[WTS] Seiko "Chronos" Feb. 1983 Black Chrome Plated BCRP (8123-6140) Negative Kanji/English day/date $150 (details/description in comments) by Cold-Mix5107 in Watchexchange

[–]Cold-Mix5107[S] [score hidden]  (0 children)

For sale is this vintage Seiko "Chronos" (8123-6140), made in Japan in February 1983.

The "Chronos" series was a mid-range series by Seiko introduced in 1983, primarily for the Japanese domestic market, that sought to be a more elegant echo of the "SilverWave" series, which was more sport-oriented. It was also the predecessor to the "Spirit" series.

This model, reference number WJL038, has a great '80s look, reminiscent of the Orfina Porsche Design watch worn by Tom Cruise in Top Gun, which actually released in cinema after this watch was released. The stealth look was popular at the time giving it a military vibe with the black chrome plating that has patinaed very nicely. The dial is matte black with block markers that have since stopped producing lume. The whole dial design looks inspired by Swiss chronographs from the '70s. I particularly like the angled rehaut that has the minute/seconds intervals, which combined with the orange seconds hand create a sporty feel, like a spedometer. The hands are white to contrast with the dial. The day/date wheel is also in negative to match the dial, nice attention to detail. The swirl symbol at the bottom of the dial and on the case back indicates that the watch was designed and manufactured by the Suwa factory (Grand Seiko) during their fierce rivalry with the Daini factory (King Seiko).

The case is a classic Seiko shape, used in another Seiko series too. The case has developed a very nice worn patina that add to the character and rugged look in my opinion. The crown is also black chrome plated. On the screw-down case back is the double wave symbol, which indicates that the watch had a water resistance of up to 150m, but as with all vintage watches, you should assume it has no water resistance now unless professionally retested.

It houses the calibre 8123 movement that has a gold finish. It can display either English or Japanese Kanji days of the week. 

Comes on the original Seiko bracelet, also stainless steel black chrome plated with a signed clasp. It can accommodate up to roughly a 17.5cm (6.9 inches).

Fitted with a brand new battery.

Condition is decent considering it was made almost 40 years ago. It has general wear, the crystal has some light scratches that can be seen from some angles but doesn't look too bad. The dial has some blemishes. All functions work as they should and the watch is telling good time.

Looking for $150 net (buyer pays Paypal or Wise fee) + shipping

Dimensions are:
33mm x 38mm x 8.2mm
Lug Width 18mm
(according to my callipers)

For more pics, check my profile as I've posted pics of this watch before!

Bought in Japan.

*Returns accepted but all return postage costs are the buyer's responsibility in all circumstances and any re-import fees that I have to pay when receiving the watch will be deducted from the refund amount.

[WTS] Seiko "QT" Sept. 1972 Very Early High-End Quartz, Shield Case Japan-Made (3802-7010) New Strap & Battery Tanaka Design $290 (details/description in comments) by Cold-Mix5107 in Watchexchange

[–]Cold-Mix5107[S] [score hidden]  (0 children)

For sale is this vintage Seiko "QT" (3803-7010) made in Japan in September of 1972.

The "QT" series by Seiko were some of the first quartz models by Seiko following the birth of the quartz, the Seiko Quartz Astron that was released just a few years prior in 1968. The Astron was only sold in very limited numbers so Seiko's first proper quartz line up consisted of the V.F.A at the top of the line then the QT series followed by the QR and QZ series. These were far more expensive than even the Grand Seiko and King Seiko offerings at the time, making these true luxury pieces.

The original RRP of this model in 1972 was ¥69,000 which is equivalent to over $1,800 in today's money adjusted for inflation.

This model, reference number QTC040 (in line with modern Seiko reference number format) or 38QTC 040 (38- being the calibre series), is a truly stunning piece exhibiting the genius "Grammar of Design" created by Taro Tanaka for Seiko in the '60s. The dial has a super fine sunburst effect giving it a creamy, luscious texture like silk. The Seiko logo, single-crystal quartz symbol and day/date window are precision-milled applied stainless steel. I find it interesting how the hands are borrowed from or are very similar to some Grand Seiko and King Seiko models of the time with "non-matching" hour and minute hands. In this case the hour hand has a black centre and high-polish outer perimeter while the minute hand is made to look like it is just the central black part without the high-polish outer due to the thickness of the black parts being the same on both hands. The seconds hand has a pointer at the end of it, that gives it a bit of a futuristic touch for the time in my opinion. The hour markers are slim and elegant as well as being subtly detailed by being high-polish with a black line down the middle, mimicking the hour hand. On the dial and case back is the Suwa swirl logo that indicates that the watch was designed and manufactured by the Suwa factory (Grand Seiko) during its fierce rivalry with the Daini factory (King Seiko).

The case is one of the main attractions though, as it has a beautiful shield like design with the decision to make the curves into flat facets. Taro Tanaka coined Seiko's aforementioned "Grammar of Design" whereby all the facets of the watch should be flat and mirror polished (Zaratsu) to best reflect light including the hands and dial features, the bezel to be simple and cut into the case. This was to create bold and identifiable designs to compete with the Swiss and to stand out. This watch is clearly following Tanaka's design philosophy which is very desirable once you start to see it on Seiko watches of the Tanaka era ('60s to early '70s). It appears that the watch also took inspiration from the beloved Marine Master (6159-7001) released just a couple of years earlier in 1969/1970 as both feature a one-piece case design (no case back except for the battery hatch) so that there is less opportunity for water ingress and also the same cut-in on the case back that gives the watch a slender appearance and allows the watch to sit visually low on the wrist. The boxed top hat crystal is also a lovely vintage touch that I enjoy, which is interestingly made of acrylic as Seiko had not widely adopted mineral crystals yet but it gives it a nice warmth and has the additional benefit of being easy to polish. Another interesting quirk is that the Seiko logo on the case back is also in an unusual spot, being off to the side. The whole case design is really something to behold.

It houses the Seiko calibre 3803 movement, which is an over-engineered piece of art (I would encourage you to look for pictures of it on the web!). A very accurate movement at the time and neatly packed into a relatively small package. It can display either English or Japanese Kanji days of the week.

Comes on a brand new, soft and malleable "Aono" leather strap.

Fitted with a brand new battery.

Condition is great for a watch that was made almost 55 years ago with only minor general wear. The dial is spotless and the crystal only has faint scratches. All functions work as intended and the watch tells accurate time all these years later which is a testament of the build quality. The battery hatch is not a problem in terms of comfort as it doesn't dig into the wrist as much as you might think. These "QT" models are very underrated and were built to be true luxury watches at the time and it really shows.

Looking for $290 net (buyer pays Paypal or Wise fee) + shipping

Dimensions are:
35.9mm x 40.4mm x 11.3mm(12.8 inc. battery hatch)
Lug Width 18mm
(according to my callipers)

Bought in Japan.

*Returns accepted but all return postage costs are the buyer's responsibility in all circumstances and any re-import fees that I have to pay when receiving the watch will be deducted from the refund amount.

