{"title":"Archives","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"rolex-datejust-as00792","title":"Rolex Datejust","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo many, a silver dialed Datejust with a fluted bezel is \u003cem\u003eTHE\u003c\/em\u003e Datejust. It’s what comes to mind when they hear the name, and it’s the classic tried and true version of the iconic Rolex that is as ageless as Joan River’s face (may she rest in peace).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubmariners are one of our favorite watches, but we’re not James Bond (except in our dreams), and prefer to wear something else for more formal occasions. Being the Rolex fanboys that we are, Datejusts fill that niche perfectly, and besides, it’s nice to break up the monotony of all sports watches all the time. Wear it with a suit and tie to the office during the week and with jeans a t-shirt on the weekend; you can never go wrong pulling a Datejust out of your watch box. It’s always a great choice. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe bet no one has ever explained it this way: a silver dialed Datejust is like herpes, Rolex has had it forever, and it will never go away. Paul Newman Daytonas have come and gone, McQueen Explorer IIs have come and gone, but silver DJs aren’t going anywhere. For as long as Rolex continues to sell watches, they’ll sell silver Datejusts, and this is one watch that you can be sure will never go out of style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eHistory\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe've said it over and over again - the Datejust may just be the perfect watch. Coupling perfect proportions, simple dial layouts, and robust movements, Rolex's most prolific model is an icon of timekeeping that has been in continuous production for decades. Let’s face it, the Datejust is all the watch that just about any of us really need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beauty of the Datejust is that it is the ultimate do-anything, go-anywhere watch. One part sporty and one part dressy, the Datejust wears just as well with jeans as it does with a suit, and thanks to the signature Oyster case and tough-as-nails movement, it’s ready for anything that you can throw at it. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn production continuously since 1945, the original Datejust was the world's first wristwatch to incorporate a date disc and aperture at 3 o’clock. The cyclops magnifier over the date window was introduced in 1954, and as we all know became a signature Rolex design cue.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince then, dates at 3 o’clock has become commonplace, and the Rolex cyclops magnifier bubble has become a hallmark of the brand. Datejusts have proudly been worn by presidents, athletes and movie stars (and probably your grandfather), in a testament to how timeless and versatile the watch truly is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere so many watches can be a little too big here, or a little to small there, the Datejust is just right, embracing the wrist with its thin and tapering 36mm case. And while recent horological trends have favored large wristwatches, the age of the giant watch is behind us (thankfully), making more reasonably sized watches, like the original Datejust, a pleasantly stylish option that fits the bill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's a magic to the Datejust's simple design, a timelessness that speaks to how true style never dies.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1144779361,"sku":null,"price":3900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Rolex_Datejust_16014_FullKit_AS00792_Culture2.jpg?v=1432842707"},{"product_id":"doxa-sub-300t-professional-us-divers-dial","title":"Doxa Sub 300t Professional - US Divers Dial","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the late 1960s, DOXA developed the most important diver's watch you've never heard of.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe brand had numerous innovations that had an impact on the design and manufacture of sport and professional diving watches to this day; the world's first uni-directional rotating bezel with an engraved US Navy No-Decompression dive chart, the first commercially available Helium Release Valve (on the Conquistador models), and of course their signature Orange dial for maximum visibility underwater. DOXA, in our opinion, should be ranked and regarded among the \u003cem\u003eother\u003c\/em\u003e iconic divers - the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and the Rolex Submariner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlas, the brand didn't have the staying power of the larger companies, and was lost in obscurity for decades after the quartz crisis, kept alive to a dedicated legion of enthusiasts only through the writings of adventure writer Clive Cussler, whose fictional hero wore an orange dial DOXA in many of his world-saving exploits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut that doesn't mean \u003cem\u003ewe\u003c\/em\u003e forgot about them! And as always, it is our mission to bring the most exceptional and storied vintage timepieces to market. So with that in mind, we're very pleased to present this absolutely immaculate example of an early 1970s Sub 300T Professional, complete with its orange dial and US Diver's \"Aqua-Lung\" logo, the stamp of approval from the Sea King himself, Jacques Cousteau. This is one of the cleanest vintage DOXAs we've ever come across!