Vintage Watches
“Omega Speedmaster”
Everything that we do and wear makes a statement about us – our tastes, our attitudes and, especially, our wealth. But one of the most potent signifiers of all of those elements is the watch that we wear on our wrist. Yes, most people do now rely on their phones to tell the time but a significant number still know the value of wearing a classic timepiece not just to make sure that we catch that flight – but also to make the right impression.
So anyone looking for tips for dressing like a lotto winner should also set aside some of their budget for the right kind of watch. It’ll make for the perfect accessory once you’ve put together the wardrobe of designer brands and chose your statement pieces.
But the big question is which vintage watch to choose and what will each one say about you? Well here are five great choices.
Omega Speedmaster
As the name suggests, this was designed as a sports watch perfect for recording lap times down to the second and even taking on diving expeditions. But it’s also the watch that was worn on the moon so if it could keep perfect time at zero gravity you can be sure that it will do the same on terra firma.
Tag Heuer Autavia
This watch was first introduced back in the 1930s when it was closely styled on the kinds of instruments to be found on car dashboards and aeroplane control panels. If you can find one, snap up a model from the 1960s and 1970s because they are in great demand. Or you could choose the vintage-style contemporary model that is readily available.
Breitling Navitimer
“BREITLING NAVITIMER” (CC BY 2.0) by ume-y
Aviators have always had a soft spot for the Breitling brand and no model has ever been quite as popular as the Navitimer. It was introduced in the 1950s when air travel was still a luxury for the few. The same can’t be said of this watch whose popularity remains so high that there are over forty different models in the range today.
Hamilton Ventura
Hamilton is a watchmaker that decided to build its brand by developing a presence in the movies – and models have appeared in upwards of 500 films to date. The Ventura’s triangular face is nothing if not eye-catching and the list of celebrity wearers is a long one. Even Elvis Presley was said to have a couple in his huge wristwatch collection.
Patek Philippe Nautilus
The fact that the most expensive watch ever sold at auction was a Patek Phillippe probably tells you all you need to know about the brand. The Nautilus was launched in 1976 and features the classic stainless steel look of that decade thanks to designer Gerald Genta. Its clean lines and styling means it looks just as contemporary today as it did nearly fifty years ago.
So put any of these on your wrist and you’ll be making quite a statement. Which watch you’ll choose, and the statement you want to make – well that’s all down to you.