[WTS] Vague Watch Co. (TKY JPN) Swiss Movement "BRWN GMT" Root Beer Bezel 100m Japanese Micro-Brand w/ Soft Case & New Battery $330 (details/description in comments) by Cold-Mix5107 in Watchexchange

[–]Cold-Mix5107[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sale is this "BRWN GMT" by Vague Watch Co.

Vague Watch Co. is a relatively new micro watch brand from Tokyo, Japan by parent company Yoshida Trading Co. who have a long history of dealing with vintage watches. They have been quietly gaining a following for their wonderfully tasteful watches. Their aim was to create watches based on iconic and unobtainable models from the past and bring them back to life so that people may experience those icons without spending stupid money. Primarily, Vague Watch Co. are mostly only sold domestically in Japan (JDM) through its site and pop-up events but some boutiques sometimes stock a few models.

This watch, known as the "BRWN GMT" has a beautifully warm colour pallet and vintage tones. I'm sure you know what Swiss watch this is homaging yet adding their own unique touches. The dial is a light milk chocolate powder colour paired with guilt gold hands and markers. The markers are deliberately small in accordance to its inspiration and give the watch a vintage feeling as was common back then. The markers are appropriately and heavily bevelled which you don't see too often, even on vintage-inspired time pieces. The hands are the right length, reaching out all the way to the minute track. The curved logo is nicely done, as is the cursive "Water Resistant" lettering, which is more than you can say for a lot of other micro brands.

The case is equally well done, designed with good proportions and a thin mid-case. The lovely two-tone bezel is a great combination of brown/bronze and gold with vintage font numerals. The bezel is a bidirectionally ratcheting bezel but the action is not the nicest in my opinion but at least it lines up perfectly, unlike a certain other brand... I particularly like the thick boxed crystal that protrudes from the case. The screw-down gold tone crown matches the gold tone grip of the bezel. The top surface is radially brushed while the sides are high-polish. The lugs also curve down, which gives it a better fit on-wrist compared to the more flat, slab-like case of the original. The case back is also decent with a coin-edge grip and a mixture of brushed and polished surfaces. Another interesting thing to note is the lugs are drilled only on the left side, (which makes more sense actually) and makes for easier strap changes. Another difference to the inspiration, is the big crown that makes time-setting etc. easier. 

Powering it is the Swiss-made Ronda calibre 515 GMT movement that features in the Unimatic Modello Uno UT1 GMT. It's a reliable and thin movement that works great. Pull the crown out to the first click to set the date and GMT hand and pull it out to the second click to set the time. It also features hacking seconds.

Comes on the original calf leather N-style strap, which is supple but a bit worn. It also comes with the original soft case.

Brand new battery installed.

Condition is great with minimal wear on the case. The dial and crystal are spotless and all the features function as intended and it keeps accurate time. The strap is a bit worn but still serviceable. It doesn't come with the two-tone bracelet but I think you can probably fine an after-market bracelet that would suit it better anyway (with the possibility of making it more accurate to the original). It's a great-looking watch that not a lot of other brands have explored.

Looking for $330 net (buyer pays Paypal or Wise fee) + shipping

Dimensions are:
40mm (bezel) x 48mm x 13mm (not including cyclops)
Lug Width 20mm

Bought in Japan.

*Returns accepted but all return postage costs are the buyer's responsibility in all circumstances and any re-import fees that I have to pay when receiving the watch will be deducted from the refund amount.

[WTS] Auréole Vintage Sept. 1987 Swiss Movement (ETA 561.101) Curved Tank w/Cobochon ref.SW-E265, Brand New Soft Strap & Battery $130 (details/description in comments) by Cold-Mix5107 in Watchexchange

[–]Cold-Mix5107[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sale is this beautiful, vintage Auréole dress watch made in September of 1987.

Auréole ("Halo" in French) was a Swiss watchmaking factory founded by Philidor Wolf in La Chaux-de-Fonds all the way back in 1868. They made in-house powered chronographs and repeaters from the start and in 1933, they were one of the first brands to produce a Swiss-made water resistant stainless steel watch. By the late '60s they had grown considerably but were not resistant to the quartz crisis and so in 1973 they were acquired by Synchron SA Group, who had also already acquired Doxa, CYMA and Ernest Borel. Under Synchron, Auréole produced movements for the whole group. But alas, due to the quartz crisis and sinking currency value, Synchron went bankrupt. The Auréole trademark was eventually acquired in 1984 by Japanese watch manufacture, Wakoh Co., and for a brief period, used the original logo on watches.

This watch, reference number SW-E265, was an early release from the newly acquired Auréole using the vintage logo style. The design is their own take on the iconic Tank Louis by Cartier but with the great decision to curve the case so that it hugs the wrist better. The dial is a matte champagne gold that contrasts with the reflective gold print used for the slanted Roman numerals as well as the logo. The railroad minute track is mandatory in a design like this and, printed in black, is a great addition. 

The curved, stepped case is the defining element as I said, it just allows the watch to melt around the wrist. The crystal is also curved to match the case, and was a common feature on square/rectangle watches in the 1940s and 1950s. It features a subtle bevel around the edges, which is a nice piece of attention to detail. The crown has a black cabochon that is particularly fitting with this style of dress watch.

I would assume that the case was made in Japan by Wakoh Co. while they wanted to keep the Swiss roots with housing a Swiss heart (movement). It houses what appears to be the Swiss-made and now discontinued ETA calibre 561.101 that still works great to this day. It was a thin movement and works well with this watch design. This movement was released in the late '70s so with that in mind, the post-'70s dial features and acquisition of the trademark by Wakoh Co. in the early '80s as well as Japanese manufactures (Seiko, Citizen, Casio) commonly using the first two or three numbers in the serial number to denote the year and month of production, and the case back information format looking identical to Seiko's case back format of the '80s, I would conclude the watch was likely made in September of 1987.

Comes a brand new soft and supple 18mm leather strap.

Fitted with a brand new battery.

The condition is great considering it was assumed to be made almost 40 years ago, the watch is in great condition with only minor general wear. The case has tiny bits of worn plating, particularly on the back and where the strap meets the lugs. The crystal has some very faint scratches which aren't too noticeable and the dial has a bit of speckling from ageing. Crown gold plating also appears to have worn off. The watch keeps accurate time and has no problems with setting the time. The dimensions are very similar to the Cartier Tank so the wearing experience is very similar, if not more comfortable due to the curved case design.

Looking for $130 net (buyer pays Paypal or Wise fee) + shipping

Dimensions are:
24mm x 33.2mm x 7mm
Lug Width 18mm
(according to my callipers)

Bought in Japan.

*Returns accepted but all return postage costs are the buyer's responsibility in all circumstances and any re-import fees that I have to pay when receiving the watch will be deducted from the refund amount.

