eBay Finds returns this bi-weekly installment, offering a curated selection of watches currently listed on eBay that have captured the discerning eye of editor Christoph McNeil, known on Instagram as @vintagediver. This edition delves into a collection of historically significant and aesthetically compelling vintage timepieces, each with a unique story and appeal to collectors and enthusiasts alike. For those who unearth their own remarkable finds on eBay, contributions can be submitted to [email protected] for potential feature inclusion.
The Iconic "Pogue": A Vintage Seiko 6139-6009 Takes Center Stage
The horological world is replete with celebrated vintage Seiko models, but few command the same iconic status as the Seiko 6139-6009, affectionately known by collectors as the "Pogue." This automatic chronograph, distinguished by its vibrant yellow dial, holds a significant place in space exploration history. Its fame stems from Colonel William Pogue, who wore a similar model during the Skylab 4 mission in 1973, marking the first automatic chronograph to venture into space. While the specific example featured may not be the exact mission watch, any vintage 6139-600X model with a yellow dial is broadly recognized and highly sought after by collectors as a "Pogue."
The presented timepiece appears to be in largely original condition and exhibits good overall preservation. The case, a critical indicator of a watch’s history, remains unpolished, preserving crisp edges and its original brushed finish. However, the presence of a few minor dings suggests a history of use, adding a layer of authenticity rather than detracting from its appeal. The bright yellow dial remains a striking feature, with the lume on the dial and hands showing expected signs of aging, a common characteristic of vintage watches of this era. The watch is outfitted with its original and period-correct Seiko H-link bracelet, a desirable accompaniment for collectors. Although a movement photograph is not provided, the seller asserts that the watch is in good running order, a crucial detail for any potential acquisition.
The Seiko 6139 movement, introduced in 1969, was a pioneering achievement for the brand, representing one of the world’s first automatic chronographs. Its column-wheel chronograph mechanism, coupled with a vertical clutch, offered superior performance and durability. The "Pogue" specifically gained its nickname due to the astronaut’s choice and the subsequent public interest in the timepiece. The enduring desirability of these watches is a testament to their historical significance, robust engineering, and distinctive aesthetic. Collectors often seek out examples that retain their original components, such as the dial, hands, bezel, and bracelet, as these elements contribute significantly to the watch’s provenance and value. The unpolished case, as noted in this instance, is particularly prized, as it signifies that the watch has not been subjected to aggressive restoration that could diminish its original character and proportions. The wear and tear, when moderate, can actually enhance the narrative of a vintage watch, suggesting it has been a reliable companion through various experiences. The aging of the lume, often referred to as "patina," is a sought-after characteristic, contributing to the unique visual signature of each vintage piece. This particular Seiko 6139-6009, with its unpolished case and original bracelet, represents a compelling opportunity for collectors to acquire a significant piece of horological and historical importance.
Exploring the Depths of History: A Vintage Eterna KonTiki 20 Emerges
This segment highlights a remarkable vintage Eterna KonTiki 20, complete with its original bracelet. Eterna has a rich heritage of producing a diverse array of KonTiki models, spanning from robust dive watches to elegant sport and dress pieces. This particular example falls into the latter category, showcasing a refined aesthetic that has stood the test of time. The steel case, estimated to be around 36mm, a size that offers a comfortable and classic wearability, is presented in excellent condition. Notably, the case is unpolished, a rarity for vintage KonTiki models, preserving its original lines and sharp edges. The intricately designed lugs maintain their crispness, and the gold caseback medallion, a hallmark of the KonTiki series, appears to be in good condition, adding a touch of opulence to the timepiece.
The silver dial is described as clean and original, featuring applied steel markers and broad steel baton hands that provide excellent legibility. The large crown, subtly recessed into the case, contributes to the watch’s streamlined appearance. The timepiece is complemented by its original "brick-work" style bracelet, secured by an Eterna-signed buckle, reinforcing its authenticity and completeness. While movement details are not provided in terms of images, the seller confirms that the watch is running accurately. This Eterna KonTiki 20 is more than just a watch; it is a statement of vintage style with significant "swag," embodying a sophisticated and adventurous spirit.
The Eterna KonTiki lineage dates back to 1958, inspired by the legendary voyage of Thor Heyerdahl and his crew across the Pacific Ocean on a raft named Kon-Tiki. This expedition, undertaken to prove the possibility of pre-Columbian transoceanic contact between South America and Polynesia, captured the world’s imagination. Eterna commemorated this feat by introducing a line of robust and reliable watches designed for adventurers and explorers. The KonTiki 20, in particular, represents a significant iteration within this collection, often characterized by its water resistance and durable construction, even in its sport/dress variants. The unpolished case, as observed, is a crucial factor for collectors who prioritize originality and the preservation of a watch’s factory finish. Polishing, while it can improve the superficial appearance of a worn case, inevitably removes metal and alters the original case geometry. Therefore, an unpolished case, especially with sharp lugs and defined brushed surfaces, is highly desirable and often commands a premium in the vintage market. The presence of the original bracelet and signed buckle further enhances the watch’s completeness and collector appeal, suggesting a well-preserved history and a cohesive original package. The "brick-work" style bracelet, a common feature on many vintage Eterna watches, is not only aesthetically pleasing but also known for its comfort and durability. This KonTiki 20, therefore, represents a compelling opportunity to own a piece of Eterna’s adventurous history, presented in a condition that speaks to careful ownership and a timeless design.
