Let's See Your Watches! The Vintage Watch Thread.

[Michael Carter]

Most, but not all of those huge watches are tool watches. Diver, aviator, etc. Most normal dress watches are still a conservative size albeit probably larger than they were 60+ years ago.

If you've ever tried to time an approach on a tiny 30mm watch while the aircraft is rolling, bouncing, and pitching, you'd understand why those size watches are sometimes needed.

Hi, nice to be here. Great place you have.

 

[jamespowers]

Most, but not all of those huge watches are tool watches. Diver, aviator, etc. Most normal dress watches are still a conservative size albeit probably larger than they were 60+ years ago.

If you've ever tried to time an approach on a tiny 30mm watch while the aircraft is rolling, bouncing, and pitching, you'd understand why those size watches are sometimes needed.

Hi, nice to be here. Great place you have.

Aviator watches were around years ago for that purpose. However, they were small compared even to today's dress watches. Figure it this way, Lindberg did just fine.
My eyesight isn't so bad that I need a wrist clock.
I have heard that the latest high end watches have reduced the size of their watches but not much in comparison to their vintage offerings.
Welcome to the Lounge. :eusa_clap

 

[PoohBang]

That is something that I have noticed. Today's men's watch is a HUGE watch compared to what they used to be. People mistake men's watches from 60 years ago as women's watches all the time. I hate to tell them that women's watches were very small.
What gives with the huge watch trend? They are ugly and I don't need to tell time from across the room on another man's wrist. If I wanted to strap a pocketwatch on my wrist that is what I would do.

Makes them more of a man. Like driving a Hummer... or as they say, "makes up for something else they lack in size."

On another note... I'm trying to find out which watch was used in Casino Royale (1966) as the communication watch that Ursula used. It's a diver's watch, but can't make out which brand. It's not Omega or Rolex....

 

[jamespowers]

Makes them more of a man. Like driving a Hummer... or as they say, "makes up for something else they lack in size."

lollollollollol Ok, now it makes sense. I didn't think about that.

 

[Unlucky Berman]

@jamespowers
I know what you mean. It's the same with many watch collectors who don't collect or even know much about vintage watches. There are thousands of discussions in some boards all over the world where someone pops up and asks after buying a very nice vintie if it is really a mens watch and if it is would such a "small" piece be still wearable.
I mean back then the people weren't so much smaller than today and even there were mens with big, let's say fleshy, wrists. Even they used this watches and cared it worked for them. Just a question of what one is used to and what's the fashion.

Strange thing with the fashions to become bigger and bigger and somewhat more flashy or noticeable. Maybe this is because everyone wanted to be seen, known and therefore has to use clothes and accesoirs with which he can be seen better and where everyone sees from across the room what he wears and what he is able to afford.
I was on a fair trade lately and you could make studies there about the egos and what they had on their wrist. There were a lots of with the ugliest pieces, but as long as everyone could see the little crown on the dial from several meters away and lots of blinking, shining gold or other metal [huh] But its not only with watches, its the same with cars (in Europe). Ten years ago the same Audi was half a meter shorter than the same model today. What's the sense in that, since the space within isn't so much bigger and I could drive in the smaller car as well as in the new one. I only need a bigger parking space now which makes it somewhat tricky to find one in overcrowded cities.
Maybe just more kippers and curtains, today

 

[jamespowers]

@jamespowers
I know what you mean. It's the same with many watch collectors who don't collect or even know much about vintage watches. There are thousands of discussions in some boards all over the world where someone pops up and asks after buying a very nice vintie if it is really a mens watch and if it is would such a "small" piece be still wearable.
I mean back then the people weren't so much smaller than today and even there were mens with big, let's say fleshy, wrists. Even they used this watches and cared it worked for them. Just a question of what one is used to and what's the fashion.

