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Various vintage watches from 1950-1980s

Vintage watches

The lot

A handful selection of vintage watches from 1950-1980s

What about it

Vintage watches from the mid-20th century to the '80s represent an eclectic mix of styles, innovations, and historical significance.

This period witnessed the emergence of iconic timepieces, each reflecting the design ethos and technological advancements of its era. From the classic elegance of dress watches in the '50s to the bold and avant-garde designs of the '60s and '70s, these decades offered an array of timepieces that have stood the test of time.

The '50s saw the refinement of traditional dress watches, characterized by slim profiles, minimalistic dials, and understated elegance. This era introduced timeless models like the Omega Seamaster and the Rolex Datejust, known for their enduring sophistication and enduring appeal.

Moving into the '60s, watch design underwent some noticeable transformation. This period celebrated boldness and experimentation, with watches sporting larger cases, vibrant colors (late '60s), and unconventional shapes. Iconic watches like the Heuer Carrera, Rolex Submariner, and the Omega Speedmaster emerged during this period, becoming symbols of innovation and style.

The '70s marked an era of audacious designs, fueled by cultural shifts and technological advancements. Watches embraced funkier styles, incorporating vivid colors, chunky cases, and unique dial layouts. Models like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus exemplified the trend towards sporty luxury watches and these models have made serious comeback in recent years.

Finally, the '80s witnessed a diverse range of designs, from the emergence of digital watches to the refinement of classic styles. Brands experimented with quartz technology, leading to the proliferation of digital displays and multifunctional timepieces. Meanwhile, classic models continued to evolve with modern elements while staying true to their heritage. Some of the coolest case and bracelet designs came from this era.

Collecting vintage watches from this era offers enthusiasts a glimpse into the evolution of horology, showcasing the creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation that define each decade's distinct character. Jump right in!

Citizen Leopard 4-770935-K

  • Date: 1972
  • Model: Leopard
  • Reference: 4-770935-K
  • Case: 36mm, stainless steel
  • Dial: grey, fume radial, metal/onyx hour markers
  • Lug width: 18mm
  • Movement: Citizen 7700 hi-beat 28,000vph, automatic

VCW article

Citizen Leopard
Citizen Walter Wolf Chronograph

Citizen Walter Wolf Chronograph

  • Date: 1983
  • Model: N/A
  • Case: 36mm, titanium case and bracelet
  • Dial: black, 2-register chronograph with date
  • Only produced for approx 1 year 1982/3
  • Lug width: 18mm
  • Movement: cal 8110A, automatic

Article on VCW

Zenith AutoSport Luxe blue

  • Date: early 1970s
  • Model: N/A
  • Case: 36mm, stainless steel
  • Dial: white, blue, shark teeth pattern
  • Lug width: 18mm
  • Movement: Zenith 2562 PC hi-beat 28,000vph, automatic

See also article about gold/red variation

Zenith AutoSport Luxe blue
Brichot Poor Mans Carrera Chronograph

Brichot "poor man's Carrera"

  • Date: mid 1960s
  • Model: N/A, 'Carrera' styling
  • Case: 36mm, gold plated
  • Dial: sunburst
  • Lug width: 18mm
  • Movement: Landeron 248, Heuer-Leonidas signed, manual-wind

Fratello: Vintage Heuer Lookalikes

Heuer Carrera "fume dial"

  • Date: 1974
  • Model: Carrera
  • Reference: 150.573 F
  • Dial: fume with luminous metallic finish
  • Case: 39mm, stainless steel, barrel-shaped
  • Lug width: 18mm
  • Movement: Heuer cal 15, automatic

See more: OnTheDash

Heuer Carrera 1974 chronograph
Omega Seamaster 145.029 chronograph

Omega Seamaster blue reverse panda

  • Date: 1970
  • Model: Seamaster
  • Reference: 145.029
  • Case: 38mm, stainless steel, cushion-shaped
  • Dial: blue metallic, reverse panda
  • Lug width: 22mm
  • Movement: Omega 861, manual-wind