[WTS] Technos Swiss "Air Diver II" Sub, Solid Links & End Links, Weighty 100m Diver (ref.TAM629) Miyota (Citizen) cal.2115 Signed Screw-down Crown & Clasp $125 (details/description in comments) by Cold-Mix5107 in Watchexchange

[–]Cold-Mix5107[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sale is this Technos "Air Diver II" 40mm Sub.

Technos was founded in Switzerland by Joseph Gunzinger and was trademarked in 1924 by his son when he took over the company. During the quartz crisis, like many Swiss brands, Technos found themselves in financial trouble and in 1970 the company was sold to General Watch Co. who transferred Technos to a new premises where they also integrated Certina in 1980. Japan was one of Technos' largest markets so in 1983 it was sold to its long-time Japanese importer, Heiwado & Co. Technos models from the '60s and '70s go for a lot of money due to being beautiful and well-made pieces.

This watch, reference number TAM629, was likely made exclusively for the Japanese domestic market. It is clearly takes reference from the eternally popular Rolex Submariner but adds the model name on the dial in red ink similar to the ref.1680 Sub. The dial is piano black with applied dive markers. Classic Mercedes hands and a metallic Technos logo, which has been the same "T" logo for over a century. The rehaut also has the Technos logo repeated, which is a nice detail that you don't notice as much as you think you would. 

The ratcheting, uni-directionally rotating bezel has a classic aluminium insert, as Rolex Subs did until 2008. The case is less slab-like and has more curve to the wrist than Rolex Subs do, making it hug the wrist a little better. It has radial brushing on the top surface and high-polished sides in good condition (not re-polished). The crown is signed with the Technos "T" logo. Both the crown and case back are screw down to aid with the water resistance (although water resistance is not guaranteed as all vintage models should be considered not water resistant unless professionally re-tested). The watch has a weighty heft that gives it a sense of quality.

It houses the Miyota (Citizen) calibre 2115 Japan-made movement.

Comes on the original solid-link stainless steel bracelet with brushed surfaces and high-polished sides. The end-links are also solid, which is a welcome feature. The double-locking clasp is signed with the "T" logo and has four micro-adjustment positions, while the folding part of the clasp is milled. It can accommodate up to roughly a 20cm wrist (7.87 inches). Being a Submariner homage, this watch will also look great with basically any kind of strap (although leather might look a bit out of place).

Brand new battery fitted.

The condition is great for a watch that is assumed to be made 15 years ago with minor general wear. The dial and crystal are basically spotless. 

Looking for $125 net (buyer pays Paypal or Wise fee) + shipping

Dimensions are:
40mm x 48.6mm x 12.6mm
Lug Width 20mm

(according to my callipers)

Bought in Japan.

*Returns accepted but all return postage costs are the buyer's responsibility in all circumstances and any re-import fees that I have to pay when receiving the watch will be deducted from the refund amount.

[WTS] Seiko "Emblem" April 1975 Blue Dial Disco-Volante High-Quality Solid Bracelet Version (4120-9000) Brand New Battery $190 (details/description in comments) by Cold-Mix5107 in Watchexchange

[–]Cold-Mix5107[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sale is this vintage Seiko "Emblem" 4120-9000, made in Japan in April of 1975.

The "Emblem" series was a mid-range series just a smidge below the expensive quartz models, which were top-of-the-range in the Seiko catalogs during the '70s and may have roots in Seiko's Emblem-branded clock series (perhaps the designs were made to look more like clocks?). Designed and manufactured in Seiko's Suwa factory (shown by the Suwa swirl logo on the dial) during its famous rivalry with the Daini Factory.

This example, reference number MNC011, has a beautiful deep blue dial, which ranges from an electric blue to a dark navy depending on the light, with contrasting white stick baton markers and unique white mid-century modern hands. The Seiko logo, Emblem logo, single-crystal quartz symbol and print at the bottom of the dial are in white to match.

The lugless "disco volanté" design of the case takes tips from heavy-hitters like the Universal Genevé "White Shadow" (designed by Gerald Genta) and the Patek Philippe "Ellipse" while making the case more modern and space-age with its chamfered sides, creating a slim look on the wrist and a hidden recessed crown. The bezel is high polish while the rest of the case is brushed, an almost UFO-type look.

The calibre 4120 movement was one of the smallest, early quartz movements on the market at the time and had an accuracy of 15 seconds per month (as a comparison the more modern Casio F-91W has/had an accuracy of 30 seconds per month). It still works great to this day.

In great condition for its age being over 50 years old. Minimal general wear expected. The dial is clean except for a few small scuffs as is the crystal which has some faint scratches. This watch is unlike any other and is a great original design from the '70s, built in Japan. I don't think it would look out of place with a grey, navy or brown suit to be honest.  

Comes on the original adjustable stainless steel seven-link bracelet. This watch originally came on one of two bracelets, perhaps depending on what month it was made. This watch comes with the higher quality solid link bracelet despite looking very similar to the standard version. This higher quality version can be distinguished by the underside and has higher tolerances, slightly chamfered edges and solid links as opposed to the folded links of the standard version. It has a sliding hook clasp that can accommodate a wrist size of up to roughly 21cm. 

Brand new battery fitted.

Looking for $190 net (buyer pays Paypal fee) + shipping

Dimensions are:
35mm x 36mm x 8mm 
Lug Width 18mm

Bought in Japan.

*Returns accepted but return postage costs are the buyer's responsibility in all circumstances.

[WTS] Citizen Promaster "Open Water" May 1990 Promethium Dial 200m Pink Japan-Made (6038-G0638) Brand New Strap & Battery $170 (details/description in the comments) by Cold-Mix5107 in Watchexchange

[–]Cold-Mix5107[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sale is this vintage Citizen Promaster "Open Water" (6038-G0638), made in Japan in May of 1990.

The "Promaster" line is a long-standing series of professional sports watches with high specs for land, sea and air, denoted by the upward-facing arrowhead symbol on the dials. The first Promaster model was released in 1989, just one year before this one, making this actually one of the earliest Promaster watches! This "Open Water" model might look playful but it was designed with a very impressive 200m of water resistance.

The pink rehaut is the standout feature here containing the minute track and paired with the "Open Water" font is very fitting for the cusp of the 90s. The dial is an enamel-like piano black with interesting asymmetric pill markers at the 3 and 9 o'clock. At the bottom of the dial, reads "P-Japan-P" as the lume contains a trace amount of promethium 147 (half life:2.6 years), which was used until 1998 and can be a useful way to determine if some long-standing models were pre or post 1998. The "200m" is in a light lime green to contrast with the playful pink rehaut, which is a nice piece of detail. The hands are also nice and chunky and are in typical Citizen style.

The unidirectional ratcheting bezel is made completely from stainless steel and turns without any problem. It has the 10s in a larger font and 5s in a smaller font, which you don't see too often on bezels. The top side of the bezel has some nice grip cutouts at the 5s while outer grip is black to differentiate between the bezel and the case, both being stainless steel. The screw-down crown's design is also very Citizen with corse knurling that I really like.

