Vintage Wrist Watches
Home Books & Lessons Repair Tips & FAQ New Watches Tools and  Parts Clocks Vintage Wrist Watches Vintage Pocket Watches

 

Solution Graphics

About Vintage Watches - Vintage wrist watches were made from circa 1920 until the 1970's.  Except for Accutron and other older battery watches now considered vintage, vintage watches have mechanical movements powered by a mainspring with timing controlled by a balance wheel.  Many are not shock resistant, and most are not "water resistant."  They are wonderful mechanical pieces, some are pieces of mechanical art.  However, they do not keep time like a quartz watch, and except for chronometers such as Rolex, they will only keep time to around a minute a day.  Vintage watches should be enjoyed, worn, but not abused.  Vintage watches are more delicate than the modern quartz watches.  They should be worn for dress, not worn to work in the garden or wash the car.  Dust and water are the primary enemies of all watches.  Also, mechanical watches do require service, cleaning and oiling, at least every 5 years.  You wouldn't drive your car for 50,000 miles without an oil change, would you?

TO ORDER - - 

USA:  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE AN ITEM, the best choice is to order online.  We use "Paypal"  to clear credit cards.  We ship watches in the USA by insured US mail.  Postage and insurance is added automatically depending on the price of your item.

Foreign Orders:  Foreign orders are accepted only from countries that have agreements with Paypal.  You must use my checkout.   Paypal will accept major credit cards and transfers from your bank electronic checks.  Most wrist watches can be sent uninsured for the amount calculated automatically.  If watches are uninsured, you must assume all risk.  If insurance is required, add $15 extra for postage with insurance using the button below. 

$15 extra for insured shipment outside the US

Use our convenient shopping cart.  Postage will automatically be calculated except for foreign shipments.  If the item should have sold, your money will be promptly refunded.

WatchDoc accepts credit card payments through PayPal- its FAST and SECURE!  Make SURE your ADDRESS is CONFIRMED.  A confirmed address is usually your home address, where you receive your credit card bills.  We cannot ship to nonconfirmed addresses.

 

 

   Mail your payment:  The Watchdoc, PO Box 2127, Poquoson, VA 23662

email watchdoc@watchdoc.com

I have been restoring watches for over 30 years, so if you have any questions about an old watch, wish to sell or trade, or have a want list; I will try to help - just e-mail me!! Note that your satisfaction is my desire.  I am not an auction with as-is, where is watches.  My watches run, keep good time, and are ready to put on your arm. 

TERMS

You must be satisfied or return within 3 days of receipt.
Returns must be in as sent condition

I ship watches by first class insured mail.  Note that if you use the "shopping cart" button, shipping will be calculated automatically.  (Foreign customers, see note above.)

For payment by Personal checks (USA only) or USPS money order: make out to E. Fasanella, WatchDoc.

Virginia residents - please add 5% sales tax

We describe as well as we can, not responsible for errors and misunderstandings from them.

ABBREVIATIONS :  EN-enamel, F-fine, GF-gold fill, HB&B-hinged back & bezel case, HC-hunting case,J-jewel ,K-karat, KW-keywind, OF-open face pocket watch, S-size, SB&B-screw back & bezel, SS-stainless steel, XF-extra fine, YG(F)(P)-yellow gold (fill) (plate), WGF-white gold filled, References - Shugart (author) - Complete Price Guide to Watches; Eherhardt (author) - Various Price Guides; Whitney - Military Timepieces

THESE WRIST WATCHES ARE IN GOOD RUNNING ORDER (IF YOU WANT AS-IS WATCHES CLICK THIS LINK)
NOTE - the small pictures on this page are links to larger pictures - after viewing a large picture - PUSH YOUR BROWSER's BACK key to return to this page.

WATCHES ARE ONE OF A KIND UNLESS NOTED!!!

 

#1. SOLD

 Vintage Original WWII Bulova A-11 pilot's watch

 

A11-WWII.JPG (79785 bytes)

 

Description  Excuse the reflections in the picture, this vintage WWII watch was probably on the wrist of a pilot during World War II.   The milspecs nomenclature on the back is clear and readable.  The dial is in excellent condition.  The case is in good condition. However, these cases were plated and the plating has some areas where it is worn that shows up much more in the picture than in real life.  This watch movement has been serviced and is in top mechanical condition, thus running and keeping good time.  We will put on a genuine WWII band, and then it will be ready for your arm!! These WWII watches are very desirable and we don't expect it to be here long before it finds a home!

