month ago

Original Eterna matic revolutionized automatic watches with the five ball bearings they used to make the rotor an addition that doesn't just destroy your watch.

Eterna made ETA so I'd say they're one of the most important watch brands of the 20th century.

https://preview.redd.it/ue5xwbz38rjf1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cad64b6089a98154ce0e300b1468f807e5ea8a87

21 upvotes on reddit

Justadudey · 1 month ago

Generally any historical Russian watch like Strela chronos used by Soviet cosmonauts and air force pilots mostly in the 70's.

https://preview.redd.it/w3gw73pjrqjf1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=441269cea0f9127af849c8c8452d6331ce31064f

35 upvotes on reddit

nebraska67 · 1 month ago

I cannot understand why Longines will not make watches with the 13ZN? The design already exists and ETA can make them. Zenith lives off the El Primero. How about a watch at 39/40mm inspired by this design with a 13ZN with a display case?

88 upvotes on reddit

Loop22one · 1 month ago

For me the bigger question is why Zenith does still live off the El Primero - revolutionary at its time, great story of its rescue in the 70s/80s but…. maybe a new development every 60 years would be great….?

27 upvotes on reddit

YesIlBarone · 1 month ago

Don't you remember what happened when Zenith decided to change its design 🤮under their CEO Thierry Nataf?

17 upvotes on reddit

the_pianist91 · 1 month ago

A modernised version as the original one will be outdated in some ways (shock absorption probably one), but it depends on Swatch Group and ETA. They’ll obviously rather just pour out the same Valjoux movements or place a module on a base movement (2892 particularly). I know they make own movements for Longines with small changes from the standards and even have made a chronograph movement with column wheel years ago which isn’t usually nowadays from them. Longines is unfortunately tied into place in the Swatch hierarchy.

2 upvotes on reddit

georgeoughttohelp · 1 month ago

How about a 35mm model next to it? And a 35mm ZULU time please 🙏 I am still waiting for the whole industry to “do a PRX”. Why is effing Christopher Ward the only one who can make a waterproof mechanical GMT in 36mm? Why does Nomos put ridiculous long lugs on their smaller watches? Even IWC’s 36mm Pilot is 46mm lug-to-lug i.e. too big for me. Why is the Reverso still such an inaccurate brittle watch, while it was invented as a sports watch almost 100 years ago? Why does JLC almost only make dinner plates nowadays? Why is Rolex still the only one who offers some actual choice when someone is looking for 34-36mm waterproof mechanical watches?? (Oyster Perpetual since 1931, Datejust since 1945, Explorer since 1953, Day-Date since 1956.) It is fucking 2025 and the only thing modern about these heritage brands are the dinner plate sizes they offer. Really frustrating when you have only 5.5”/14cm wrists.

7 upvotes on reddit

EUGsk8rBoi42p · 1 month ago

Yes! I'm missing my Vostok Komandirskie which is one of my favorites because I know it will last no matter what yardwork or anything I'm up to. Think it's buried under laundry or something, the search cpntinues.

2 upvotes on reddit

See 12 replies

r/RepTime • [3]

Summarize

Best vintage style watches

Posted by Joog- · in r/RepTime · 1 year ago

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for vintage style watches, wanted to know if anyone on here has good recommendation/s for me…

Preferably no more than $500

Feel free to post photos too!

1 upvotes on reddit

10 replies

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10 replies

Joog- · OP · 1 year ago

Side note: I’m looking for preferably steel/metal link bracelet watches :)

2 upvotes on reddit

ProperGlassware · 1 year ago

You can get vintage Rolexes pretty easily. MarvelousWatches (a TD on RWI) sells them for pretty cheap. They aren't perfect and you may want to pay a modder to age parts of the watch.

Steinhart also makes good vintage homages of Rolexes, but they are not reps.

1 upvotes on reddit

anangrypudge · 1 year ago

For gen options instead of reps...

Omega has beautiful vintage models, circa the 1960s. Gens at 500-900, depending on model and condition.

I have a gen Constellation linen dial, bought for around 800, very good condition.

And a Constellation pie pan, in poorer condition than the image, bought for around 600.

Found them on my country's version of eBay.

