Vintage Chronograph Collecting (60s/70s) | FerrariChat

Vintage Chronograph Collecting (60s/70s)

Discussion in 'Fine Watches, Jewelry, & Clothes' started by Kayvan, Jan 13, 2015.

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  1. Kayvan

    Kayvan Karting
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    My post from another car forum. Spent 2001-2008 collecting.

    Chronograph collecting tip:

    You want to buy the "engine" or movement and dont worry about brand on dial. Many 1960s-1970s Swiss watches have exact same movement as the Omega, Heuer, Breitling, Tudor, Longines and even Rolex Daytona for like 10-15% of price.

    Sorta like buying a sports-car with small-block chevy or 911 flat six.

    The movement names are all made by three factories, and you can still get parts and service by any good watch maker.

    Lemania
    Cal./Buren
    Valjoux

    These three movement factories were later bought by SWATCH and ETA.

    So....in ebay do a search checking in "description box" and these gems will show up.


    Also, names of long gone/obscure but top quality Chronograph & Diver brands/models:

    Nivada
    Bucherer
    Wittnauer
    Certina
    Doxa
    Glycine
    Tissot
    Roamer
    Dugena
    Aquastar
    Aquadive
    Jenny
    Edox
    Oris
    Zodiac
    Richard
    Hamilton
    Croton
    Zenith
    Sinn
    Yema
    Seiko 6139 auto chrono
    Seiko 6138 auto chrono
    Candino
    LeJour
    Baylor
    Belair
    Wakmann (Breitling sub)
    Gruen
    Caravelle
    Favre-Leuba
    Enicar
    Wyler
    BWC
    Lanco
    Eterna
    Vulcain
    Squale

    -Servicing: Dont buy into this "gotta have it serviced ASAP" bs; I have NOS watches from 1970 that I bought in 2001-2006 and used for 10yrs and they still keep perfect time.

    -"Padding-collection": you will get urge to just fire-off a bunch of bids and fill up your watch-case and wait for the mail; or buy some "beaters" to knock about on weekends or projects to restore (dont do it; chronograph service starts at $300!)

    This can get out of hand; esp at the $150-300 price point; in no time you have dropped $1500-$3000 on your collection.

    Keep your initial favorites; then cull the collection.

    Draw up a list of what you want:

    -early 60s chronograph
    -Big Pilot chronograph
    -Specific brand (ie, Omega)
    -Specific style (military, gold, etc)
    -Grandads/Dad's watch
    -NOS: like new, perfect, vintage

    Stick to this list; and you will get them.

    Buying 1-4 "filler watches" is same as getting your "reach" watch


    I have bought over 100 Chronographs on a rolling basis; from $100 Seiko to $3500 Zenith El Primeros. Cut my collection down by 40 watches to buy '12 C6; 30 more were buy/sells; and own 30 today

    Keep in mind:

    "On ebay, your super-rare, hard to find watch; will show up again, usually in better condition, and for less!"

    Buy accordingly.
     
  2. JP365

    JP365 Formula 3

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    #2 JP365, Jan 13, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Great list. I have a LeJour with the v72. They used to be very inexpensive to acquire. Still relatively reasonably priced ; however, prices are on the move. Two other great under appreciated vintage chronographs are the Delbana and the Sears Tradition.
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  3. JP365

    JP365 Formula 3

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    Great list. I have a LeJour with the v72. They used to be very inexpensive to acquire. Still relatively reasonably priced ; however, prices are on the move.
     
  4. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Nice summation. Thanks.
     
  5. michael platzer

    michael platzer F1 Veteran

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    #5 michael platzer, Jan 14, 2015
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  6. michael platzer

    michael platzer F1 Veteran

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    #6 michael platzer, Jan 14, 2015
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  7. walnut

    walnut F1 Rookie
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    Could you tell me a bit about a few of those watches in post #5 and maybe provide a better individual picture?

    1st picture, 2nd row from top, 2nd watch from right
    1st picture, 2nd row from top, 4th from right
    1st picture, 2nd row from top, 5th from right
    1st picture, 3rd row from top, 1st watch from right
    4th picture, 3rd row from top, 1st watch from right

    Even if you could just tell me the brand and model I'd appreciate it as I can look them up from there. Thank you.
     