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you consider yourself a fan of vintage diving watches, you\u003cem\u003e need \u003c\/em\u003ea DOXA in your collection... don't say you didn't get the memo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLots of great information about the history of the DOXA brand and their timepieces can be found \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/blogs.christies.com\/longitude\/watches\/para-doxa\/\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DOXA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1153752733,"sku":null,"price":2500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/DOXA_SUB_300T_Professional_US_Divers_Dial_AS00774_Culture1.jpg?v=1432853950"},{"product_id":"rolex-datejust-1601-full-kit-1970","title":"Rolex Datejust","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere at analog\/shift, we have a passion for timepieces with tradition, style and value. And it's no surprise that the Pantheon of Rolex watches includes so many pieces truly worthy of the moniker \"icon.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you think of Rolex, your first thoughts may be the unmistakable GMT Master with its two-tone \"Pepsi\" bezel, the aviator's timepiece designed for Pan-Am pilots and transatlantic jet flights. Or you might imagine the form-follows-function Explorer I, the watch designed for mountaineers and tested under the most extreme conditions on earth. Mostly likely, you'll think of the Submariner, the legendary diver by which all others are measured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's no denying that a Rolex Submariner is one of the most iconic watches of the last 60 years, but the same can easily be said about its sibling, the Datejust. Designed for the fluctuating conditions faced in everyday wear, the Datejust was the world's first wristwatch ever to incorporate a date function, and has been worn proudly by \u003ca title=\"analog\/shift X Hodinkee Dwight D Eisenhower's Rolex Datejust\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hodinkee.com\/blog\/on-the-block-dwight-d-eisnhowers-person-rolex-to-be-auctioned-off\" target=\"_blank\"\u003epresidents\u003c\/a\u003e, athletes and movie stars - and probably your grandfather. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again; with perfect proportions, a robust automatic movement and timeless styling, the Rolex Datejust may simply be the most versatile and wearable watch ever designed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular Datejust (Reference 1601) dates from approximately 1970 and features a classic 36mm Oyster case, non-luminous silver sunburst dial and a lovely fluted white gold bezel. In outstanding original condition and coming complete with its original Jubilee bracelet, inner and outer boxes, hangtags, COSC certification paperwork and Guarantee Booklet, this is one of the nicest examples of vintage Datejust we have ever come across!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more information on then history of the Rolex Datejust, check out this recent article by Hodinkee, \u003ca title=\"analog\/shift X Hodinkee A Week On The Wrist Rolex Datejust 36mm\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hodinkee.com\/blog\/rolex-datejust-review\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1153756965,"sku":null,"price":4400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Rolex_Datejust_1601_Box___Papers_AS00489_Culture1.jpg?v=1432853849"},{"product_id":"heuer-autavia-orange-as00744","title":"Heuer Autavia Orange","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt strikes us as somewhat ironic that while Heuer is perhaps best known for introducing the Calibre 11 (through \u003cem\u003e\u003ca title=\"analog\/shift X OnTheDash Project 99 The Race To Develop The World's First Automatic Chronograph\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.onthedash.com\/docs\/Project99.html\"\u003eProject 99\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/em\u003e automatic chronograph movement and inserting it in some of the most iconic 1970s timepieces ever produced, our favorites from the brand are almost always the \"lesser\" versions - powered by good old fashioned manual-winding Valjoux movements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's a multitude of reasons for this seemingly odd preference:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor starters, as important and impressive an innovation in timekeeping as the Calibre 11 was (and it really, really was), it simply \u003cem\u003eisn't\u003c\/em\u003e our favorite movement. The reasons for this are varied, but it ultimately comes down to two primary points. Firstly, as cool as automatic chronographs are, they are inherently \u003cem\u003eless\u003c\/em\u003e accurate than manual winding versions. Automatic movements require an additional escapement through which amplitude is lost, resulting in less accurate timekeeping than manual units. For sure, this difference is generally negligible, but it is worthy of note. Secondly, because these movements were the first of their kind, performance and reliability \u003cem\u003earen't\u003c\/em\u003e at the top of their game, whereas the Valjoux manual counterparts that preceded them were at the top of their game. Reliable, accurate, and robust as all get out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to the differences in the movements, there is a significant difference in how these watches wear.  