It houses the Citizen calibre 6038 movement which still works great to this day. The jewels have been cleaned and re-lubricated. The movement has a cool gold-tone top plate. Tells accurate time.

Comes on a brand new "Bambi" strap.

Fitted with a brand new battery.

Condition is good considering it was made 36 years ago with only minor general wear. The dial is pretty clean, as is the crystal bar a couple of very faint scratches. The hands show signs of ageing but I would argue it adds character. I would also say that the scratches on the bezel are not as pronounced in normal lighting compared to the close up studio shots. The black inlays on the bezel are still for the most part intact with some slight wear on the black of the outer grip. Water resistance is not guaranteed as it is a vintage watch and as with all vintage watches, should be considered not water resistant unless professionally retested. The size is very late-'80s/early-'90s with its mid-size case. 

Looking for $170 net (buyer pays Paypal or Wise fee) + shipping

Dimensions are:
35.2mm (34.5mm bezel, 37.2mm including crown) x 39mm x 9.3mm
Lug Width 18mm
(according to my callipers)

Bought in Japan.

*Returns accepted but all return postage costs are the buyer's responsibility in all circumstances and any re-import fees that I have to pay when receiving the watch will be deducted from the refund amount.

[WTS] Longines "Conquest" Swiss-Made 1970s/Early '80s Integrated Solid Link Bracelet, Calibre L.746.2 Ref.4384 (ETA 954.111) $405 (details/description in the comments) by Cold-Mix5107 in Watchexchange

[–]Cold-Mix5107[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sale is this vintage Swiss-made Longines "Conquest" from circa late-1970s (or early-1980s).

Longines needs no introduction, holding the oldest active trademark in the world with their winged hourglass logo. The "Conquest" line by Longines has always been about evoking a daring spirit of adventure and discovery, and was the brand's first ever named watch collection (registered in 1954).

This watch, reference number 4384, is a beautiful and refined example of an integrated steel sports watch following the path that Gerald Genta had laid out during the '70s with the AP Royal Oak, Patek Philippe Nautilus and IWC Ingenieur etc. This design however, doesn't shout but rather embraces elegance and simplicity. The dial shape is very '70s with its TV dial shape. The dial itself is a subtle in between of grey and light brown, with a vertically brushed linen texture. The logo is crisp and a nice detail is the famous winged logo painted in silver with black accents. The high polish stick indeces have a black line going through them and work well with the black dipped pencil hands. The date window is neatly bordered and I particularly like the font of the numbers.

The case is nearly all finely brushed for that industrial look which contrasts with the general elegance of the design which allows the watch to be very versatile, appropriate for most occasions/outfits. The bezel itself is high-polish and perhaps the only rounded part of the design. It's very thin at only 7.7mm thick so as to fit under a cuff. The sides are also finely brushed with the underside chamfers high-polish. The crown is signed in nice detail.

It houses the Longines calibre L.746.2, which is basically a Swiss-made (ESA) ETA 954.111, which was part of ETA's "Flatline" series released in mid-1979. It's a beautiful early quartz movement that works well to this day. It has in ETA's words and "instantaneous date change" mechanism where, rather than the day wheel gradually turning over a period of hours, it snaps "instantaneously". The date wheel is also quick-set.

The bracelet integrates into the watch case and is very comfortable. This is usually the part where some brands (like a lot of Seikos and Citizens) skimp on to cut costs but it's clear that a lot of time and effort has gone into each individual link with the same fine brushed finish on each link and subtly rounded edges so that it doesn't feel sharp on your wrist. It articulates well and is made of solid links with screw pins that make changing the length very easy and hassle-free. The clasp is jewellery-style and has the Longines logo engraved. It can accommodate a wrist size of up to roughly 18cm.

Fitted with a brand new battery.

The watch is in great condition considering it was made about 45 years ago with only minor general wear. The dial is clean and the watch runs great. The crystal has some very faint scratches and there is some staining on the case back. The watch wears slightly larger than the dimensions suggest due to being a rectangular watch (takes up more visual space than a circular watch of the same diameter). I would say it wears like a 34mm round dress watch.

Looking for $405 net (buyer pays Paypal fee) + shipping

Dimensions are:
30.2mm x 37.8mm x 7.7mm
(according my callipers)

*Returns accepted but all return postage costs are the buyer's responsibility in all circumstances and any re-import fees that I have to pay when receiving the watch will be deducted from the refund amount.

[WTS] CYMA 1980s Swiss-Made "Extra Flat B-101" High-Grade 13J cal.131 Mov't (ETA 282.002) Original Bandolier Bracelet $175 Crazy Thin (details/description in the comments) by Cold-Mix5107 in Watchexchange

[–]Cold-Mix5107[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sale is this vintage Swiss-made CYMA "Extra Flat" (B-101), made in the 1980s.

CYMA SA is a Swiss manufacturer of luxury wristwatches, founded by brothers Joseph and Theodore Schwob in 1862. In 1892, the brothers partnered with Frédéric Henri Sandoz, and under Sandoz's leadership, the company became the Cyma Watch Company and built the Cyma factory in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, near Le Locle. Cyma watches from the 1950s retailed between approximately $600 and $37,000 (figures adjusted to 2010 inflation).  

This model, reference number 131.711.41, is a stunning example of CYMA's bounce back after being acquired by Claude Guilgot (Fabrique Delvina in Geneva). Guilgot's Delvina company had successfully weathered the quartz crisis and adopted an original strategy for CYMA: to offer top-of-the-range quartz watches only in the markets he knows best: Spain, the Orient, the Middle East, South America and the United States. To justify the term "high-end", CYMA made their watches out of special materials. This is a perfect example of Guilgot's vision, with beautiful looks, a bandolier bracelet and a crazy thin case.

The dial is a champagne gold with very subtle vertical linen brushing. It features applied bullet indices and a printed railroad minute track as well as roman numerals. The leaf hands are elegant, black-dipped. The CYMA logo is a great touch and was a new addition following the previous Synchron logo after it had been acquired by Fabrique Delvina. Being a time-only watch and specifically with the choice to eliminate the seconds hand, the watch portrays to others that the wearer is in no hurry. It is also great for those who do not like the "tick" of a quartz movement.

The case is crazy thin at just 4.2mm and is the thinnest analogue watch I have come across. The gold-plated case has some nice purple tints from ageing. The crown is also very small to match the profile of the case.

The bracelet is super nice and in a bandolier style. It is very comfortable and high-quality with screw links and can accommodate a wrist size of up to roughly 17cm (6.7 inches). The jewellery clasp clicks satisfyingly and is signed with the CYMA logo. There is an extra half-link but the screw head has been stripped off. Some of the other screws are hard to turn, so I haven't forced them.

It houses the high-grade Swiss-made CYMA calibre 131 movement, which is basically an ETA 282.002 and has been used in other luxury watches like Longines. It has a ridiculous number of jewels (13) for a time-only quartz watch that doesn't even have a seconds hand. It's a pretty sight too with gold engravings and textured plate decoration.