 Company Information:  The origins of Bulova can be traced to a jewelry store opened by the American (Czech immigrant) Joseph Bulova in 1875.  Starting in 1911, the Bulova name can be found on pocket watches, desk clocks, and around WWI on wrist watches.  Bulova produced many great military watches during WWII and the Korean conflict.  In the late 50's, Bulova introduced their revolutionary Accutron tuning-fork electronic watch. 

# 2. Mays 14K tank SOLD

Swiss May's 17 J 14K pink tank near mint

Mays-fnt-adj.jpg (355605 bytes)

 

Mays-mvmt1.jpg (453781 bytes) Nice Swiss Mays, Swiss case, Swiss 17 jewel movement in excellent running condition.  The case dial and movement are all in super nice condition and are all original.  The case color is what is commonly called a "pink" gold.  This watch has 5.5 dwt of 14K gold, over a quarter of an ounce.

# 3 $75.00

All Stainless Steel Man's Day-Date Seiko Automatic Watch

  seiko-ss.JPG (37574 bytes)

 

 

Description: Nice stainless steel Seiko automatic with 6309A 17 Jewel Seiko automatic movement.  Runs and keeps good time.  Case nice condition with screw on back. Stainless jubilee style band not marked Seiko.  Near mint white face.  Watch measures 1 3/8 inch across.

# 4 $79.95

 Vintage Mechanical Wind Peanuts Snoopy Floating Tennis Ball Watch - circa 1960's - 1970 YELLOW

yellow-snoopy.jpg (13871 bytes)  

Description: This is a nice Snoopy tennis watch with a revolving tennis ball.  This yellow dial version is not as common as some of the other snoopy tennis watches.  This watch was designed for adults (or for a youngster) as everyone loves Snoopy.  The wind up movement was actually made by Timex, and it is a very rugged movement.   The case is in fine condition.  The watch measures 1 3/8 inches across including the crown. Nice clean crystal, and of course, the watch runs and keeps good time! 

#5 $69

Nice Vintage Seiko Man's Quartz Watch with Box

seiko-quartz-face.jpg (353143 bytes)

 Seiko-quartz-back.jpg (270626 bytes)Description:   This is a nice vintage Seiko quartz, probably from the 80's.  It is in very good condition with the original band and box.  These early Seiko quartz movements were very well made, jewels, etc.  Not just plastic gears like the newer ones.

#6  $39

Novelty/Trendy 70's plastic Swiss Mechanical Watch

Swiss-clear-back.JPG (31248 bytes)sanford-plastic-watch.JPG (33011 bytes)

Description: A plastic encased 70's mechanical watch that runs good and keeps good time.  Marked on the dial Sanford.  Note we took the picture at 3:15, a bad time as the hands overlap!  This was a relatively inexpensive trendy watch at the time.  Movement marked Swiss, unadjusted, Agonchrom Watch Corp, 73.  

#7.SOLD

21 Jewel Bulova Vintage Wrist Rectangular - Excellency circa 1951

 

Description: A very sharp and sleek 1951 (note L1 on back of case means 1951) vintage Bulova 21 jewel movement (grade 7AA) wrist in good running condition.  Case is excellent 10K yellow gold filled with only minimal wear on back as can be seen from pics.  Case measures approximately 1 inch wide and 1 3/8 inch long lug to lug.  Nice original condition.

Company Information:  The origins of Bulova can be traced to a jewelry store opened by the American (Czech immigrant) Joseph Bulova in 1875.  Starting in 1911, the Bulova name can be found on pocket watches, desk clocks, and around WWI on wrist watches.  Bulova produced many great military watches during WWII and the Korean conflict.  In the late 50's, Bulova introduced their revolutionary Accutron tuning-fork electronic watch. 

#8. $75

Seiko Day-Date Automatic Stainless Steel Case

seiko-1.jpg (15871 bytes)

Description Man size Seiko all stainless case in nice condition with screw back.  Case measures about 1.5 inches (37 mm) across including the crown.  Stainless band is replacement.  Movement is a 6309 and case is 8900.  Runs well and keeps good time.  Mint dial is brownish color, hands are fine, case fine with no nasty scratches on back.  Scan of face does not do justice, we will make a photo at a later time.