3 upvotes on reddit

onsight512 · 1 year ago

That linen dial is sweet.

2 upvotes on reddit

anangrypudge · 1 year ago

It truly is. Mine's a little more cream colored (not sure if it's a color variant or because of age – the original receipt says it was first bought in 1969), but I put a green alcantara strap on it and it's *chef's kiss*.

1 upvotes on reddit

Joog- · OP · 1 year ago

Appreciate this :)

2 upvotes on reddit

oldskool73 · 1 year ago

If we're talking gen, I quite like my recent Seiko SRPK17 re-issue. https://www.seikowatches.com/global-en/products/5sports/srpk17

Or as others have mentioned Marv on RWI has a bunch of cheap vintage ones, they aren't 'perfect' but you can get a few for the price.

2 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 1 year ago

ZF Tudor Black Bay 58

5 upvotes on reddit

BenzelWatchington · 1 year ago

VSF Omega Seamaster Spectre

Modern watch with vintage styling. Only real tell from the gen is the bezel isn't actually Liquid Metal so the numbers disappear in dim lighting compared to gen.

3 upvotes on reddit

KeyTransportation731 · 1 year ago

Check out raffles, he sells parts for vintage builds

2 upvotes on reddit

See 10 replies

r/Watches • [4]

Summarize

[Help] What vintage watches should I look out for?

Posted by [deleted] · in r/Watches · 6 years ago

I'm looking for a vintage watch optimally up to 100 dollars what brands and models do you recommend? I want something manual or automatic are there any recommendations?

1 upvotes on reddit

9 replies

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9 replies

thesliu5 · 6 years ago

for mechanical watches, vintage timex and bulovas would be my go-to. i've been enamored with bulova sea kings (the ones with the whale logo) recently. example: https://s3.amazonaws.com/watchpatrol-storage/img/full/843e94e3da77cb59b49b913e5895931e8534808c.jpg

i'd recommend staying away from vintage automatics unless you trust the seller 100% or are comfortable spending at least double what you're paying for the watch to get it serviced.

1 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 6 years ago

So you would recommend manual wind?

1 upvotes on reddit

thesliu5 · 6 years ago

yeah manual wind watches have fewer parts that are constantly moving around, and just fewer parts in general. this means much less chance of something being wrong in the first place and way, way easier/cheaper to service if something is/goes wrong.

edit: quartz also should be fine as long as the battery hasn't leaked at some point.

1 upvotes on reddit

irvingstark · 6 years ago

IMO, can't go wrong with a Seiko, Pulsar or Timex. Very affordable and, as a brand, very time tested. (see what I did there?).

Just have to shop and find what speaks to you, what YOU think is cool and go for it.

2 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 6 years ago

Thanks for the advice

1 upvotes on reddit

magmafan71 · 6 years ago

Vostok

3 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 6 years ago

Thanks

1 upvotes on reddit

bigblob27 · 6 years ago

Vintage Timex (Marlin, Viscount, etc) or Seiko (7000 series, sportsmatic, etc). Tons of stuff to choose from. I've actually got a couple I'm looking to get rid of if you want some pics.

2 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 6 years ago

I'll pm you

1 upvotes on reddit

See 9 replies

r/VintageWatches • [5]

Summarize

Vintage is the Best!!!

Posted by Soft_Incident8543 · in r/VintageWatches · 5 months ago

UG White Shadow A truly stunning piece—light, thin, and sophisticated. UG really knocked it out of the park with this one. Even by today’s standards, it’s impressive, with a mere 6mm thickness and a micro-rotor movement. A remarkable feat at the time, and still a standout today.
Hamilton Super Compressor 600 I’ve posted this one before, but it’s worth mentioning again. The Panda color scheme and the unique compressor case make it a captivating piece. A true gem in my collection.
Omega Constellation C-Shape Linen Dial with 18K White Gold Bezel This is a watch I’ve had for a while, and I still love it just as much as the first time I laid eyes on it. The combination of the linen dial and the 18K white gold bezel makes it really shine. It’s an excellent dress watch, offering timeless elegance.
Zodiac Sea Wolf A cool, historically significant piece from the 60s! At one point, it was even more popular than the Rolex Submariner. A great example of the innovative dive watches of its era.

