Over the previous yr, I’ve loved smaller, easier watches from the ’40s and ’50s. This variation in my amassing course has been enjoyable and comparatively cheap. Does that imply I’ve given up on later classic and extra trendy items? Completely not, however as you’ll see with the vast majority of right now’s pre-owned and classic favorites, the alternatives are impressed by older watches.
I really like selection with regards to selecting a watch. Some days, I like a thicker sports activities watch that may deal with the weather. On different days, I choose a less complicated dressy piece with a bespoke strap or classic bracelet. What are my favorites? All of them, in fact! In the present day, I’ll point out three items which have constantly caught in my thoughts as long-term acquisition targets. With out additional ado…
The Cartier Tank Normale — considered one of my longstanding favorites
I promise I’m not on the Cartier hype prepare when mentioning the Tank Normale as considered one of my pre-owned favorites. To me, the Tank Normale is the Cartier Tank as a result of it was the mannequin designed in 1917. Sure, the thick case flanks are designed to appear to be tank treads. In truth, the Tank Normale’s extra sturdy fashion is what raises it above different fashions just like the extra well-known Tank Louis Cartier. I really like the chunkiness and the chamfered edges.
Picture: Wind Classic
The Tank Normale is a bizarre little beast at simply 23mm large by 30mm lengthy, and, sure, I assumed it was too small once I tried one on at Wind Vintage. That was silly as a result of I’m now used to sporting small watches. It’s a comparatively uncommon watch that comes and goes by way of manufacturing, with most fascinating fashions coming from the ’70s out of Cartier Paris. Motion-wise, a bog-standard ETA 2512 manual-wind caliber sits inside, reminding us to deal with the skin of the watch. The Tank Normale is pricey, with respectable examples fetching north of €20,000. Eric and Charlie of Wind Classic appear to find one or two good ones yearly. In some unspecified time in the future, one may have my title on it.
Picture: Swiss Hours
The Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques 31110 Oval
The Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques 31110 Oval is considered one of my sentimental favorites. It’s a watch my dad owns, and I nonetheless bear in mind watching him purchase it in St. Thomas again within the ’90s. Vacheron is presently neglected for its work from this era, however the model produced some lovely watches with spectacular dials. The 31110 Oval has an excellent case design and wears effectively at 28mm large by 37mm lengthy.
Picture: Swiss Hours
Inside, there’s an actual motion in comparison with the Cartier. The 20-jewel, hand-winding 1132 caliber ticks away faithfully. It is a bona fide Patek competitor, and better of all, if (and that’s a giant “if”) an instance is discovered, it may be had for roughly €7,000. Plus, the 31110 Oval is available in both platinum or gold.
Picture: Wind Classic
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1002 in 14K gold
Just a few weeks in the past, a gang of us, together with my colleague Dave Sergeant, hit up some classic outlets in London. We stopped at David Duggan in Burlington Arcade, and that wily character Dave positioned an understated gem within the showcase window. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1002 in 14K gold isn’t what one usually thinks of when contemplating classic Rolex. Nevertheless, it is a incredible watch, and it has crept onto my favorites record. It additionally reminds us how versatile the Oyster case might be as a result of it really works on all the pieces from an outright sports activities mannequin to a dressier piece just like the 1002.
Picture: Wind Classic
The 1002 was accessible in lots of combos of dials and case supplies, however the 14K mannequin with a easy silver dial oozes class. At 34mm in diameter, it’s not a big watch, however it wears completely on wrists of practically all sizes. Plus, it’s an odd case the place a strap might look higher on a Rolex than a bracelet. The 1560 computerized caliber was an authorized chronometer. With a service, it ought to run with out hassle for years to come back. Concerning pricing, anticipate to pay €6,000–8,000 for a pleasant specimen.
Picture: Wind Classic
Ultimate ideas on my pre-owned favorites
Once I look again at my picks from Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, and Rolex, there’s a particular sample! All are created from valuable steel, and none are bigger than 34mm. I notice that guidelines out these watches for a lot of of our readers. Nonetheless, it showcases some items which are not often mentioned. The Cartier is an costly piece that’s using a wave of recognition, whereas the Vacheron represents excessive worth. The Rolex is an oddball from the model as a result of it’s a quiet, non-sporty mannequin that may work effectively in all conditions. What are your ideas on my picks, and do you may have different dressy gems from the interval that you just suggest?
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