Tag: vintage

Owner Review: Seiko 7018-7000 Flyback Chronograph

The sweet exterior demeanor of this beautiful 1971 Seiko 7018-7000 Flyback Chronograph belies the technical powerhouse within; a bi-directional automatic winding, vertical-clutch, column-wheel, flyback chronograph with a Kanji day/date complication that held the record for world’s thinnest until 1987. It really does pack quite the punch. That was quite a mouthful so let’s unpack it…
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29/06/2020
Owner Review: Hamilton 1973 W10 British Army Issue – True old school charm

I picked up this watch from an old watchmaker, who told me that he had bought it at an auction of MOD (ministry of defence) equipment and surplus items. He’d bought a handful of this type of genuine British Army issued W10 watches and parts, some from Hamilton and some of the later issued CWC…
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23/06/2020
Owner Review: Mitchell Skin Diver – A short history

Most of you probably might not have heard of the Mitchell Skin Diver. If you are wondering if this watch has any associations with the fishing reel company, Mitchell Garcia, you are absolutely correct. Early advertisements have indicated that this elusive watch was first launched in the early 1960s. Just a few models were featured…
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15/06/2020
Owner Review: Enicar Sherpa OPS Super Compressor

As unique as it may be, the Enicar Sherpa OPS Super Compressor was probably missed by the collectors of the past, often overshadowed by its bigger friends of Submariner, Seamaster and the like. Usually unnoticed in watch fairs, it certainly lacked the attention that it should have drawn. With the huge variety in diving watches,…
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11/06/2020
Owner Review: Movado Tank – Wearable Art

The focus of collecting watches for me has never been about how expensive a watch is, but rather about its design, distinctive features, details, history and overall look and feel. This early Movado Tank seems to fit these traits adequately. Having collected art deco watches for some time, this piece caught my eye the moment…
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06/06/2020
Owner Review: Caravelle Sea Hunter – The Devil you don’t know

Throughout the 1960’s and 70’s, Bulova manufactured quality affordable skin divers under their “Caravelle” sub-brand. The basic idea was to apply Bulova’s QC process to assembly lines outside of Switzerland using non-Swiss movements to keep costs down. The Caravelle Sea Hunter is a close cousin of Bulova’s infamous “Devil Diver” of the same era, these…
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04/06/2020
Owner Review: Seiko Seikomatic DayDate 6206-8040

Simplicity, elegance and precision are the factors that Seiko care deeply about. And today I am going to review their beauty from the 60s – the Seiko Seikomatic DayDate 6206-8040. Take a look at the silver-grey dial with the “baton” indices, as well as dauphine hands. You can hardly miss the Japanese professional watchmaking techniques.…
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02/06/2020
Owner Review: Cyma WWW Dirty Dozen

Military watches such as the Cyma WWW Dirty Dozen are attractive for various reasons. As tool watches they are usually very practical, well designed and legible, but for some pieces the historical aura that comes with the watch is just as important. I have always been fascinated by the Second World War: the RAF, spitfires,…
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29/05/2020
Owner Review: Universal Geneve Microtor Automatic

This Universal Geneve Microtor Automatic cost just about as much as a Volkswagen car in 1959. Universal Geneve watches at the time were sold in Patek Philippe boutiques and it really does show. Truly stunning quality in 18k rose gold and a beautiful brushed face. I wear a suit almost every day- at least I…
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10/05/2020
Owner Review: King Seiko 5626-7041 – Gone but never forgotten

Ah, King Seiko 5626-7041. You may have lost your battle with Grand Seiko but you still won my heart. ❤️ In the 1960’s, Seiko was on a mission to disrupt Swiss watchmaking. To accelerate innovation, Seiko split into two completely independent subsidiaries, pitted against each other in a race to produce the finest watches capable of…
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06/05/2020