#9 SOLD

 NEAR MINT Hamilton Military Issue Pilot's 17 Jewel Manual Wind Watch with Hack - contract GG-W-113

pilots-watch-gg-face.jpg (379380 bytes)Ham-pilots-gg-watch-back.jpg (500662 bytes)

  Description: These great aviator watches were issued to mil-spec GG-W-113 for the Air Force beginning during the VietNam War, which called for a higher quality watch than the general issue MIL-W-46374 watches for ground troops.  The watches for the ground troops were typically 7 jewels, non hack models.  The pilot's watches (GG-W-113 mil spec) were mechanical movements of superior quality with 17 jewels, hack feature (second hand stops when stem is pulled out), and were good timekeepers.  Excellent running condition and near mint dial and case.  Original band.  Rugged one piece case dated 1982.

Company information:   Hamilton was the premier American watch company and made their reputation making quality railroad watches from the late 1890's until the 1950's.  They produced marine chronometers, aircraft clocks, chronometers, deck watches, and soldier's watches during WWII.  The company was sold to a Swiss conglomerate in 1974.  The contract to produce these fine military watches was one of the last accomplishments at Hamilton before the operation was closed up for good

#10. $39 

 New MINT old stock, Conrad, 17 Jewel French mvmt

conrad_head.jpg (4908 bytes)    

Description This ladies Conrad manual wind wrist watch is new old stock, MINT never used, with a new band.  The movement is a quality made French movement (Fernand Girardet 65) made in the late 60's.   Bands may vary from the one pictured as we have more than watch available, but will be similar vintage.  Good running condition.

#11. SOLD

   Zodiac "Autographic"  Automatic Power Reserve Indicator All STAINLESS

  

This vintage Zodiac has it all, an original face, an all original screwback  marked Zodiac case, and an automatic 17 jewel zodiac marked movement.  Original crown also has Zodiac symbol. Runs and keeps excellent time.  You see very few wrist watches with the power reserve indicator!!!

#12 SOLD

 Lord Elgin 21Jewels Rectangular American Ca 1950

lord=elg1.jpg (25830 bytes)   

lord=elg-mvmt.jpg (20527 bytes)lord=elg-rear.jpg (13332 bytes)Description:   Lord Elgin rectangular 14 K Elgin gold filled case with no wear through except for tiny wear on back of tips of lugs.  Recently cleaned and in good running condition.  Original case, dial, and movement in fine condition. Dial shows some natural aging.  Crystal is planar with peak at center.  The back does not look black, it is very shiny and shows very little wear.  The 21 jewel manual wind movement serial number can be used to date the watch to around 1950.

#13 SOLD

Mechanical Conrad NOS 17 Jewel Watch

conrad-nos-watch-ss.jpg (11519 bytes)

 Conrad, French, 17 jewels, screw back case, new old stock.  Runs and keeps good time.  Easy to read dial!!  Measures about 1 inch across not including the crown.  Expansion band.  Probably made in the early 70's.  Second hand was moving when pic made, so it is NOT bent.

#14 SOLD

Citizen "Seven Star" Automatic 23 Jewel, All stainless steel

 

   citizen_b.jpg (16191 bytes)

Description:  A very nice black dial Citizen automatic with a clean stainless steel case.  This watch measures about one and  5/8 inches across.  Good running condition.  Day and date features.  Citizen is one of the top Japanese watches. This watch was likely made in the late 60's or early 70's. Good running condition.

 

#15 $49

 Ladies Swank like new Mechanical Watch - nice expansion band, adjustable 

Swank-ladies.JPG (33530 bytes)

 

Description.  We have a very nice looking 17 jewel  German made wrist watch (dial marked Germany).  Runs and keeps good time.  Stainless back.  The watch measures 22 mm across (almost 1 inch) so it is easy to see. Quality Speidel (USA) made band probably cost $20 when new.  (Speidel is now out of business - what a shame)

#16  SOLD

1950's Waltham Box for Wrist Watch

  

Description:    Nice clean box, plastic, made in USA for vintage Waltham wrist watch, box only, no watch

#17 SOLD

 Vintage Omega Seamaster Automatic 17 Jewel

 

 

 Description: Nice vintage Omega in screw back 14K gold filled Omega case.  Nice clean original dial.  Wonderful top quality Omega 550 17 jewel automatic is keeping excellent time. Serial # of movememt is 20,653,xxx. Watch measures about 1 1/2 inches across the dial including the crown button. Inscribed back.

