on: affordable vintage watches

accessories make the man, the outfit.  they separate the individual from the pack.

pre cell -- when out and about and one needed the time, one looked to their wrist and if not... then to the wrist of another.

and while watches have fallen out of favor to an extent, when worn -- and worn right -- they can finish a look.  an ensemble.  complete.

but which watch?

and how much?

new is new.  and anyone can buy new.  but vintage, requires an eye.  a knowledge. patience.  persistence.  and timing.

and money...

money is money.  and one has what one has.   and ideally, one should / would spend what is comfortable.

with that being said, here are three offerings.  and as always -- yes -- affordable is relative.

timex military

while you may find many a 'military style' or 'miltary era' timex being touted, the only true military timepiece issued by timex was in the early months of 1982.

plastic cased.  disposable.  never meant to survive.

and as a result, very few have.

housed in february and march 1982 casebacks.  black faced.  nato strapped.  true timex military issues are hard to come by.  not necessarily unobtainium, but quite quite difficult and if found, at a premium.

for an entry level vintage timepiece at a more palatable price point, the military era timex may be the way to go.  differing from the recently released military style timex timepieces, military era are true vintage.  late '60's, early 70's.  same look.  but again, within reach.  easily found for under $100.

bulova accutron spaceview

initially designed as a display model to showcase bulova's revolutionary accutron tuning fork movement, a sudden rash of inquiries as to 'how much was the watch in window' led to the birth of the spaceview.

introduced in 1960.  initially, gold case exclusive. stainless steel was added two years later.  the watch was a hit.  coming in a number of shapes, shades, and symmetries, by 1977, it was all over.

fairly easy to find and can be had from about $200 - $500.  but beware the conversions.

want one without the hunt?  try the brooklyn circus.

seiko 6105

iconic.

produced from 1968 to 1977, the 6105 is a classic seiko diver. purchased from the px by many a u.s. troop overseas, then brought back home, these watches are battle tested, pure quality, and out there to be found.

expect to spend $500 - $1000.  but again, beware the conversions.