45 upvotes on reddit

2 replies

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2 replies

Lo_Key_Cee · 5 months ago

Beautiful stuff!

1 upvotes on reddit

Haillc66 · 5 months ago

Great line up! Love the sea wolf and omega!

1 upvotes on reddit

See 2 replies

r/VintageWatches • [6]

Summarize

A few of my favorite vintage dress watches from my collection.

Posted by TankerSpec · in r/VintageWatches · 5 months ago

17 upvotes on reddit

4 replies

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https://preview.redd.it/fxkbl0zsp1se1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=f8da2c8f2c533f88402a9ae526fd9055a8e8dafd

4 replies

let_it_simmer · 5 months ago

Nice collection, I like the band variety, makes the collection pretty versatile. How long did it take to put it together?

Ive been researching some vintage omegas for myself, but prices seem to be all over the place. Would you mind sharing when and how much you got yours for?

2 upvotes on reddit

TankerSpec · OP · 5 months ago

I forgot to mention I have been collecting mechanical watches for about 10 years now. The 1977 Seiko 5 was the first one I bought. I lucked out picking it up from eBay for $20. It keeps great time, even though I suspect the movement is a "Frankenseiko", rebuilt using parts from multiple watches. Runs great, though, and I love the unique dial on it as well.

1 upvotes on reddit

TankerSpec · OP · 5 months ago

The Omega on the left is a mid-60s Geneve. It was my grandfather's, so I do not have any info on pricing. It actually took quite a bit of research to determine the model, since it has a pretty unique dial (Geneve is not present, and the Omega logo is on a raised trapezoid). I wasn't sure it was genuine until I opened the caseback and inspected the copper-plated 563 movement.

The Seamaster on the right was purchased from eBay by my brother a couple years ago with the intentions of servicing it. It is a early-50s bumper auto, and runs quite well despite still needing servicing. I believe he paid around $150-200 for it.

1 upvotes on reddit

let_it_simmer · 5 months ago

This is helpful, thanks for taking the time to respond. I’m learning that a big contributor to all the price discrepancies is whether the watch has recently been professionally serviced. A local jeweler has some 50s/60s omega seamasters listed at $1200 each but the photos do not show them being anywhere near your quality. So I can only imagine they have been serviced recently but I won’t know until I go in and see them later this week

1 upvotes on reddit

See 4 replies

r/WatchEssenceIndia • [7]

Summarize

Lot of antique watches for sale !

Posted by ChocolateDaddy07 · in r/WatchEssenceIndia · 30 days ago

Hey everyone ! I have here a lot of all antique watches up for sale. Some are working, some need a leather strap change and some need a battery replacement. They are mostly all reps as far as I know but I cannot be too sure, they have been lying around in my storage for a while. I am willing to let them go for 1,000 INR per watch. I am also willing to negotiate if someone is willing to buy more than 5-6 watches together. I can also ship Pan India if that’s a doubt. Please text me regarding any queries. Thank you so much in advance

38 upvotes on reddit

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9 replies

BallSubstantial1755 · 27 days ago

is that a real Patek (if yes then which year and ref no ) ?

2 upvotes on reddit

ChocolateDaddy07 · OP · 27 days ago

Hey no it’s not a real one The only original watches in this post are the Citizen, Svistar, Terrence and Giordano

2 upvotes on reddit

FlipADipMySon · 30 days ago

Is that a Patek Philippe?

3 upvotes on reddit

ChocolateDaddy07 · OP · 30 days ago

There are two yes haha

1 upvotes on reddit

FlipADipMySon · 30 days ago

Cool collection

2 upvotes on reddit

Competitive-Wolf7150 · 29 days ago

How to buy?

2 upvotes on reddit

ChocolateDaddy07 · OP · 29 days ago

All sold sir

1 upvotes on reddit

Saitama2104 · 30 days ago

Check DM

2 upvotes on reddit

yours_Tokyooo · 30 days ago

Check dm

2 upvotes on reddit

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r/Watches • [8]

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[Question] Where is the best place to buy vintage watches?

Posted by Saturnv88 · in r/Watches · 6 years ago

I’m considering getting a vintage Rolex but I don’t know where to look. Does anyone have any recommendations?

