The Watch

The Rolex 1601 is one of our favourite vintage references from the brand, it is everything we know and love about Rolex but in a more subtle and understated package compared to their sport models. This early reference features a beautifully patina'd eggshell dial with applied gold indices and gold dauphine hands, these contrast perfectly against the dial. The iconic 18k yellow gold bezel against the steel oyster case makes for an incredible wearing experience, plus the case features drilled lug holes which makes changing straps convenient and fun, with a watch like this you will want to be experimenting with many straps.

Points of Mention

The dial does have patina as you can see from the photo. The watch has been professionally polished in the past and still has it's sharp edges without being too soft like we often see with polished oyster cases. The crown screws down nicely and winds smoothly, the watch was serviced in 2018 and is still running well. The watch is paired on a black leather strap with gold tone buckle.

Personal Note

I really love this reference, but this variation of the reference is one of my favourite. You get that classic datejust look whilst being even more subtle, sometimes sport Rolex models can be too loud on the wrist, this sits beautifully on the wrist being 36mm but also that pop of gold is just enough to make it nice and interesting still. If I was to get myself a datejust it would be this variant of the reference for sure. 

The Watch

This beautiful 35mm vintage inspired dress watch harps back to the original Longines Conquest from the 1950s, typically with these heritage re-issues the brands cannot resist changing a fair few things, whether that be the size or subtle upgrades to make it more "modern". I am pleased to say Longines resisted this temptation and created the perfect modern version of the classic watch!

The dimensions are basically identical apart from this watch being slightly thinner thanks to a modern and slimmer automatic movement, they even kept the domed acrylic crystal, probably one of the most attractive parts of a vintage wristwatch. Despite the smaller case dimensions on paper it wears so well, easily can compete with any 37mm watch on wrist presence. This is thanks to the thicker lugs, thicker case and overall design. The perfect Longines then and the perfect Longines now.

Points of Mention

The watch comes with it's full box and papers and comes on a new long strap. The crystal is acrylic and has a few marks, but this can be polished up. The watch is running well.

Personal Note

This Longines is easily my favourite modern Longines that they offer, having handled and sold the vintage reference of this watch I can say they truly did the original justice, right down to the size of the case. I am tempted to add one of these to my collection so take this before I do!

The Watch

Glycine is a brand that has been around for a long time, since 1914 (Rough time to start a company) but is most known for their Airman series which debuted in 1953 which was designed for pilots with useful GMT functions. The watch measures in at a case size of 39mm which is a wise choice when you consider the lug design with the extra crown that locks the bezel in place to make sure of no change, which could be as detrimental for a pilot as the moving of the bezel for a diver.

The watch gets even better, with the added security of a locking bezel and a screwdown crown, the watch achieves 200m of water resitancy and can easily combat the water as well as the skies. If you are looking for a GMT but want to avoid the typical design, look no further!

Points of Mention

The watch comes with it's original box, hand tags and cleaning cloth but no paperwork. The watch was purchased in November 2016 and therefore has no service history but is running well. The condition is also very good for a pre-owned watch.

Personal Note

Whilst this is definitely not my usuaul design choice for a watch, when putting the watch on wrist to take some photos I find myself only taking it off after a full day of enjoying it. It wears so well, offers a unique design with the rubber bezel and extra crown and most all has a great design. 

The Watch

Dan Henry is a brand that has been taking the collecting community by storm and proven incredibly popular, this 1970 was no exception. The watch is based on the super compressor divers of the 1970s and has done a very good job of paying homage to them whilst adding modern features. One thing immediately noticeable once the watch is in hand is the double domed mineral glass that is sapphire coated to make it more hard.

If you are looking for an affordable super compressor watch with heritage design but modern qualities then look no further, this watch offers an insane amount for the price, not least of which is an automatic movement.

Points of Mention

This watch comes with it's original box, watch sleeve and unstamped guarentee card. The watch is used but in very good condition and working well. 