While the cushion cases used on both manual and automatic-driven Autavias in the 1970s outwardly appear the same, the difference in \u003cem\u003ethickness\u003c\/em\u003e between them is significant. Automatic movements required extra clearance, so while the length and width of the cases were uniform, the \u003cem\u003edepth\u003c\/em\u003e of the case varied considerably. Cushion cases were introduced around 1969 as the new housing for the Chronomatic movements, modernizing Heuer's look and ultimately setting the tone for sports watch design in the 1970s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile we are big fans of the look in general, we have to admit that as our tastes mature we find some of the larger automatic pieces a bit of a bear on the wrist - top heavy and just a little too big. The slimmer manual versions, on the other hand, have all the looks but are considerably slimmer, making for a better wear all around.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLastly, there's the issue of availability. We'd be lying to you if we said we weren't driven by rarity to some degree. Of course all vintage pieces inherently have a certain degree of rarity, and Heuer sports models are no exception. But if there is an execution of a particular timepiece that is less common than others, chances are we'll be drawn to it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince manual winding cushion-cased Autavias rarely come up for sale, we jumped at the chance to nab this super cool (and super clean!) twin register version with orange dial accents. \"Orange Boy\" automatics are among the most desirable Autavias on the market, but manual versions like this one are rare as hens teeth. \u003cem\u003eTechnically\u003c\/em\u003e they aren't as valuable as their automatic siblings, but when there is one manual winder for every 25 automatics, which do you think we'd choose?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a comparison of early Autavia models, check out this great reference\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.onthedash.com\/Guide\/_Chronographs\/62.Autavia\/d.Automatic_Autavias\/69.Reference_1163T\/\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eat OnTheDash!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Heuer","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":2680231169,"sku":null,"price":5200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Heuer_Autavia_Reference_73363_Orange_AS00744_Culture1.jpg?v=1448989940"},{"product_id":"wittnauer-diver","title":"Wittnauer Diver","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe at analog\/shift believe in exploration. We believe in action.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOh yeah, we also believe in badass vintage dive watches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen we see pieces like this sweet manual-wind Wittnauer steel diver's watch, we are reminded that there was a time, not so long ago, when men were measured by their deeds and remembered for their daring. With their simple and clean designs and their reliable and robust movements, the tool watches of the 1960s and 1970s were built to accompany the adventurer across the globe and to keep time at its great heights as well as its dark depths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe could go on and on about the cleanliness of the Explorer-style dial, or the wickedly creamy patina on the markers and hands. We could tell you about Wittnauer's relationship to Longines and Omega, (or how this thing is \u003cem\u003every\u003c\/em\u003e much an Omega Seamaster Professional in disguise).  We could bore you to tears with pontifications about its story and its soul. But we won't.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a watch for every wrist, and this watch waits, happily ticking away, for a man of action, of exploration and of style.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wittnauer","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3073055681,"sku":null,"price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Wittnauer_Diver_AS00903_Culture1.jpg?v=1432841632"},{"product_id":"tudor-submariner-gilt-dial-as00902","title":"Tudor Submariner Gilt Dial","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTudor has been hitting it out of the park these past few years with their modern line and return to the US Market, and appreciation for their vintage models continues to swell.  Particularly desirable amongst the vintage offerings is their Submariner line, which ran alongside their siblings - the iconic Rolex Submariners.  Tudor Subs feature the same cases, crowns, and build quality as their \"Big Brother\" Rolex models, but were fitted without the in-house movements that gave Rolex their price tag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Tudor Submariners from the 1970s and early 80s are incredibly cool, here's something earlier and even more impressive: A Reference 7928 Tudor \"Rose\" Submariner with a gilt dial, chapter ring, and pointed crown guards...the kind of timepiece that melts souls and makes the knees of grown men go all wobbly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDating from1963, this is an early execution \"MKII\" dial, with gilt markers and chapter ring and silver script.  The original dial and hands have a patina that will make you swoon.  And those pointed crown guards...oh lawdy lawdy, is it getting hot in here?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bottom line is that if this piece were a Rolex Submariner with the same attributes (Gilt, Chapter Ring, PCG), it would be pushing past the $20K mark...so this is an incredible opportunity to pick up something truly special for a fraction of the price. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe first sold this watch to a client a couple years ago, and part of what we love about this business is that some of the coolest watches have a habit of finding their way back to us as clients go through the process of consolidation and upgrading.  Our relationships with our clients are our number one priority, and that’s how we end up with a great situation like this! If you were one of the many who missed this tremendous piece on its first go around, don't hesitate this time - there's no telling when or if it might be back!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore info on these great pieces can be found \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/tudorcollectorsite.blogspot.co.uk\/p\/submariner-model-7928.html\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e, at Tudor Collector!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tudor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3073402881,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Tudor_Submariner_7928_Gilt_PCG_AS00902_Culture2.jpg?v=1432842049"},{"product_id":"rolex-submariner-5513-1977","title":"Rolex Submariner","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"From birth, man carries the weight of gravity on his shoulders. But man has only to sink beneath the surface and he is free.\" - Jacques Yves Cousteau\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rolex Submariner Reference 5513 is likely the world's most important watch. In constant production since 1954, the Submariner has become so well known that it is often what one thinks of when they hear the brand's name. But the Submariner did not earn its iconic status simply by being ubiquitous. The watch was specifically designed for use in the Earth's oceans, expertly crafted and honed to serve sport, scientific and military forays beneath the waves. Thus, it is imbued with the mystery of the deep, forever linked to the desire to interact with the one environment on this earth most inhospitable to man.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThough the Submariner has evolved over time, it has remained very close to its original execution. And while there are some variants that are valued at incredibly high levels, the modest no-date, matte dial Reference 5513, produced from the early 1960s until 1990, is perhaps the loveliest - a simple tool watch constructed for one purpose in mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe world of vintage Submariners is replete with terms the collector or enthusiast has undoubtedly heard. But decoding this often complex lexicon can be difficult, and leaves many individuals clawing at terms that have become inflated, overused and largely misunderstood over time. Words like \u003cem\u003eMaxi, meters first, serif \u003c\/em\u003eand \u003cem\u003enon-serif\u003c\/em\u003e have become catchy terms, flipped here and there carelessly by many an enthusiast. But when its all said and done, they generally don't add much clarity to the process of knowing where to begin looking, how to know how much you should spend and what the value of the watch you are getting actually is. In our opinion, a Submariner should check three simple boxes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst and foremost, the case should be thick with no signs of over-polishing - once metal has been polished away, there is no getting it back. Secondly, the watch should have an honest, matching dial and handset. Refinished and re-lumed dials should be avoided. Lastly, and most importantly, the watch should sing to you. When deciding between these monoliths that surged through history as the most iconic watches in existence, look for that something special that moves you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis watch, dating from roughly 1977, is a lovely example that we are pleased to have on offer. With a beautifully patinated matte dial and Mercedes hands, and sharp, thick Oyster case without the common signs of over-polishing,  this Sub checks all the above boxes, and is a great example for any collector!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3073555393,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Rolex_Submariner_5513-1977_AS00901_Culture2.jpg?v=1433361158"},{"product_id":"omega-flightmaster-as00878","title":"Omega Flightmaster","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is Omega’s Real Deal Holyfield pilot’s watch.  Take a Speedmaster, add some more functionality, a dash of color and an avant-garde case, and a Flightmaster is born.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Flightmaster line was introduced in 1969, and was the first Omega with a movement (Reference c.910) designed with the timing needs of pilots in mind. The first version of the watch replaced the running seconds sub-register typically found at 9 o’clock in chronographs with a AM\/PM indicator, letting the globe-hopping pilot track the time of day in his home city. Omega also added a rocket-shaped blue GMT hand for tracing the time in two separate time zones. The wearer was also given two methods of timing events: a 12-hour chronograph, as well as a 60-minute inner elapsed time bezel. That’s a hell of a lot of features in one watch!