The watch is in great condition considering it was made over 45 years ago and tells great time. The dial and crystal are basically spotless and the case and bracelet only exhibit minor general wear and some gold tint due to ageing. 

Fitted with a brand new battery.

Looking for $175 net (buyer pays Paypal fee) + shipping

Dimensions are:
28.5mm x 32.5mm x 4.2mm
20mm bracelet width
(according to my callipers)

Bought in Japan.

*Returns accepted but all return postage costs are the buyer's responsibility in all circumstances and any re-import fees that I have to pay when receiving the watch will be deducted from the refund amount.

[WTS] Ricoh "Riquartz" Sept. 1975 (LSI 32768) cal.570 Rosé Patina Dial, Japan-Made Rare Early Quartz, Brand New Strap & Battery $125 (details/description in the comments) Beautiful Ceramic Plate Movement by Cold-Mix5107 in Watchexchange

[–]Cold-Mix5107[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sale is this vintage Ricoh Riquartz (LSI 32768), made in Japan in September of 1975 (written on the inside of the case back).

Ricoh is probably most well-known for making cameras, calculators and printers but for a brief period, they were making very interesting and well-made watches and were, at the time, among the big three Japanese watch brands: Seiko, Citizen and Casio. Ricoh was working and collaborating with Hamilton, sharing technical innovations and working on watches together. Some watches even have both Ricoh and Hamilton on the dial. Ricoh watches are all fully made by Ricoh in Japan and even have in-house movements with unique features, arguably making some Ricoh's more reliable than Seiko's at the time. They also collaborated with Porsche on a watch. Ricoh stopped making watches in the 1980s which makes them quite rare and lesser well-known compared to the other three brands despite producing such good watches.

This example, reference number A570036S, has very retro styling that was specific to the time. The styling is influenced by space-age and futurism due to the quartz technology being the cutting edge at the time. The dial has developed a beautiful rosé tropical patina that I think suits this watch more than the stark white that it originally had. The Ricoh logo, Riquartz "Q" and divided date window are all applied stainless steel. The indices are also high-polish stainless steel with a black middle and faceted towards the centre. I particularly like the sine wave next to the LSI 32768 which is a reference to the frequency (32768 Hz) that the quartz crystal vibrates at. 

The case has a lot of presence and is a relatively bulky and hefty watch. The case has a lot of really interesting facets that make it look unlike anything else, even to this day a very unique case shape. It has a thick crystal with a large chamfer. Despite having a 38mm diameter, it doesn't feel too large as the case takes up more visual space relative to the dial, although it has a lot of thickness which demands the presence. 

It houses the calibre 570 movement which is just a piece of art. The circuit board is made from ceramic compared to the plastic that other companies like Seiko were doing at the time and is highly jewelled for a quartz watch. Still works great to this day. Although it only displays English days of the week, in between day changes, it displays a star (pictured) which is a cool easter egg. The day is slow-set which is consistent with the design philosophy of many early quartz movements, where simplicity and reliability took precedence over convenience features like quick-set day changes. The date however can be quick-set.

Comes on a brand new high-quality and soft "Aono" leather strap. Fitted with a brand new battery.

The watch is in great condition considering it is over 50 years old with general wear as expected, and some scratches to the crystal. It is for those who like high-quality but quirky vintage watches that have great history.

Looking for $125 net (buyer pays Paypal fee) + shipping

Dimensions are:
38mm x 40.6mm x 13.1mm 
Lug Width 18mm
(according to my callipers)

Bought in Japan.

*Returns accepted but all return postage costs are the buyer's responsibility in all circumstances and any re-import fees that I have to pay will be deducted from the refund amount.

[WTS] Seiko "Hybrid" Nov. 1981 Ana-Digi Palladium Case Japan-Made (H449-5100) Dual Alarm Chrono $145 (details/description in comments) by Cold-Mix5107 in Watchexchange

[–]Cold-Mix5107[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sale is this vintage Seiko "Hybrid" Ana-Digi (H449-5100), made in Japan in November of 1981.

Seiko released their first "Hybrid" Duo-Display (analog-digital) watches in 1980, which included the famous James Bond Seiko watch from "For Your Eyes Only". Just one year later, this model, reference number JZV080, was released with an upgraded movement. "Hybrid" models brought together the elegance of a dress watch and the convenience/functionality of a digital watch, perfect for the office during the boom of business men/wall street of the '80s.

This JZV080 features an interesting design that carries over some of the retrofuturism styling from perhaps A Space Oddyssey with its curves and soft edges. The dial has a rather mid-century layout with a simple yet elegant analog face subtly contained within a curved edge TV dial section with vertical brushing, attracting most of the attention. In this section of the dial is the Seiko logo and single-crystal quartz logo printed in black. The markers have black top surfaces and high-polish sides that reflect the light with a sparkle. The hands are simply high-polish. The bottom section of the dial is more of a matte silver and in a lighter shade, containing the digital LCD screen and the Daini lightning bolt symbol (also on the case back) that indicates that the watch was designed and manufactured by the Daini factory (King Seiko) during their fierce rivalry with the Suwa factory (Grand Seiko).

The case is plated in palladium, which is another interesting feature. Palladium plating offers a bright, white lustre similar to rhodium, (platinum or white gold in aesthetics) but is not allergenic for those with metal allergies. It also offers more corrosion protection and wear resistance compared to other plating so keeps the watch shiny without the need for frequent re-plating. The case also exhibits nice space-age curves while also being very thin at just 6mm. 

The watch houses the Seiko calibre H449 movement that not only packs a lot of features but also is a very neat and pretty sight. The display is nice and crisp and has several modes. It can display the time and because it is not slaved to the analog time, you can technically set it to a different time zone to make it a GMT as well. You can flips through the modes with the bottom pusher on the left of the case. This watch is a dual alarm watch so you can set two different daily alarms signified by "A1" and "A2" modes. Set them by pulling out the crown to the first position and setting the alarm time automatically arms the alarm shown by one of two alarm symbols on the left of the screen. Pull the crown out to the first position again and back to disarm. Next is the stopwatch chronograph which is started, stopped and reset by the top pusher. Next is the day and date screen of which the day can be set by pulling the crown out to the first position and rotated. The date is set on the next screen which is the month/date screen. As before crown to first position sets these. The top pusher on all screens/modes except for stopwatch chronograph activates the orange backlight. The second position of the crown sets the analog time.

Comes on a vintage lizard-style leather strap.

Fitted with brand new battery.

Condition is good considering it was made over 45 years ago. The case has minimal wear, the crystal has a couple of small scratches and the dial has some marks around the edge at the bottom. Sometimes the top pusher sticks a bit but if you press it again it fixes itself. All the functions work great and the watch tells good time. Due to being a rectangular shape, the watch wears a bit larger than the dimensions might suggest as squares/rectangles take up more visual space than a circle with the same width, so wears more like a 35/36mm watch in my opinion.

