Antiquarian/Vintage watches

[LeeThePeople]

Does anyone have any vintage/antiquarian watches? If so lets see them. Where did you get them from and anyone reccomend any good dealers?

I really want a 1950's Seamaster and the only ones ive seen are the fakes on ebay for £200, but really want something special, something with a bit of a story or history, so a dealer with the personal touch would be a great thing.

[Fittster]

There appears to be lots of nice shiny things here: http://www.omegavintage.com/

[wazza]

Here is my Vintage IWC WW1 Trench Watch (Circa 1916). Case is 14k and signed IWC Probus Scafusia which means "good, solid craftsmanship from Schaffhausen". This moto is still used by the factory today.

In house Calibre 64T which was IWC's first movement used in wristwatches that had hand-setting via the crown.

The "Red 12" was adopted to aid the reading of the time. Wearers were previously accustomed to using pocket watches with the winding crown at the "12" position.

Thanks for looking.

[LeeThePeople]

Thats a real nice piece of history Wazza, i really like it Any ideas how many are like it still in exhistance?

[wazza]

LeeThePeople said:

Thats a real nice piece of history Wazza, i really like it Any ideas how many are like it still in exhistance?

Thanks Lee,

Recent sources suggest that between 10,800 and 12,030 Calibre 64T movements were produced between 1906 to 1931. The vast majority were installed into silver or base metal cases. 14k versions are very rare.

The production numbers sound high but when you consider that the first limited edition Bond Omega Seamaster was issued as 10,007 units in one year, you can see the comparison.

Difficult to say how many are still in existence. These watches were never considered to have future collectible value at the time and many were discarded over the years. Most WW1 trench watches are quite small in size and trends changed towards the ownership of larger time pieces.

[Stuart]

That's a really lovely piece. The red 12 was used recently by Stowa in their LE Marine Original, and on a ceramic face - always wondered what the reason behind it was.

[BigAlinEmbra]

1963 Constellation and 1968 Seamaster at my folks, I'll try to get some snaps next time I'm up there.

OP, maybe this is of interest?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/868666.htm

[LeeThePeople]

Nice spot Big, no offence to the seller but what puts me off is the price id expect to pay a lot more than that for it. Plus its in mint condition and wouldnt expect it to be for its age.

Wazza its a shame there is no database to let you know how many in circulation, I know the big names tell their ambassidors how many they think are still in circulation based on the amount they service and repair.

[cyberface]

Does my old JLC count? 1960s, I think, decent JLC movement, I love it (apologies for poor pic).