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA few years into production, Omega updated the movement (Reference c.911) by replacing the AM\/PM indicator with a running seconds hand, which is useful on a hand-wound watch since it let's you easily tell at a glance if it is wound and running. This example of Flightmaster features the c.911 movement, as well as an incredibly beautiful aged dial. The chocolate tropical sub-registers and patina to the tritium hour markers give this watch a wonderful vintage look and exudes an aura of adventure. We can just imagine this watch strapped to the wrist of a Pan-Am pilot visiting exotic cities during the golden age of jet travel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA substantial and chunky piece, the Flightmaster actually wears very comfortably on the wrist due to its hidden lugs and heavily tapered case. The case shape definitely has a funky vintage vibe, but that pairs perfectly with the colorfully accented dial and color-coded crowns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’re looking for a true pilot’s tool watch, the Flightmaser is as cool as it gets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLots of information on this awesome timepiece can be found \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/chronomaddox.com\/flightmasterarticle.html\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e on Chronomaddox.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Omega","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3073705281,"sku":null,"price":2750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Omega_Flightmaster_AS00878_2.jpg?v=1440200786"},{"product_id":"seiko-6139-pogue-chronograph-blue","title":"Seiko 6139 \"Pogue\" Chronograph Blue","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEveryone knows that the first watch worn on the moon was an Omega Speedmaster, one of history's greatest manually winding chronographs. But did you know that the first \u003cem\u003eautomatic\u003c\/em\u003e chronograph worn in space was a Seiko?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough it didn't become known until just a few years ago, and even though it was not part of his official mission kit, Astronaut Colonel William Pogue made history when he snuck his personal Seiko 6139-6002 chronograph onto the Skylab 4 mission as part of his personal kit in 1973. Manufactured in large quantities in the early 70s by the Japanese manufacturer, 6139-series chronographs were in many ways light years ahead of their Swiss counterparts, offering brightly colored dials, internal rotating bezels, and day\/date functionality along with an automatic chronograph movement. The 6139-6002 cost a whopping $71.50 in the early seventies. Colonel Pogue bought his at the PX at Ellington Air Force base and subsequently used it throughout his astronaut training leading up to the mission, preferring it to the NASA-issued Speedmaster. While Pogue did not wear the Seiko during an EVA (spacewalk), he did use it for timing experiments and other mission-pertinent uses while in orbit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAutomatic watches rely on the motion of the wearer’s arm to make the rotor spin, and in the early days of the space program many did not believe automatic winding systems would work in space, where there is no gravitational force. Col. Pouge’s Seiko effectively ended that debate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver a decade later, the Sinn model 140 automatic chrono was taken into space on the wrist of Reinhard Furrer on the Spacelab D1 Mission. For decades it was assumed that this was the first automatic chronograph ever worn in space, and it shocked the watch collector community when photographs of Col. Pogue wearing a yellow dialed Seiko in the Skylab module surfaced on the web in 2006. As soon as the news broke, prices for 6139s skyrocketed and a whole aftermarket parts network appeared virtually overnight. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Col. Pogue legacy has transformed the 6139 into a hotly sought after watch, but it’s also worth pointing out the even without Pogue, the 6139 would still be an important watch to chronograph collectors. Seiko released the watch in 1969, and to many of you that year should ring a bell, since it was the year that the world first saw automatic chronographs. Seiko was in a race against Heuer and Zenith to be the first to market, and while we tend to believe Heuer crossed the finish line first, all the brands were truly neck and neck.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're a fan of aviation history you'd be hard pressed to find a more interesting and significant timepiece at this price point. Don't miss out on this nice \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eoriginal\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e (not so easy to find these days) example!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a bit more information on this interesting timepiece, check out our piece on DreamChrono, \u003ca title=\"DreamChrono- Seiko 6139 Pogue Seiko by James Lamdin of analog\/shift\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/blog.dreamchrono.com\/2013\/11\/seiko-6139-pogue\/\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Seiko","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3074044545,"sku":null,"price":525.