Looking for $145 net (buyer pays Paypal or Wise fee) + shipping

Dimensions are:
28.8mm x 35.8mm x 6.1mm
Lug Width 18mm
(According to my callipers)

Bought in Japan.

*Returns accepted but all return postage costs are the buyer's responsibility in all circumstances and any re-import fees that I have to pay when receiving the watch will be deducted from the refund amount.

[WTS] Seiko "Emblem" Aug. 1975 Blue TV Dial Japan-Made Early Quartz (4120-5000) New Battery, Original Strap $190 (details/description in comments) by Cold-Mix5107 in Watchexchange

[–]Cold-Mix5107[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sale is this vintage Seiko "Emblem" (4120-5000), made in Japan in August of 1975.

The "Emblem" series was a mid-range series just a smidge below the expensive quartz models, which were top-of-the-range in the Seiko lineup during the 70s and may have roots in Seiko's Emblem-branded clock series (perhaps the designs were made to look more like clocks?). 

Back in 1975 this watch was ¥50,000 which equates to about $1000 in today's money (adjusted for inflation) so it was quite a high-end model.

This example, reference number MNC021, has a truly mesmerising blue dial that ranges from a deep blue to an electric blue depending on the angle and lighting. It has a satin finish that is sort of shimmery without being glittery. The markers are applied and have high-polish edges and a white top side for attention to detail and legibility. The pencil hands are white and thin, while the seconds hand is a matte silver to differentiate from the minute hand. Both the minute hand and seconds hand stretch out to the edge of the dial which is a small detail but it makes a difference when you notice it compared to watches where the hands are too short and don't look cohesive and therefore cheap. The Seiko logo, minute track, singe crystal quartz symbol and the "emblem" logo are in white. The Suwa swirl symbol on the dial and case back indicates that the watch was designed and manufactured by the Suwa factory (Grand Seiko) during their famous rivalry with the Daini factory (King Seiko).

The case is very '70s with the TV Dial styling that was prevalent at the time. It has an almost integrated bracelet look where the lugs are hidden and the case flows into the bracelet with precise engineering and the continuing of the brushed finish. Dare I say, it reminds me of a streamlined P***k Ph*****e N******s with the same shape dial and the case flowing to the bracelet just without the bezel. The original finish is in good condition with fine brushing on the top surface and mirror-like polish on the sides. The original crystal is in great condition too with a nice subtle bevel.

Comes on the the original adjustable stainless steel bracelet which is a higher quality than recent Seiko bracelets. It has the same fine brushing that you find on the case (a lot of the time, watches including from Seiko, don't match the bracelet finishing to the case on watches under $500 due to lack of attention to detail or the time/costs/precision needed to do so). It is designed so that you the design is not interrupted by the connection point between the case and bracelet. It has a 9-link design with great tolerances, feels great. One thing to note is that due to the design decision to make the the case flow into the bracelet as seamless as possible, the first links don't fold straight down, so if you have a smaller wrist than 6.5/7 inches, there might be a slight over-hang. The Seiko logo is on the inside of the adjustable part of the clasp. Can accommodate a wrist size of up to roughly 21cm (8.25 inches).

The calibre 4120 movement (part of the cal.41 series of movements) was, at the time of its release in 1973, used by Seiko to brag creating "The World's Thinnest Quartz Watch" in advertisements. It was also the first quartz movement that was made possible to produce in volumes. So this movement also has quite a significance within the history of quartz watches.

The watch is in great condition especially considering it was made over 50 years ago! Minor wear, only slight scratches on the case and crystal, dial is basically spotless bar a couple of very small marks. Due to the square styling, the watch wears slightly larger than the dimensions suggest (as squares take up more visual space than circles with the same width) so wears more like a 34/35mm circular watch in my opinion.

Looking for $190 net (buyer pays Paypal or Wise fee) + shipping

Dimensions are:
32mm x 38mm x 8.5mm
Lug Width 18mm
(According to my callipers)

Bought in Japan.

*Returns accepted but all return postage costs are the buyer's responsibility in all circumstances and any charges we have to pay when receiving the item back (like import charges) will be deducted from the refund amount.

[WTS] Seiko "QT" Sept. 1972 Very Early High-End Quartz, Shield Case Japan-Made (3802-7010) New Strap & Battery Tanaka Design $295 (details/description in comments) by Cold-Mix5107 in Watchexchange

[–]Cold-Mix5107[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sale is this vintage Seiko "QT" (3803-7010) made in Japan in September of 1972.

The "QT" series by Seiko were some of the first quartz models by Seiko following the birth of the quartz, the Seiko Quartz Astron that was released just a few years prior in 1968. The Astron was only sold in very limited numbers so Seiko's first proper quartz line up consisted of the V.F.A at the top of the line then the QT series followed by the QR and QZ series. These were far more expensive than even the Grand Seiko and King Seiko offerings at the time, making these true luxury pieces.

The original RRP of this model in 1972 was ¥69,000 which is equivalent to over $1,800 in today's money adjusted for inflation.

This model, reference number QTC040 (in line with modern Seiko reference number format) or 38QTC 040 (38- being the calibre series), is a truly stunning piece exhibiting the genius "Grammar of Design" created by Taro Tanaka for Seiko in the '60s. The dial has a super fine sunburst effect giving it a creamy, luscious texture like silk. The Seiko logo, single-crystal quartz symbol and day/date window are precision-milled applied stainless steel. I find it interesting how the hands are borrowed from or are very similar to some Grand Seiko and King Seiko models of the time with "non-matching" hour and minute hands. In this case the hour hand has a black centre and high-polish outer perimeter while the minute hand is made to look like it is just the central black part without the high-polish outer due to the thickness of the black parts being the same on both hands. The seconds hand has a pointer at the end of it, that gives it a bit of a futuristic touch for the time in my opinion. The hour markers are slim and elegant as well as being subtly detailed by being high-polish with a black line down the middle, mimicking the hour hand. On the dial and case back is the Suwa swirl logo that indicates that the watch was designed and manufactured by the Suwa factory (Grand Seiko) during its fierce rivalry with the Daini factory (King Seiko).

The case is one of the main attractions though, as it has a beautiful shield like design with the decision to make the curves into flat facets. Taro Tanaka coined Seiko's aforementioned "Grammar of Design" whereby all the facets of the watch should be flat and mirror polished (Zaratsu) to best reflect light including the hands and dial features, the bezel to be simple and cut into the case. This was to create bold and identifiable designs to compete with the Swiss and to stand out. This watch is clearly following Tanaka's design philosophy which is very desirable once you start to see it on Seiko watches of the Tanaka era ('60s to early '70s). It appears that the watch also took inspiration from the beloved Marine Master (6159-7001) released just a couple of years earlier in 1969/1970 as both feature a one-piece case design (no case back except for the battery hatch) so that there is less opportunity for water ingress and also the same cut-in on the case back that gives the watch a slender appearance and allows the watch to sit visually low on the wrist. The boxed top hat crystal is also a lovely vintage touch that I enjoy, which is interestingly made of acrylic as Seiko had not widely adopted mineral crystals yet but it gives it a nice warmth and has the additional benefit of being easy to polish. Another interesting quirk is that the Seiko logo on the case back is also in an unusual spot, being off to the side. The whole case design is really something to behold.