Elegance Personified: A Vintage Omega Geneve with Full Accoutrements
This exquisite vintage Omega Geneve dress watch is presented with a desirable Omega "beads of rice" bracelet, accompanied by its original box and papers, making it an exceptionally complete and attractive offering. The 35mm steel case is in excellent condition, boasting sharp edges and elegantly slim lugs that contribute to its sophisticated profile. The silver dial is clean and original, a testament to its careful preservation, featuring the classic Omega stick markers and baton hands that epitomize the brand’s understated elegance. The acrylic crystal is original, further enhancing its authenticity, and is signed on the underside with the subtle Omega symbol, a detail appreciated by discerning collectors. The original Omega-signed crown adds another layer of originality to this meticulously preserved timepiece.
The watch is fitted with a genuine vintage Omega "beads of rice" bracelet, renowned for its exceptional comfort and classic aesthetic. The automatic Omega caliber 565 movement, a robust and reliable workhorse from the brand, is described as super clean and running well, according to the seller. The inclusion of what appears to be an Omega service box and an Omega guarantee booklet elevates this offering significantly, providing a comprehensive package for any collector. This is a truly exceptional piece, complete with all the desirable trimmings that make a vintage watch a standout acquisition.
The Omega Geneve line, produced from the mid-1950s to the early 1970s, represented Omega’s commitment to offering stylish and well-crafted watches at various price points. While often positioned as more accessible than the Speedmaster or Seamaster lines, Geneve models often featured high-quality movements and elegant designs that rivaled their more expensive counterparts. The caliber 565, a self-winding movement with a quick-set date function, was a significant advancement and is known for its accuracy and durability. The "beads of rice" bracelet, with its intricate construction of tiny, polished links, is one of the most comfortable and visually appealing vintage bracelets produced. Its ability to conform to the wrist ensures a pleasant wearing experience, and its sophisticated look complements the dress watch aesthetic perfectly. The inclusion of the original box and papers, often referred to as "full set," is a significant value-add for vintage watch collectors. These items not only authenticate the watch but also provide provenance and historical context. The guarantee booklet, in particular, offers a glimpse into the watch’s original sale date and place, and can be crucial for understanding a watch’s service history. The signed crystal and crown are further indicators of originality, signaling that the watch has not been subjected to wholesale replacement of components, which can diminish its value and authenticity. This Omega Geneve, with its pristine condition, desirable bracelet, and full set of accessories, represents a superb opportunity for collectors to acquire a piece that embodies classic elegance and horological excellence, complete with its original identity.
Affordable Adventure: The Vintage LeJour Skin Diver Offers Value
The LeJour skin diver presented here is an attractive and accessible timepiece, offering a compelling entry point into the world of vintage dive watches without straining the budget. The 35mm case, constructed with a chrome-plated exterior and a steel back, appears to be in solid condition, with the plating showing no signs of pitting, a common issue with chrome-plated watches of this age. The black dial features the classic "Explorer" layout, with Arabic numerals at the 12, 6, and 9 o’clock positions, and a date window conveniently located at the 3 o’clock mark. The crystal appears to be original, complete with an internal date magnifier window, a functional and aesthetic detail. Broad steel baton hands and an arrow-tipped second hand contribute to the watch’s legible and functional design.
The aluminum elapsed time bezel is in superb condition, exhibiting minimal to no wear, a testament to its careful use. The movement is a straightforward 17-jewel manual-wind caliber, described as clean and running well by the seller. This appealing gem is presented on a vintage Tropic-style rubber strap, complete with a steel buckle, a fitting and practical choice for a dive watch.
Skin divers, a category of early dive watches, emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, characterized by their relatively slim profiles and water resistance typically rated for around 100 meters. Unlike their more robust counterparts, often referred to as "super compressors" or "divers," skin divers were designed for casual water activities and general wear rather than extreme depths. LeJour, a brand often associated with affordable and reliable timepieces, produced several iterations of skin divers that have become popular among vintage watch enthusiasts seeking value and vintage appeal. The Explorer dial layout, with its distinctive numerals, is a highly sought-after design element that enhances the watch’s visual interest and legibility. The internal date magnifier, often integrated into the underside of the crystal, is a subtle yet functional detail that adds to the watch’s character. Manual-wind movements, while requiring daily winding, are often admired for their simplicity, reliability, and the tactile connection they provide between the wearer and the watch. The Tropic-style rubber strap, a ubiquitous accessory for vintage dive watches, is known for its comfort, durability, and classic aesthetic, making it an ideal pairing for this LeJour skin diver. This watch represents an excellent opportunity for collectors to acquire a functional and stylish vintage dive watch at an accessible price point, embodying the spirit of affordable adventure.