Strange thing with the fashions to become bigger and bigger and somewhat more flashy or noticeable. Maybe this is because everyone wanted to be seen, known and therefore has to use clothes and accesoirs with which he can be seen better and where everyone sees from across the room what he wears and what he is able to afford.
I was on a fair trade lately and you could make studies there about the egos and what they had on their wrist. There were a lots of with the ugliest pieces, but as long as everyone could see the little crown on the dial from several meters away and lots of blinking, shining gold or other metal [huh] But its not only with watches, its the same with cars (in Europe). Ten years ago the same Audi was half a meter shorter than the same model today. What's the sense in that, since the space within isn't so much bigger and I could drive in the smaller car as well as in the new one. I only need a bigger parking space now which makes it somewhat tricky to find one in overcrowded cities.
Maybe just more kippers and curtains, today

Those are all good points.
You can certainly wear a vintage man's watch---that is what they wore back then. In fact, I like a smaller watch so ti doesn't dig into my wrist or hand for that matter.

 

[Warden]

Found this on the BBC news website,

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-11634105

 

[James007]

Picket up this watch for free, was wondering if any one knew from what time period this time peace came from?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25445984@N06/5123319778/lightbox/

 

[Shangas]

Everything old is new again. The pocket-watch is back in style!

 

[gholla]

love hamiltons...

 

[Talbot]

I think my left arm is a few inches longer than my right from wearing my '67 Brietling AOPA Navitimer.

Man, that thing is bigger than most of the action man models I see going these days.

 

[Levallois]

One of the more iconic Rolex watches - a circa 1965 Explorer with the rare gilt-dial on a Rolex Jubilee bracelet. This watch has an understated elegance allowing it to be worn while hiking or hunting and also for the opera or black tie affairs. Plus it is on the smaller side and isn't as gaudy as some Rolex sport watches.

 

[Tomasso]

also for the opera or black tie affairs.

I like your Rolex but I think I'd find something dressier for a Black Tie affair.

Maybe......

 

[CopperNY]

One of the more iconic Rolex watches - a circa 1965 Explorer with the rare gilt-dial on a Rolex Jubilee bracelet. This watch has an understated elegance allowing it to be worn while hiking or hunting and also for the opera or black tie affairs. Plus it is on the smaller side and isn't as gaudy as some Rolex sport watches.

ah, my Holy Grail.

the Explorer I is, for me, the "do it all" watch. from shorts to tuxedo, no one can argue with it.

 

[jamespowers]

I like your Rolex but I think I'd find something dressier for a Black Tie affair.

Maybe......

I have a 1956 LeCoultre automatic with a wind indicator. I think I might choose that one as well.

 

[skyvue]

Here's a Benrus I bought not long ago from a Lounger. I've been wearing it on a near-daily basis while waiting for some other vintage watches I own to undergo repairs.

 

[Levallois]

I like your Rolex but I think I'd find something dressier for a Black Tie affair.

Maybe......

Tomasso,

You may be right - that is a beautiful watch. However, I wore this exact Explorer to a uber-fancy party in Arlington VA a week ago and didn't feel a bit underdressed. My problem is that most of my watches are vintage "working watches" like this Rolex, an Omega Speedmaster, or several old dive watches. I guess the Rolex is the dressiest watch that I own right now so it will have to do.

CopperNY - it was one of my "got to have" watches too. I found mine at the Rolex forum for cheaper than epay.

John

 

[CopperNY]

my own journey with the sickness of watches has led me to a point where "you can always spend more, but you don't always get more".

the JLC is super sexy, but the Explorer will be with you the rest of the week, instead of going back in the box until the next function.

 

[Tomasso]

the JLC is super sexy, but the Explorer will be with you the rest of the week, instead of going back in the box until the next function.

Actually, I wear dress watches with suits regularly. I love my tool watches (I got a dozen of 'em) but they just don't feel right with suits; sportcoats yes, but not suits....not to mention a tux......

 

[Levallois]

Tomasso,

I'm an archaeologist by trade and I needed a tough watch. However, being a Ph.D. and representing my company the way that I do in the field and in the office meant I also needed more than your average watch (at least that was my argument to the wife). The Speedy is great but fragile so it was time to get a Rolex Explorer (I've wanted one for years). Your point about suits is well-taken - I rarely wear a suit much less a tux. A sportscoat and slacks is about as dressed up as I get 95 percent of the time. Like CopperNY noted - the Explorer can be worn all week with the Speedy and some others taking up the slack on the weekends. A dozen tool watches? I aspire to have so many. A nice dress watch, however, will have to wait.

John