Market Watch(ing): Divers, Divers Everywhere

sandoz typhoon

It’s that time of the year, folks. Playoff baseball is within site, and the NFL is starting up. If your wives and girlfriends weren’t already fed up with your man-hobbies (i.e. watches, cigars, guns, etc.), fall sports should do the trick. We’re here for you, and by that I mean, we found some great watches around the web for your consumption. It’s Market Watch(ing) time!

Neil’s Picks

Rolex Explorer I 1016

Rolex Explorer 1016

There are thousands of 1016’s out there but you know it’s a good one when it truly catches your eye – and makes you double check your bank account. This is a no frills tool watch. No gilt dial, no chapter ring, not a Tiffany dial. Just a top notch example of a true classic. This example with frog “foot dial” is in outstanding condition from the dial, hand, case, and the lugs. Examples like this don’t come along too often. This has been on the market for over a week, which is actually quite surprising. The 1016 is one of my favorite vintage Rolex pieces and if I were to buy one for myself it would look like this one.

$9,500

 

Seiko 6105-8110

Seiko 6105

Speaking of classic tool watches, here’s another hall of famer. Seiko’s 6105 is one the most classic dive watches in modern history. It has probably been on as many wrists of dive professionals as the Submariner. Finding one of these in good condition is becoming increasingly rare and if you do, the prices aren’t as affordable as they used to be. The bezel and insert are aftermarket but the dial, hands, case, crown, crystal are original. The watch appears to be in working order and looks far better then most other 6105’s on the market right now. The price is right as well. I’ve seen comparable ones at well over $1k. Always do your homework when buying vintage Seikos but assuming everything is legit, this is a solid buy.

$925

 

Isaac’s Picks

Longines Vintage Diver ref 7150-1

longines diver 7150-1

There are vintage dive watches, and then there are vintage dive watches. This, my friends, would most definitely be the latter. What you’re looking at is a stunning example of Longines’ famed Ref. 7150-1 dive watch, which some might know better as the watch that would inspire the brand’s modern series of Legend Diver wristwatches. Many are fans of the Legend Diver since it stays true to the design of the original watch, and upon seeing this example, it’s easy to see why Longines played it safe. The 7150-1 is arguably a perfect design, and as they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

If you focus on the slightly tropical dial (pictures don’t show how brown it is), you’ll notice the clear presence of all dial markings, intact and beautifully aged luminous plots, and a set of hands that match to a tee. What really pushes this piece over the top is its Longines-signed, stainless steel bracelet, which I’m told is quite the scarce piece of kit. To find a vintage dive watch this desirable, in such great shape, and with a bracelet is truly a rare and unique opportunity, so I’d advise acting quickly if this one tickles your fancy.

$19,500

 

Omega Ploprof

omega ploprof

After reading an article the other day that discussed the proposed “comeback” of the vintage diver, as rare chronographs continue to climb in price, I really do think it’s possible that we could see this happen. The truth of the matter is, there are so many different exciting and rare dive watches out there if you know where to look, and if you don’t, let me be of service to you.

While browsing through eBay on a hot, late summer night, I came across a vintage Omega Ploprof being offered for sale out of the Sunshine State, and although it has certainly been worn over the years, it has aged gracefully. You’ll notice that while the luminous plots and dial markings have developed a significant amount of patina, everything is still visible, and has aged evenly, which is exactly what I want to see. The bezel insert also looks to have held up nicely, with no visible cracks, so it’s looks like we’ve got a winner here.

$4,999 or Make Offer

 

Shane’s Picks

Sandoz Typhoon 1000m

sandoz typhoon

I honestly don’t know much about these Sandoz Typhoons, aside from it being one of the early 1000m dive watches on the market, but the one thing I know for sure is that it’s cool as shit. They can be found in a few dial variants, but the one pictured here is my favorite so far. The rough, almost sandpaper-like, finish to the grey dial, mixed with the contrast of the black markers and perfectly aged lume works really well. Of course, the big 43mm asymmetrical case only adds to the mystique of this nearly forgotten ’60s/’70s dive watch. One cool feature I think I figured out is the screw on the caseback. As I understand it, a watchmaker can use the screw to pressurize the inside of the case and ensure the crystal is properly seated.

$2,000

 

Wittnauer Diver

wittnauer vintage diver

I’m going with another vintage diver, this time a Wittnauer. There’s honestly nothing mind blowing about this watch, but what it boils down to is a clean vintage diver with nice patina, for about a grand. The days where sentences like that are possible are likely numbered, so it can’t hurt to hop on the train while it’s still at the station. You’ve seen this dial on Wittnauer super compressors, but this time it’s a commonly seen ’60s style case with an external bezel. Get it while you can, folks.

€1,000

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2 Comments

  • September 10, 2016

    Jeff B.

    I am always happy to see these Market Watch(ing) pick each week. Having said that, I’m curious why You Guys haven’t run any actual articles in months. Is the website strictly a
    Friday sales update now? If so, that’s a shame. I’ll miss the great reading material I used to find here.

    • September 10, 2016

      Shane Griffin

      Thanks for commenting, Jeff. What it boils down to is that I’m the guy who typically pushes the content along, and I’ve been incredibly busy. The last few months have involved moving into a new house and then having a baby girl in just the last couple of weeks. Add that into my day job being a watch dealer, I find it difficult to push articles out in the little spare time I have. The rest of the team has been busy as well. Isaac had an internship this past summer, Neil’s busy traveling Europe, and Dean is a new dad as well. Nonetheless, we will be putting out some new stuff soon and hopefully get things going again.

      Best,
      Shane