#18 $75

  Seiko Automatic date calendar, 17 Jewels

seikogold.jpg (19471 bytes)

 

DescriptionHere is another fine Seiko automatic that was likely made in the 60's or 70's.  The dial is gold and the case with a screw on back is rugged, practical, and quality made.  The watch measures approximately 1.625 inches across. The case number is 7005-7099.  The 7005 designates the movement. 

#19 SOLD

  

 

 

 

 

 

#20 SOLD

    

#21  SOLD

21 Jewel Lord Elgin Rectangular Circa 1940-50

Description: This handsome rectangular Lord Elgin has an unusual pink gold dial.  Note the reflection masks the XII at the top.  The case is a 14K ygf rectangular Elgin marked case that is 1.5 inches long from lug to lug.  The case has a ygf back and only shows  wear on the back of a couple of corners at the lug ends.  The movement is a grade 559 manual wind 21jewel Lord Elgin in good running condition.  A new glass xtal was installed.  The band is old with 1/20 ygf gold tops and is nice.

Company information:   Elgin was a well known American watch company that started making watches right after the American Civil War (1867).  They also made quality railroad watches and were in business until the 1960's.  Elgin produced marine chronometers, aircraft clocks, chronometers, deck watches, and soldier's watches during WWII.  The company was liquidated in the late 1960's and the name was sold, and thus Elgin watches are no longer made in the US. 

 #22 $79

Vintage Mechanical Wind Peanuts Snoopy Floating Tennis Ball Watch - circa 1960's - 1970 

   snoopd.jpg (64560 bytes)

Description: This vintage snoopy watch is a full-sized watch and can be worn be either a man or woman.  It is in top running condition.  The second hand is a tennis ball which "floats" around on a clear disk.  Snoopy has a tennis racket in his hand.  If you like tennis, and you like Snoopy (who doesn't) then you should have this watch.  Band not original.  Two of these watches are available.

#23 SOLD

Swiss Enicar 17 jewel manual wind man's watch circa 1950's

Description: 

Company information:  

#24  SOLD

Larger Snoopy with Red Face 

Description

 

#30 $75

#31 SOLD

Hamilton Military Issue Pilot's 17 Jewel Manual Wind Watch with Hack - contract GG-W-113 Viet Nam

 

 

 

 

Description: These great aviator watches were issued to mil-spec GG-W-113 for the Air Force beginning during the VietNam War, which called for a higher quality watch than the general issue MIL-W-46374 watches for ground troops.  The watches for the ground troops were typically 7 jewels, non hack models.  The pilot's watches (GG-W-113 mil spec) were mechanical movements of superior quality with 17 jewels, hack feature (second hand stops when stem is pulled out), and were good timekeepers.  Excellent running condition and near mint dial and case.  Original band.  Rugged one piece case dated 1977.

Company information:   Hamilton was the premier American watch company and made their reputation making quality railroad watches from the late 1890's until the 1950's.  They produced marine chronometers, aircraft clocks, chronometers, deck watches, and soldier's watches during WWII.  The company was sold to a Swiss conglomerate in 1974.  The contract to produce these fine military watches was one of the last accomplishments at Hamilton before the operation was closed up for good

32 SOLD
 

 

 

Near mint Hamilton Military Issue wrist watch, all stainless steel.  Screw back with military specs including issue date of April 1979.  Running and keeping very good time.  A genuine military olive strap will be included with the watch.  These mechanical (wind up) Hamilton military watches are harder and harder to find.  Get this nice one while it is available.  The last issue of these watches was in the 1980's.  Sorry about the glare.  Crystal mint.  Case mint except for minor blemish on back.  The movement (non-hack) is a quality Swiss 7 Jewel mechanical movement.  This rugged watch has a permanent bar that holds the band so you do not need to worry about a spring bar breaking.
32A sold

Company InformationWittnauer had it beginnings in 1845 as an importer of Swiss watches.  The watches were often made up in their Geneva workshops.  The company had a close relationship with Longines and Girard Perregaux was well as other fine Swiss companies.