Personal Note

This is the first Dan Henry I have had the chance to have for longer than 10 minutes, I have to say I am very impressed. From handling them at various events I was quite impressed, but getting some proper wrist time has proven how nice the watch is. Also don't be scared away by the dimensions, the watch wears very well even on smaller wrists.

The Watch

In the 1960s Bulova was the first brand to bring a tuning fork powered quartz movement to the mass market with a slogan of "The watch that hums." This slogan was powerful as the watch truly became known for it's constant hum, this was due to the motor inside constantly working to provide a smooth sweep of the second hand. This model is paying homage to the original SpaceView by Bulova, but with a modern twist.

This watch will definitely spark conversation with both watch collectors but also everyone else, with the unique design and interesting dial it with have everyone wanting to take a closer look... Including yourself! Don't wear this watch to the office, you'll get no work done.

Points of Mention

This watch comes with it's original box and paper work, the watch purchased in April 2017 and has been worn very few times by the original owner. The watch is in overall great condition, inducing the strap.

Personal Note

I have always thought of Bulova as a great brand with a respectful history and continue to stay affordable, this I respect in an ever growing market of more and more expensive watches. This watch offers a unique design in both an open dial showing the quartz movement but also in the case shape, at a first look I wasn't a huge fan of this watch but once it was on my wrist I was pleasantly surprised by the wearing experience.

The Watch

Glycine is famous for their Airman range that was introduced in 1953, without that line some would argue the brand wouldn't be around today. But I truly believe this DS range of watches deserves a lot more love and attention than it currently gets. Whether you are a newbie in the collecting community or a hardcore veteran I think you cannot deny the design of this watch, they truly executed it perfectly and provided everything you could want in a complicated chronograph.

If you are in the market for a great watch for the office or for smart occasions but don't have fortunes to spend, then look no further. Add this to your basket and I guarantee you'll find yourself wearing this watch much more than you can imagine.

Points of Mention

This watch comes with it's original box and paperwork. Included is a brand new leather strap by Glycine, nice little add-on to the black leather strap currently on the watch. The watch has been worn in rotation of a large collection and therefore is good overall condition.

Personal Note

Oh all the watches I have picked up to put on my wrist for the photoshoot this has been by far the most fun, the watch just begs to be photographed and looks like a million pounds on the wrist! Designed flawless in my opinion with one of the best complicated dials I have seen in a very long time, for the price I truly don't think you can go wrong.

The Watch

The Tissot Visodate range is commonly known for their dressy look in the modern line, but the Visodate harps all the way back to the 1950s and meant visible date. The Visodate range is available in dressy watches all the way to diver style watches like this. This watch features a lovely blue dial with a blue friction bezel, striking original hands and a pop of colour on the second hand. The watch still has it's original, and now very puffy, lume plots. Original Tissot crown is still on the watch too, this is as original as they come.

Points of Mention

This is a vintage watch from the 1970s and the watch has patina all over, the bezel has aged and faded into a lovely light blue. The dial has also patina'd to a beautiful tone of blue. The watch is currently running and has an unknown service history. 

Personal Note

I have a soft spot for vintage diver style watches, especially ones with a pop of colour which this definitely provides. Tissot is a brand that still has a lot of room to grow in the vintage community and still has a lot of models I believe will increase in popularity, whilst they are still great prices I will be adding one to my collection in the near future.

The Watch

Zenith is a brand most famous for their El-Primero movement and the watches that feature that movement, therefore most people overlook their other creations. The Sporto range is definitely one of those, built to be a versatile and sturdy watch to be worn by anyone, it was designed with aesthetics in mind and a great movement. This lovely example features a nicely placed date and what was once a blue dial that has now turned a very faded blue verging on slight purple.

This watch really stands out in a group of vintage watches, that dial catches the eye perfectly and really suits with whatever you decide to wear. I think this is the perfect, affordable, vintage watch for under £500.