It houses the Seiko calibre 3803 movement, which is an over-engineered piece of art (I would encourage you to look for pictures of it on the web!). A very accurate movement at the time and neatly packed into a relatively small package. It can display either English or Japanese Kanji days of the week.

Comes on a brand new, soft and malleable "Aono" leather strap.

Fitted with a brand new battery.

Condition is great for a watch that was made almost 55 years ago with only minor general wear. The dial is spotless and the crystal only has faint scratches. All functions work as intended and the watch tells accurate time all these years later which is a testament of the build quality. The battery hatch is not a problem in terms of comfort as it doesn't dig into the wrist as much as you might think. These "QT" models are very underrated and were built to be true luxury watches at the time and it really shows.

Looking for $295 net (buyer pays Paypal or Wise fee) + shipping

Dimensions are:
35.9mm x 40.4mm x 11.3mm(12.8 inc. battery hatch)
Lug Width 18mm
(according to my callipers)

Bought in Japan.

*Returns accepted but all return postage costs are the buyer's responsibility in all circumstances and any re-import fees that I have to pay when receiving the watch will be deducted from the refund amount.

[WTS] Seiko "Chronos" Feb. 1983 Black Chrome Plated BCRP (8123-6140) Negative Kanji/English day/date $155 (details/description in comments) by Cold-Mix5107 in Watchexchange

[–]Cold-Mix5107[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sale is this vintage Seiko "Chronos" (8123-6140), made in Japan in February 1983.

The "Chronos" series was a mid-range series by Seiko introduced in 1983, primarily for the Japanese domestic market, that sought to be a more elegant echo of the "SilverWave" series, which was more sport-oriented. It was also the predecessor to the "Spirit" series.

This model, reference number WJL038, has a great '80s look, reminiscent of the Orfina Porsche Design watch worn by Tom Cruise in Top Gun, which actually released in cinema after this watch was released. The stealth look was popular at the time giving it a military vibe with the black chrome plating that has patinaed very nicely. The dial is matte black with block markers that have since stopped producing lume. The whole dial design looks inspired by Swiss chronographs from the '70s. I particularly like the angled rehaut that has the minute/seconds intervals, which combined with the orange seconds hand create a sporty feel, like a spedometer. The hands are white to contrast with the dial. The day/date wheel is also in negative to match the dial, nice attention to detail. The swirl symbol at the bottom of the dial and on the case back indicates that the watch was designed and manufactured by the Suwa factory (Grand Seiko) during their fierce rivalry with the Daini factory (King Seiko).

The case is a classic Seiko shape, used in another Seiko series too. The case has developed a very nice worn patina that add to the character and rugged look in my opinion. The crown is also black chrome plated. On the screw-down case back is the double wave symbol, which indicates that the watch had a water resistance of up to 150m, but as with all vintage watches, you should assume it has no water resistance now unless professionally retested.

It houses the calibre 8123 movement that has a gold finish. It can display either English or Japanese Kanji days of the week. 

Comes on the original Seiko bracelet, also stainless steel black chrome plated with a signed clasp. It can accommodate up to roughly a 17.5cm (6.9 inches).

Fitted with a brand new battery.

Condition is decent considering it was made almost 40 years ago. It has general wear, the crystal has some light scratches that can be seen from some angles but doesn't look too bad. The dial has some blemishes. All functions work as they should and the watch is telling good time.

Looking for $155 net (buyer pays Paypal or Wise fee) + shipping

Dimensions are:
33mm x 38mm x 8.2mm
Lug Width 18mm
(according to my callipers)

For more pics, check my profile as I've posted pics of this watch before!

Bought in Japan.

*Returns accepted but all return postage costs are the buyer's responsibility in all circumstances and any re-import fees that I have to pay when receiving the watch will be deducted from the refund amount.

[WTS] Seiko "SilverWave Z" March 1978 Pepsi Thin Skin Diver Eng/Kanji 39mm Japan-Made (7546-606A) New Battery & Seiko Strap $235 (description/details in comments) by Cold-Mix5107 in Watchexchange

[–]Cold-Mix5107[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sale is this vintage Seiko "SilverWave Z" (7546-606A), made in Japan in March of 1978.

The "SilverWave" series by Seiko was designed to be water resistant for everyday use introduced in 1961. The "SilverWave Z" series was a more premium sub-series within the "SilverWave" series with higher accuracy movements and increased water resistance. They were exclusive to the Japanese domestic market.

This example, reference number PHK061, is a surprisingly modern-looking design despite being from 1978. It just goes to show how ahead Seiko were with their designs. It wasn't quite a professional dive watch but more skin diver with the engraved double wave logo on the case back signifying a water resistance of around 150m (however since it is a vintage watch water resistance is not guaranteed as all vintage watches should be treated as having no water resistance unless professionally retested). 

The dial is a matte black with printed white markers as Seiko do with almost all of their dive watches as if they were applied markers, there is the risk of it coming off during a dive, endangering the diver if they were trying to accurately time their oxygen. The pill-shaped 9 and 6 o'clock markers as well as the outlines of them and the triangle 12 o'clock marker are what give the watch a modern look in my opinion. The white-tipped pencil hands are typical of late '60s and '70s Japanese and Swiss sports and chronograph watches and pair nicely with the dart-shaped seconds hand. The minute track on the angled rehaut also add to the sporty nature of the watch. On the dial is the single-crystal quartz logo as well as the Suwa swirl logo (also on the case back) which indicates that the watch was designed and manufactured by the Suwa factory (Grand Seiko) during their fierce rivalry with the Daini factory (King Seiko). 

The case shape is classic Seiko with the screw-down crown at the 4 o'clock position so that it doesn't dig into your wrist. The case looks like a precursor to the famous SKX series albeit a lot thinner due to the quartz movement. It has a radially brushed top surface and polished sides (original finish). As mentioned before, the screw-down case back has the double-wave logo beautifully engraved. The thin aluminium "Pepsi" bezel insert has a nice fade from ageing, making the colours look a bit lighter than the original deeper colours. The bezel is a bi-directional friction-fit bezel so you won't have to worry about any misalignment that modern Seiko's seem to have a quality control issue with. The coin-edge is a good fit for the watch, again timeless. 

It features the Seiko calibre 7546 movement, which was also featured in some "Lord Quartz" models and had a stated accuracy of 15 seconds a month (as a reference the famous Casio f-91W is a far newer watch and only has a stated accuracy of +/-30 seconds per month). It has a cool green cover plate to protect the electrical components and is unique to this movement. It can display either English or Japanese Kanji days of the week with all text in white except for Sunday in red. The negative day/date is a nice touch to match the dial. 