  8. michael platzer

    michael platzer F1 Veteran

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    #8 michael platzer, Jan 14, 2015
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    Chronoswiss Opus Chronograph
    steel, full skeleton movement.
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  9. michael platzer

    michael platzer F1 Veteran

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    #9 michael platzer, Jan 14, 2015
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    IWC Da Vinci Chronograph with perpetual calendar, 18kt yellow gold
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  10. michael platzer

    michael platzer F1 Veteran

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    #10 michael platzer, Jan 14, 2015
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    Maurice Lacroix Calendar Chronograph Val.7751
    steel and gold plated
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  11. michael platzer

    michael platzer F1 Veteran

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    #11 michael platzer, Jan 14, 2015
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    not a very nice one - no name labelled as Jean Jacot
    Valjoux 7750
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  12. michael platzer

    michael platzer F1 Veteran

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    #12 michael platzer, Jan 14, 2015
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  13. walnut

    walnut F1 Rookie
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    Thank you. That Maurice Lacroix, the IWC, and especially the Chronoswiss are beautiful!
     
  14. Simon

    Simon Moderator
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    Kayvan, nice post thanks.

    Michael, great collection, I like your taste in watches.
     
  15. michael platzer

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    #15 michael platzer, Jan 14, 2015
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    Here is another pic of the Chronoswiss with its sister model - skeleton and full dial.

    The Maurice Lacroix and the IWC Da Vinci are both beautiful but there is a very big difference in the price. The IWC is about 10 times the price of the ML. the Chronoswiss Opus is in the middle between them.
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  16. Kayvan

    Kayvan Karting
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    I started with that Yellow Seiko 6139-6002 Yellow dial Seiko Auto Chronograph

    Its a mechanical chronograph on par with Swiss makes in robustness.

    They go for $300-1000 for NOS.

    You can still find them for $125-50 with battered mineral crystals/bezels; change crystal/blue-red tachy ring and they are like new.

    Recommend all try these first, as it teaches you alot about chronographs with low entry point.
     
  17. Kayvan

    Kayvan Karting
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    German Ebay

    I found 50% of my watches on German EBay Elektronik, Autos, Mode, Sammlerstücke, Gutscheine und mehr Online-Shopping | eBay

    The prices are 30% less, esp, w current Euro.

    I found almost all my NOS there, and sellers were always super honest and helpful, throwing in extra band or going back to findind '60 box/papers in attic.

    Many would even accept american checks and ship before it cleared.

    Swiss, Austrian, Dutch ebay sites as well, sometimes link to Ebay USA listings
     
  18. Dino246gts

    Dino246gts Formula Junior
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    Michael,
    I have the Chronoswiss full dial, chronograph chronometer you picture. I bought it in, I think, 1992 and am the original owner. I am thinking of selling it. When I look at eBay there are many Chronoswiss watches for sale but only one of these for sale and it's from Israel. I do not recall, but was this watch rare at the time. It seems to be rare now. What I don't know if this is good rare or bad rare, i.e., do people want this watch or not want this watch? Any help or advice would be appreciated.
    Thanks.
     
  19. TRScotty

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    #19 TRScotty, Jan 20, 2015
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    I have always loved that watch.

    Certainly one I don't get to see much in my current location.

    This is my Lemania Chrono from the mid-50s to early 60s.
    It has football shaped pushers and runs very well.
    Someone once told me that the movement would later be the base (architecture) for the PP chronograph movement, but I have no idea if that is or could be true.
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  20. henryr

    henryr Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Michael -

    First pic. Bottom row. Third from right side next to the Rolex. ?


    Please post price ranges when discussing models..
     
  21. michael platzer

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    Sorry for my late reply. The similar model is still in production at Chronoswiss. The watch is rare but not as popular as Rolex, Breitling, Omega ...
    only few people will recognize a Chronoswiss. i think this is a good thing.
    the watch will sell in the 2.000,--€ range with box and papers.
     
  22. michael platzer

    michael platzer F1 Veteran

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    #22 michael platzer, Jan 28, 2015
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    Chopard Mille Miglia Chronograph - limited Edition for Ennstal Classic (the most important classic car event in Austria). Only 20 pieces, mine is 15/20. 1/20 was donated to Sir Stirling Moss. i love the "20" instead of the "12".
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  23. michael platzer

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    #23 michael platzer, Jan 28, 2015
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  24. Dino246gts

    Dino246gts Formula Junior
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    Thank you for your reply.
    And I admire your watch collection!
     
  25. RWP137

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    #25 RWP137, Jan 31, 2015
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    Can somebody tell me about this watch? I know it's a winder and the company was aquired by Breitling, but that's it. Thanks in advance!
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