Points of Mention

This is a vintage watch from 1980s and does have signs of age, the dial has patina'd from a vivid blue to a very light/faded blue that is almost a purple. The watch still has it's original signed crown too and is working, though service history is unknown.

Personal Note

When I first saw this watch I could not get over that dial, I actually first thought it must be a redial, but after investigation and asking various other watch dealers and experts we have agreed that this dial is original, it would have been a vivid blue and has turned to a near purple/faded blue which is just beautiful. I have said it a million times and will say it a million more times, Zenith offer some of the very best designed and best bang-per-buck in vintage right now.

The Watch

The Tissot visodate is most known for their modern dress watch, but the Visodate harps back to the 1950s and refereed to a line of watches with a "Visible Date". This model has a beautiful cushion case which is becoming very popular at the movement, it has nicely angled lugs which slope around the wrist perfectly and provide a very comfortable wearing experience. 

Points of Mention

This is a vintage watch from the 1970s and therefore does have signs of wear. The dial has developed patina which is very visible around the edge of the dial. The watch is running though has no service history. The strap is aging and we would recommend a replacement.

Personal Note

The case shape of this watch is what got me excited, the dial with it's patina and being all original, it's a very affordable gem. 

The Watch

The reference 16610 debuted in 1988 to replace the Submariner 1680. The changes included a Glossy Black dial as opposed to the flat black of the 1680. It was upgraded to white gold markers around Superluminova. One of the biggest changes was the sapphire crystal, a big change to the acrylic.

This reference 16610 is from 2000 and is a P serial, this means you get all the above mentioned upgrades but you also get solid end links. This makes a world of a difference when on wrist, you get a more comfortable experience. It is also in amazing condition. Coming with it's box and papers, outer box, all booklets and hand tags, the only thing missing is the Steel Anchor.

Points of Mention

The watch would have been serviced in 2014 when the previous owner of this watch purchased it from another UK based watch dealer, it is running very well still and is in great cosmetic condition. The bracelet is experiencing some stretch which is normal for a watch of this age. All spare links are provided with the watch. The watch was originally purchased on the 30/10/2000 in Pittsburg US.

Personal Note

This is one of the best condition 16610 I have seen. The Submariner is a watch I always felt both love and hate for, I felt like I saw them a lot and wouldn't enjoy wearing one for that reason. When this came in for sale I wore it for a day and I can safely say my mind has been changed forever! If I was to go for a Pre-Ceramic Submariner (Which would be my choice over the new Ceramic Submariner) I would go with this reference as it's easily a modern watch with near vintage appeal!

The Watch

On this rare occasion we actually have information from the gentleman who's father originally received this watch has his 21st Birthday present in 1926. This was his pride and joy and he kept great care of it, as we can see today, he even kept it on the original strap with it's 18k Buckle. The hallmarking on that Buckle also date to 1926 by the London Assay Office, it was sold by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. on 112 Regent Street here in London.

The extract from the archives date the manufacture of this watch to 1924. The crown houses a beautiful Blue Sapphire which is very fitting to the Art-Deco design which only becomes more apparent when you see the sides of the casing with the hand finished pattern that follows to the tip of the lugs. 

Points of Mention

The mainsprings was replaced 20 years ago, we have no service history on this watch. It has come back from a full service where a correction to a fault with the time setting mechanism was done. No parts were replaced and it was regulated afterwards. Service conducted by UK Expert Watch Maker Peter Roberts. The strap is definitely showing signs of age, but it's true to the watch and would recommend changing if you was to wear it.

Personal Note

I think this is easily one of the most beautiful watches I have had the pleasure to offer for sale. The Art-Deco design is so strong in the case and dial design, plus the way that case size wears on the wrist is incredible for the time and still looks impressive today. This is a rare opportunity to own a real piece of history that has been preserved so well, I truly hope the new owner will continue that.