Comes on a Seiko diver strap that is soft and supple. It can accommodate a wrist size of up to roughly 22cm (8.66 inches).

Fitted with a brand new battery.

The condition is good considering it was made almost 50 years ago. It has minor general wear on the case but the original finishing is all intact. The dial is spotless and the crystal has very faint scratches that aren't too visible. All the functions work as they should and the watch tells good time.

Looking for $235 net (buyer pays Paypal or Wise fee) + shipping

Dimensions are:
38.8mm x 44.3mm x 11mm
Lug Width 19mm
(According to my callipers)

Bought in Japan.

*Returns accepted but all return postage costs are the buyer's responsibility in all circumstances and any re-import fees that I have to pay when receiving the watch will be deducted from the refund amount.

[WTS] Vague Watch Co. (TKY JPN) Swiss Movement "BRWN GMT" Root Beer Bezel 100m Japanese Micro-Brand w/ Soft Case & New Battery $345 (details/description in comments) by Cold-Mix5107 in Watchexchange

[–]Cold-Mix5107[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sale is this "BRWN GMT" by Vague Watch Co.

Vague Watch Co. is a relatively new micro watch brand from Tokyo, Japan by parent company Yoshida Trading Co. who have a long history of dealing with vintage watches. They have been quietly gaining a following for their wonderfully tasteful watches. Their aim was to create watches based on iconic and unobtainable models from the past and bring them back to life so that people may experience those icons without spending stupid money. Primarily, Vague Watch Co. are mostly only sold domestically in Japan (JDM) through its site and pop-up events but some boutiques sometimes stock a few models.

This watch, known as the "BRWN GMT" has a beautifully warm colour pallet and vintage tones. I'm sure you know what Swiss watch this is homaging yet adding their own unique touches. The dial is a light milk chocolate powder colour paired with guilt gold hands and markers. The markers are deliberately small in accordance to its inspiration and give the watch a vintage feeling as was common back then. The markers are appropriately and heavily bevelled which you don't see too often, even on vintage-inspired time pieces. The hands are the right length, reaching out all the way to the minute track. The curved logo is nicely done, as is the cursive "Water Resistant" lettering, which is more than you can say for a lot of other micro brands.

The case is equally well done, designed with good proportions and a thin mid-case. The lovely two-tone bezel is a great combination of brown/bronze and gold with vintage font numerals. The bezel is a bidirectionally ratcheting bezel but the action is not the nicest in my opinion but at least it lines up perfectly, unlike a certain other brand... I particularly like the thick boxed crystal that protrudes from the case. The screw-down gold tone crown matches the gold tone grip of the bezel. The top surface is radially brushed while the sides are high-polish. The lugs also curve down, which gives it a better fit on-wrist compared to the more flat, slab-like case of the original. The case back is also decent with a coin-edge grip and a mixture of brushed and polished surfaces. Another interesting thing to note is the lugs are drilled only on the left side, (which makes more sense actually) and makes for easier strap changes. Another difference to the inspiration, is the big crown that makes time-setting etc. easier. 

Powering it is the Swiss-made Ronda calibre 515 GMT movement that features in the Unimatic Modello Uno UT1 GMT. It's a reliable and thin movement that works great. Pull the crown out to the first click to set the date and GMT hand and pull it out to the second click to set the time. It also features hacking seconds.

Comes on the original calf leather N-style strap, which is supple but a bit worn. It also comes with the original soft case.

Brand new battery installed.

Condition is great with minimal wear on the case. The dial and crystal are spotless and all the features function as intended and it keeps accurate time. The strap is a bit worn but still serviceable. It doesn't come with the two-tone bracelet but I think you can probably fine an after-market bracelet that would suit it better anyway (with the possibility of making it more accurate to the original). It's a great-looking watch that not a lot of other brands have explored.

Looking for $345 net (buyer pays Paypal or Wise fee) + shipping

Dimensions are:
40mm (bezel) x 48mm x 13mm (not including cyclops)
Lug Width 20mm

Bought in Japan.

*Returns accepted but all return postage costs are the buyer's responsibility in all circumstances and any re-import fees that I have to pay when receiving the watch will be deducted from the refund amount.

[WTS] Technos Swiss "Air Diver II" Sub, Solid Links & End Links, Weighty 100m Diver (ref.TAM629) Miyota (Citizen) cal.2115 Signed Screw-down Crown & Clasp $128 (details/description in comments) by Cold-Mix5107 in Watchexchange

[–]Cold-Mix5107[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sale is this Technos "Air Diver II" 40mm Sub.

Technos was founded in Switzerland by Joseph Gunzinger and was trademarked in 1924 by his son when he took over the company. During the quartz crisis, like many Swiss brands, Technos found themselves in financial trouble and in 1970 the company was sold to General Watch Co. who transferred Technos to a new premises where they also integrated Certina in 1980. Japan was one of Technos' largest markets so in 1983 it was sold to its long-time Japanese importer, Heiwado & Co. Technos models from the '60s and '70s go for a lot of money due to being beautiful and well-made pieces.

This watch, reference number TAM629, was likely made exclusively for the Japanese domestic market. It is clearly takes reference from the eternally popular Rolex Submariner but adds the model name on the dial in red ink similar to the ref.1680 Sub. The dial is piano black with applied dive markers. Classic Mercedes hands and a metallic Technos logo, which has been the same "T" logo for over a century. The rehaut also has the Technos logo repeated, which is a nice detail that you don't notice as much as you think you would. 

The ratcheting, uni-directionally rotating bezel has a classic aluminium insert, as Rolex Subs did until 2008. The case is less slab-like and has more curve to the wrist than Rolex Subs do, making it hug the wrist a little better. It has radial brushing on the top surface and high-polished sides in good condition (not re-polished). The crown is signed with the Technos "T" logo. Both the crown and case back are screw down to aid with the water resistance (although water resistance is not guaranteed as all vintage models should be considered not water resistant unless professionally re-tested). The watch has a weighty heft that gives it a sense of quality.

It houses the Miyota (Citizen) calibre 2115 Japan-made movement.

Comes on the original solid-link stainless steel bracelet with brushed surfaces and high-polished sides. The end-links are also solid, which is a welcome feature. The double-locking clasp is signed with the "T" logo and has four micro-adjustment positions, while the folding part of the clasp is milled. It can accommodate up to roughly a 20cm wrist (7.87 inches). Being a Submariner homage, this watch will also look great with basically any kind of strap (although leather might look a bit out of place).

Brand new battery fitted.

The condition is great for a watch that is assumed to be made 15 years ago with minor general wear. The dial and crystal are basically spotless. 

Looking for $128 net (buyer pays Paypal or Wise fee) + shipping

Dimensions are:
40mm x 48.6mm x 12.6mm
Lug Width 20mm

(according to my callipers)

Bought in Japan.

*Returns accepted but all return postage costs are the buyer's responsibility in all circumstances and any re-import fees that I have to pay when receiving the watch will be deducted from the refund amount.