The Benrus version of this military watch is much harder to find than the Hamilton.  These great aviator watches were issued to mil-spec GG-W-113 for the Air Force beginning during the VietNam War, which called for a higher quality watch than the general issue MIL-W-46374 watches for ground troops.  The watches for the ground troops were typically 7 jewels, non hack models.  This pilot's watch (GG-W-113 mil spec) has a mechanical movements of superior quality with 17 jewels, hack feature (second hand stops when stem is pulled out), and keeps good time.  Excellent condition stainless steel case and near mint dial. Serviced, new crystal, and new military band.  Dated on back July 1971.  All original case, movement, and dial.  This watch will not last long!

 

#33 sold
Zodiac Sea Wolf Automatic Military Diver's Watch
  This is a vintage 60's Automatic Zodiac Sea Wolf diver's watch. This watch was often issued to Navy divers.  I am in the Norfolk, Virginia area and see these turn up every now and then.  The case is all stainless steel.  The metal bezel does have some minor blemishes.  These watches have a super high quality 17 jewel Swiss movement.  A really nice stainless band, but not marked Zodiac.  Not recommended for diving since not checked for water resistance!!!
SOLD
Company information: Wittnauer had it beginnings in 1845 as an importer of Swiss watches.  The watches were often made up in their Geneva workshops.  The company had a close relationship with Longines and Girard Perregaux was well as other fine Swiss companies.
 sold

SOLD

 Seiko Automatic 17 jewels automatic calendar, circa 1960's - early 1970's

information:  Everyone knows that Seiko is a fine Japanese watch company.  However, most people do not know that the company's origins go back to 1881 as the Kintaro Hattori firm.  In 1892, the Seikosha plant was opened, and in 1924 it was given the Seiko name.  Seiko has produced about every imaginable type of timepiece and now is one of the world's largest timepiece manufacturers.

 

SOLD

Description: The Benrus version of this military watch is much harder to find than the Hamilton.  These great aviator watches were issued to mil-spec GG-W-113 for the Air Force beginning during the VietNam War, which called for a higher quality watch than the general issue MIL-W-46374 watches for ground troops.  The watches for the ground troops were typically 7 jewels, non hack models.  This pilot's watch (GG-W-113 mil spec) has a mechanical movements of superior quality with 17 jewels, hack feature (second hand stops when stem is pulled out), and keeps good time.  Excellent condition stainless steel case and near mint dial. Serviced, new crystal, and new military band.  Dated on back Apr 1965.  All original case, movement, and dial.  

Company information:   Hamilton was the premier American watch company and made their reputation making quality railroad watches from the late 1890's until the 1950's.  They produced marine chronometers, aircraft clocks, chronometers, deck watches, and soldier's watches during WWII.  The company was sold to a Swiss conglomerate in 1974.  The contract to produce these fine military watches was one of the last accomplishments at Hamilton before the operation was closed up for good.

 

  

Company information:   Waltham is often called the "first" American watch company with origins going back to 1859.   The company remained in business for over 100 years before the name was sold.  Waltham was the only American watch company to make a repeating pocket watch.  They also were famous for the Riverside Maximus and Premier Maximus watches, which were of the best quality in the world at their time.  Waltham's last great products were the quality watches produced for the WWII effort.
Company information: The company has roots going to 1791.  The name Girard Perregaux comes from Constant Girard-Gallet who married Marie Perregaux, the daughter of a prominent chronometer maker.   They produced quality watches of all types including alarm watches, military watches, dress watches, and even chronometers.   Since 1992, the Italian Luigi Macaluso has been in charge of Girard Perregaux producing modern masterpieces. 

Company information: The LeCoultre company can trace it origins back to 1833.  It was in that year that Antoine LeCoultre began development of precision tools to produce watches.  The LeCoultre watches to this day are some of the best made watches in the world.  Included in their inventory are complicated watches such as alarms, repeaters, calendar, chronographs, chronometers, etc. 

Company Information:  Gruen was one of America's most respected brands and was located in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Their watches were known for their style with the curvex and driver's watches very popular.

Omega is a fine Swiss watchmaker.  The Omega name originated around 1894 and the company is still producing fine high-quality (and high cost) watches.  Some notable achievements were their production of military watches in WWI and II, their fine chronographs including the "moon watch" worn by NASA astronauts during the early USA space program.

Company Information: Orient is a famous Japanese watch company dating back to 1901.  It was once the number 3 watch company behind Seiko and Citizen.   Orient makes their own movements, which are well known for their quality and ruggedness.  Unlike Seiko, Orient never did go after the American market.  Thus, they are not common in the USA.

 

Note, watches marked are recently listed.

Return to Top of list

last revised June 2016