The Diversity of Different Eras - 4 New (Vintage) Watches
Let’s start off the summer with a quartet of vintage watches. Today we go through 4 watches, each from their own era, and demonstrate all that is good with watch design, finishing, and quality for each time period.
The Omega reference 2279 is a great example of chronographs produced by Omega before the Speedmaster. The watch dates to 1950, and has a stainless steel 35mm case. It appears the case has been lightly polished, but overall retains a strong profile. The dial has a silver and cream hue and has a beautifully hand-engraved caseback which has a dedication to “O.B. Roberts, Logan Boone Mingo Area, B.S.A, 1942 - 1953”. The inscription likely points to the sale and gifting of the watch in 1953 to an individual involved in the Logan Bonne Mingo Area Boy Scouts Council in West Virginia.
The Omega reference 1660117 is a classic 1970’s watch with useful complications. The watch dates to 1972 and comes in very unique condition. As many collectors know, the condition of their watches are a very personal thing. The 35mm yellow gold plated case has aged and oxidized in a very unique way. The gold dial is in great condition, with a lovely gold tone. At 6 o’clock, the symbol of Continental Can Co can be seen. The stainless steel caseback has a hand-engraved dedication “For Loyal Service, ‘Peanut’ Hanus, 1974, Continental Can Co, Inc”. The inscription likely points to the sale and gifting of the watch in 1974 to an individual who worked for Continental Can Co.
Stainless steel watches from the 60’s are sometimes described as the perfect watch. During this time period, precious metal watches were really top of mind for most watch wearers. But many companies who produced exceptional quality watches also produced watches in steel. The watch dates to 1961 and is in great condition. The 33mm stainless steel case has sharp edges and very little signs of polishing. The white, cream dial is in great condition with gold applied hour markers that match the gold hours, minutes and seconds hands. The stainless steel caseback has a hand-engraved dedication “1961 D Tracey, Over 40 Years with C.S. Milne & Co Ltd.”. The inscription likely points to the sale and gifting of the watch in 1961 to D Tracey for 40 years of service with a company located in Deptford, South London, United Kingdom.
Complete with an interesting rectangular case, fancy lugs, and domed crystal, the reference 700 is a perfect representation of the quality Longines produced throughout its history. In a 10k gold filled case, the watch dates to 1954, is seemingly rare, and is in great condition. The 26mm watch shows little signs of polishing. The silver dial features a crossed-pattern, with gold hour markers, hands, and sub-seconds. The watch houses the work-horse 9LT movement, the upgraded version of the 9L movement and is finished to exquisite standards.
Over the coming weeks we will go in depth with each of the watches, but hopefully this keeps you poised to find out more about each incredible piece.
Enjoy!