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Seiko_6139_AS00891_Culture1.jpg?v=1432841927"},{"product_id":"movado-triple-date-moonphase-as00853","title":"Movado Triple Date Moonphase","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe begin with a simple three-hand movement. The mainspring, an eager little strip of metal, is charged by the winding of a crown or by the oscillation of a rotor. But this energy is raw and needs to be controlled, its release regulated. To control its release an escapement is employed – a mechanism that alternately checks and releases this energy while transmitting impulses to a series of gears. As they move they turn hands that, in combination with the dial of the watch, indicate the passage of time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe true magic of these tiny mechanisms is that they are like miniature mirrors, reflecting to the wearer nothing more than the passage of the earth around the sun, decoding this celestial information and compiling it in a tangible and readable format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery function that is added to a mechanism requires further math, more gears and greater attention to the precision of the passage of time. These additional functions are aptly referred to as complications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe triple-date moon phase watch has four extra complications, each marking the next higher increment of time. First we have the inclusion of the date, a common enough complication among mechanical pieces. Next is the addition of the day of the week, still a relatively straightforward addition. Beyond this, the addition of the month, a feature that necessitates further calculation, higher orders of the accumulation of time across many days. Finally, and most poetically, is the addition of a complication which indicates the phase of the moon – from the new moon to the full and back again, it marks the position of the moon in relationship to our position on the planet.\u003c\/p\u003e\nWhile moon phase clocks have been in existence for centuries \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/watchingwrists.co.uk\/history-moon-phase\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e(and in some cases even longer!)\u003c\/a\u003e, the first known example of a wristwatch with this level of complication was the Breguet Perpetual Calendar, released in 1929. Not surprisingly, these early moon phase watches trade at incredible values (a version of this early Breguet sold at Christies a few years ago for over $475,000), many brands successfully created moon phase watches of their own, allowing for many great options at much more approachable price points.\n\u003cp\u003eMovado, which opened its doors in 1881 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, was for decades an esteemed Swiss watch manufacture, producing incredible mechanical timepieces through up through the 1960s. This particular watch dates to the late 1950s and is the embodiment of the style and precision that Movado mastered at its zenith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a lovely rolled-gold 33.5mm case, this piece is a heartwarming vintage moon phase watch that drips with class, perfectly augmented by its uniquely aged dial and hands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more information on the Moon Phase complication, check out this great article by Jason Heaton for Gear Patrol, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/gearpatrol.com\/2015\/04\/14\/complications-the-moonphase\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Movado","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3076225665,"sku":null,"price":2400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Movado_Triple_Date_Moonphase_AS00853_Culture2.jpg?v=1432842104"},{"product_id":"rolex-submariner-1680-1978","title":"Rolex Submariner Date","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe don’t need to tell you that the Rolex Reference 1680 Submariner is a classic, and there’s good reason why almost every collector winds up with a vintage Rolex sports model in their stash eventually. We don't have to remind you that they are timeless, tough, do-anything, go-anywhere tool watches. We probably don't even have to tell you that Rolex has been producing Submariners uninterrupted since the watch was introduced at the Basel Fair watch exposition in 1954. It's true, the Rolex Submariner is one of the most recognizable, well-known watches on the planet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat's easy to forget is that the 1680 comes from the time when Jacques Cousteau had the world enthralled with life underwater. SCUBA’s popularity was booming and the greatest depths of the oceans were being explored for the first time. Rolex created the Submariner with the tagline “A diver’s dream come true!” in a testament to the tool watch embodied in the waterproof Oyster case, rotating dive timer bezel, luminous hands and markers and large (for the time period) steel case. In short, the Reference 1680 Submariner was the physical manifestation of a whole wave of exploration and adventure under the sea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWe spend a fair amount of our time pursuing and obtaining examples of excellent vintage Submariners, which has become a much harder task in recent years. Most of the ones that we do find get scooped up quickly, often winding up on the wrists our friends in Manhattan within hours of obtaining them. But in the interest of keeping things fair, we thought we'd offer this one up here in order to help you guys up there in Minneapolis and Toronto and get with the program.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWhile no-date Submariners (such as reference 5512 and 5513) often hog the spotlight for being the \"go-to\" vintage Submariner, serious consideration should be given to a watch with a date function - particularly if you intend to wear it daily.