A Scarce Gem: The Vintage Longines Conquest from the Late 1950s
This offering presents a scarce vintage Longines Conquest from the late 1950s, a period when Longines was renowned for producing high-quality and elegantly designed timepieces. The watch features a yellow gold capped case with a steel back, a construction method that provided the aesthetic appeal of gold at a more accessible price point. The case appears to be in excellent, unpolished condition, with sharp chamfers on its substantial lugs, indicating careful preservation. The enamel Longines fish logo caseback medallion, a distinctive feature of the Conquest line, is in superb condition, a rarity that significantly enhances the watch’s desirability.
The two-tone gold dial exhibits applied gold arrow markers and elegant gold dauphine hands, contributing to its refined appearance. While the dial is generally clean, it shows some patina and evidence of "Radium burn" from the lume in the hands, a common characteristic of watches from this era that used Radium for luminescence. This patina, however, is a sign of originality. The acrylic crystal has a visible crack at the 12 o’clock position, necessitating replacement. The watch retains its large and correct original crown, though it shows signs of wear consistent with its age and use. Unfortunately, there are no movement pictures provided; however, it is expected to house the beautifully finished Longines caliber 19AS movement, a highly regarded caliber of its time. While not a perfect example due to the cracked crystal, this watch is notable for its scarcity and the exceptional condition of its caseback medallion, making it a compelling find for collectors of vintage Longines.
The Longines Conquest line, introduced in 1954, was positioned by the brand as their flagship model, designed to be the most robust and accurate wristwatch they offered. The name "Conquest" was chosen to reflect the watch’s ability to withstand the rigors of daily wear and varying conditions. The caliber 19AS, a manual-wind movement developed by Longines, is a testament to the brand’s engineering prowess. It features a robust construction and often incorporates fine finishing, making it a desirable movement for collectors. The use of gold capping was a common practice in the mid-20th century, offering a luxurious appearance without the prohibitive cost of solid gold. The durability of the gold cap is a key factor in its preservation over time; when well-maintained, it can remain intact for decades. The "Radium burn" is a phenomenon where the radioactive decay of Radium lume can cause discoloration or staining on the dial or hands over extended periods. While it might seem like a flaw, for many vintage watch collectors, this patina is a desirable characteristic that adds to the watch’s authenticity and visual depth. The enamel fish logo on the caseback is particularly fragile and often wears away over time, making an example with a pristine medallion a significant find. The Longines Conquest from this era, especially with its original dial, hands, and the rare pristine caseback medallion, represents a valuable piece of horological history and a testament to Longines’ legacy of quality watchmaking. The need for a crystal replacement, while an expense, does not detract from the inherent rarity and historical significance of this particular Conquest.
The Pinnacle of Diver’s Watches: A Spectactular Vintage Omega Seamaster 300
Concluding this edition is a truly spectacular original vintage Omega Seamaster 300, representing the first generation of this iconic dive watch, reference 14755-2, dating back to 1961. This example is described as being as sweet as they come, in incredible original condition. The black dial features beautifully aged lume, and the iconic hands, including the distinctive large arrow tip on the minute hand, are all present and correct. The 39mm steel case is in excellent condition, with sharp edges and crystal-clear caseback engraving, indicative of minimal wear.
A particularly rare and significant feature of this watch is its original bezel insert. While many vintage Seamaster 300s have lost their original bakelite inserts, often replaced with aftermarket components, this example miraculously retains almost 50% of its original bezel insert. This is an exceptionally rare find, as even partial original inserts are seldom encountered. The acrylic crystal is original and signed on the underside with the recognizable Omega logo, and the large, original crown is also signed. The Omega automatic caliber 552 movement, a workhorse known for its reliability and robustness, is clean, beautiful, and running well according to the seller. While this timepiece is expected to command a significant price due to its rarity and condition, it represents an untouched beauty and a rare opportunity for serious collectors to acquire a significant piece of dive watch history.
The Omega Seamaster 300, first introduced in 1957 as part of Omega’s "Professional" trilogy alongside the Railmaster and Speedmaster, quickly established itself as a benchmark in dive watch design and performance. The reference 14755, produced from 1960 to 1962, is particularly sought after for its early characteristics, including the Naiad "T" dial and the bakelite bezel. The bakelite bezel, while aesthetically pleasing and visually striking, is notoriously fragile and prone to cracking or degradation over time, especially when exposed to the elements or subjected to rough handling. The rarity of finding even a partially intact original bakelite bezel on a watch from this period cannot be overstated. The caliber 552, a 24-jewel automatic movement, was a development from the earlier 500-series movements and offered improved accuracy and power reserve, making it a reliable engine for a professional dive watch. The combination of the large arrow minute hand, often referred to as "Broad Arrow," and the distinctive hour markers, along with the aged lume, creates a highly desirable vintage aesthetic. The sharp case lines and clear caseback engraving further underscore the watch’s excellent state of preservation. The fact that this Seamaster 300 is described as "untouched" suggests that it has not undergone excessive restoration, preserving its original character and patina. For collectors of vintage dive watches, an original, unrestored example of an early Seamaster 300 with significant original components like the bezel insert is the ultimate prize. This particular watch represents a significant investment and a piece of horological history that will undoubtedly be cherished by its next owner.