3 upvotes on reddit

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6 replies

Caliber321 · 6 years ago

What vintage Rolex? There are many good online store such as tenpast10, HQ Milton, Davidoff Brothers. But those specialize in the higher end of vintage, things are fairly priced so you’re not getting a “deal”. you can check the for sale section of the Rolex forum or omega forum. There are many trusted sellers there, just check references. Chrono24 is like eBay for watches. That’s a good place to search, just remember to check the buyers ratings and google them. See if there are any positive reviews.

With vintage it’s always buyer beware. Even good dealers get the description wrong.

7 upvotes on reddit

chargers41 · 6 years ago

Analog/Shift, Wanna Buy A Watch?, and HQ Milton would be my top three. All first class operations and you can buy with full confidence.

1 upvotes on reddit

Kmamoun · 6 years ago

Ive heard good things about crown and caliber but i cant say i have any first hand experience with them

2 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 6 years ago

They mostly sell pre-owned modern time pieces

2 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 6 years ago

HQMILTON

2 upvotes on reddit

MangyCanine · 6 years ago

Look at the vintage sellers in this this list of Rolex sellers.

4 upvotes on reddit

See 6 replies

r/VintageWatches • [9]

Summarize

My small collection of vintage watches

Posted by Existing_Housing4845 · in r/VintageWatches · 2 months ago

I love all of them but some just get more wear What do y’all think ?

53 upvotes on reddit

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5 replies

EveningGlobal2015 · 2 months ago

Awesome classy collection!!!

2 upvotes on reddit

wookymonsta · 2 months ago

That seiko on the left ! Bracelet on 🔥

2 upvotes on reddit

Existing_Housing4845 · OP · 2 months ago

It definitely is something Its the one I’m wearing the most right now

2 upvotes on reddit

wookymonsta · 2 months ago

Lovely!

1 upvotes on reddit

Zestyclose-Dog8645 · 2 months ago

My kind of collection bruv

2 upvotes on reddit

See 5 replies

r/VintageWatches • [10]

Summarize

SOTC - vintage and unusual

Posted by Nabilyke · in r/VintageWatches · 2 months ago

Here is the current state of my collection of watches picked up mostly at flea markets in Europe, thrift stores, from other collectors. Absolutely love each one of these watches for their own reasons. Feel free to let me know which one is your favorite and why, I’d love to see what everyone thinks!

148 upvotes on reddit

8 replies

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https://preview.redd.it/yd82bwcgvb9f1.jpeg?width=1897&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=729b53cef26372ae70f2bb79757e3c9b29e9ad6e

8 replies

-_-Volx-_- · 2 months ago

That’s seiko UFO is sick do you find yourself wearing it often?

5 upvotes on reddit

Nabilyke · OP · 2 months ago

Thank you yes absolutely, it’s serviced and everything so it’s a great one to wear without worrying about anything. I put it on an uncle seiko bracelet but switched the clasp out for a vintage seiko one I got off my Pogue. Definitely embodies the 70s perfectly

3 upvotes on reddit

sventurb0 · 2 months ago

I see a Bulova Deep Sea Chronograph I up vote

4 upvotes on reddit

Nabilyke · OP · 2 months ago

Thank you, it’s my latest pickup and I’m super happy with it, the patina is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before!

5 upvotes on reddit

sventurb0 · 2 months ago

I am so jealous of the bracelet. Factory?

Also that patina looks like salt water on a boat deck and it's so fitting. Thanks for the photo.

Mine says hello

https://preview.redd.it/52urf9kdwb9f1.jpeg?width=2896&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b191e6f978756734d0a2f9d39d084045fade869c

5 upvotes on reddit

ghost1157 · 2 months ago

Sweet collection! Could you list the brands? Some of them are definitely different!

3 upvotes on reddit

Geeksus_ · 2 months ago

https://preview.redd.it/f0mxwmvjpe9f1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=8d4072a8a14cfa5f0d65f55432832bcf08b97109

OH MY GOODNESS ME. What is that? Amazing collection btw. Finally something unboring!

7 upvotes on reddit

South-Ad-1406 · 2 months ago

Really neat collection! I'm oddly drawn to that white dial Pulsar and the alarm watch next to it.

3 upvotes on reddit

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