I recently learned I inherited a couple older watches. One is the watch my grandmother gave my grandfather on their wedding day in 1953, it's a Lord Elgin and it has some great patina. Getting the jewels replaced in it and will put a leather band on. I love the shape of this watch. The other is a 1956 Bulova L6 but it's a Knights of Columbus members watch. It has even more patina but the crystal isn't scratched and no rust in it. Just having the watch maker get it running again. I want the original scissor style band to go with it. I know these aren't the most valuable or collectible watches in the world but I think they're pretty cool and interesting. If anyone has a lead on an old scissor style band, I would be very interested. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Vintage watches already have what new ones will spend the next 50 years trying to obtain....great character! Yours are already there! Sorry but don't have a beat on old bands. However you might list a WTB threat on Vintage Rolex Market (VRM) with model numbers and what you are looking for...this is one of the bigger vintage Rolex boards. But a lot of the bigger dealers sell other popular vintage brands, parts and pieces as well. Good luck in there search and get them some wrist-time soon.
I don't have a special specific store; however, when I have been looking for vintage clasps, bands, etc I have found the Mallers Building on Wabash in Chicago to be a good source. Every store operates on their own and few of them have websites. I don't know if you ever get to Chicago, but definitely a great place for vintage pieces. You might want to try Father Time Antiques (also in Chicago). They have rebuilt two of my vintage watches (1939 Hamilton and a late 60s LeJour with a Valjoux 72 movement) and always seem to be able to find parts. They are not cheap, but they are good. Their number is 773-880-5599. Jim, the owner, can be somewhat laconic on the phone. Great pieces and good luck with the hunt.
that elgin is impressive, great looking case... heres my 1958 Timex Viscount crosshairs, one of timex's first automatics, it ran well until last week. I put it on a new Speidel leather strap, very comfortable... but slightly small Image Unavailable, Please Login