Zenith El Primero "Clipper"

  • Date: 1990
  • Model: El Primero
  • Reference: 19.0120.400
  • Dial: fume with luminous metallic finish
  • Case: 37mm, stainless steel, gold plated
  • Lug width: 19mm
  • Movement: Cal 400, automatic
Zenith El Primero Clipper 19.0120.400
Omega Seamaster 145.029 chronograph

Omega Speedmaster Mark II

  • Date: 1970
  • Model: Speedmaster Mark II
  • Reference: 145.014
  • Case: 42mm, stainless steel, tonneau-shaped
  • Dial: black matte, racing
  • Lug width: 20mm
  • Movement: Omega 861, manual-wind

Fratello article about MKII

Hoga chronograph

  • Date: early 1970s
  • Model: N/A chronograph
  • Reference: N/A
  • Dial: black, reverse panda, fat indexes, pink details
  • Case: 37mm, stainless steel
  • Lug width: 19mm
  • Movement: Valjoux 23, manual-wind
Hoga chronograph Valjoux 23
Omega 2278 cal 320 chronograph

Omega chronograph

  • Date: 1959
  • Model: N/A chronograph
  • Reference: 2278
  • Case: 35mm, gold plated
  • Dial: brushed, step, coffin-style hour markers
  • Lug width: 19mm
  • Movement: Omega 320, manual-wind

Hamilton "poor man's Carrera"

  • Date: late 1960s
  • Model: Chronograph B
  • Reference: 7723 (same as Heuer 7721 NT)
  • Dial: black, reverse panda, Carrera styling
  • Case: 36mm, stainless steel
  • Lug width: 19mm
  • Movement: Valjoux 7730, manual-wind

Worn & Wound article

Hamilton chronograph Carrera style
Bulova Valjoux 92 chronograph

Bulova chronograph

  • Date: 1960s
  • Model: N/A chronograph
  • Reference: N/A
  • Case: 35mm, gold plated
  • Dial: sunburst silver
  • Lug width: 18mm
  • Movement: Valjoux 92, manual-wind

Invicta chronograph

  • Date: early 1960s
  • Model: N/A
  • Reference: N/A
  • Dial: classical early 60's styling
  • Case: 36mm, stainless steel
  • Lug width: 19mm
  • Movement: Valjoux 22, manual-wind
Invicta chronograph
Omega Seamaster

Omega Seamaster "Fat-Lug"

  • Date: 1952
  • Model: Seamaster
  • Reference: 2576-15
  • Case: 34mm, stainless steel
  • Dial: silver, gold dagger hour markers, small seconds
  • Lug width: 18mm
  • Movement: Omega 342, bumper automatic

Zenith AutoSport Luxe

  • Date: early 1970s
  • Model: AutoSport Luxe
  • Reference: N/A
  • Dial: black, gilt, step, shark teeth pattern, cushion-shaped
  • Case: 36mm, stainless steel
  • Lug width: 19mm
  • Movement: Zenith 2562 PC hi-beat 28,000vph, automatic
Zenith AutoSport Luxe
Seiko King Seiko 56KS

Seiko King Seiko Chronometer

  • Date: 1974
  • Model: King Seiko
  • Reference: 5626-7040
  • Case: 36mm, stainless steel
  • Dial: silver sunburst
  • Lug width: 18mm
  • Movement: Seiko 5626, hi-beat 28,800vph automatic

Omega chronograph

  • Date: 1965
  • Model: chronograph
  • Reference: 101.009-65
  • Dial: silver, sunburst
  • Case: 35mm, stainless steel
  • Lug width: 18mm
  • Movement: Omega 320, manual-wind
Omega chronograph cal 320 101.009
Citizen Diamond Flake

Citizen Diamond Flake

  • Date: 1962
  • Model: Diamond Flake
  • Reference: 5626-7040
  • Case: 37mm, stainless steel, 7mm thickness
  • Dial: silver sunburst
  • Lug width: 18mm
  • Movement: Citizen 0700, manual-wind

Read more on VCW website