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3076423937,"sku":null,"price":6800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Rolex_Submariner_1680_AS00887_3.jpg?v=1442516484"},{"product_id":"omega-speedmaster-as00767","title":"Omega Speedmaster","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's the mid 1960s. A huddle of NASA lab technicians closeted their lab coats and made their way to a Houston watch shop with a singular directive. Find us a chronograph to go to the moon. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeverishly, the team worked, subjecting the wristwatches to a barrage of tests. They blasted the watches with intense heat. They brutalized them with sickening cold. They assaulted all the watches with everything NASA could conjure, searching for the one that would function best under the incredible duress of spaceflight. When the dust and gamma rays had settled (gamma rays can settle, right?) only one chronograph met the agency's specifications. It was the Omega Speedmaster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOmega has always been a top-notch manufacture. Always reaching for excellence, whether is was in their chronometer-certified Constellations, or their MoD-issued W.W.W. service pieces, Omega tirelessly worked to produce watches of the highest caliber. The story of the moon watch reflects that excellence. A consumer chronograph, manufactured to the highest level of quality possible, was subjected to a litany of tests and finally chosen by a federal agency to be the timekeeper for men going on the first mission to the lunar surface. No modifications were done, no improvements were made. The watches that the crew of Apollo 11 wore could have been purchased by any person in the United States at the time for $82.50. Incredible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince the moon landing, countless Omegas have made their way into space in a variety of capacities. From spacewalks to rendezvous on the International Space Station, the Omega Speedmaster has been on the wrist of every American astronaut since the completion of the rigorous testing performed by NASA in 1965.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example dates to late 1969, just after the Moon landing. Omega celebrated the amazing accomplishment by creating a special caseback for the Speedmaster, featuring the text “Flight Qualified By NASA For All Manned Space Missions” and “The First Watch Worn On The Moon”. This caseback was only used for a short period before Omega transitioned to caseback that is nearly identical to the one still in production, so collectors get pretty excited when they see it nowadays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are looking for the next addition to a growing collection or your very first foray into vintage timepieces, you just can't go wrong with a Speedy!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Omega","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3076559297,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Omega_Speedmaster_Caliber_861_1969_AS00767_Culture1.jpg?v=1432841294"},{"product_id":"universal-geneve-white-shadow-box-and-papers","title":"Universal Genève White Shadow","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis was the thinnest automatic watch in the world, and Gerald Genta designed it. That’s quite the pedigree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is in outstanding condition, and is housed in a highly desirable stainless steel case. A crisp matte black dial with simple polished hour markers add a touch of elegance to the watch and pair perfectly with the black stick hands. The cushion shape gives the watch a strong wrist presence, and the ultra-thin case is a welcome change from the Submariners and Speedmasters that are so often strapped to our wrists. The cherry on top for this beauty comes in the form of its full original kit - box, Guarantee papers, service center booklet, original purchase receipt, and even the original signed buckle.  Really an outstanding find!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’re looking for a dressier piece to wear to the office or on formal occasions, the White Shadow is a worthy consideration. It has an unimpeachable pedigree, looks fantastic and is a joy to wear. Put this one on your radar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbout the UG White Shadow:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBack in the day, Universal Genève was the real McCoy. Instead of assembling watches from parts produced by various manufactures like many brands of the mid 20\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ecentury, the Swiss brand was developing and producing their own innovative designs. The White Shadow was not just powered by any old movement, but an in-house, micro-rotor automatic movement. But wait, this wasn’t the run-of-the-mill in-house micro-rotor automatic movement, it was the world’s thinnest automatic movement for over a decade after its introduction in the mid-60s. As far as we’re concerned, that an impressive bit of horological history, and we’re just thankful that such an important movement is housed in such a good looking watch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpeaking of the White Shadow’s looks, this is one of the first major watches designed by the late, great Gerald Genta, the prodigy of watch design who was responsible for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus. Genta designed the White Shadow prior to those pieces while still working for Universal Genève, where he was also the brains behind the Polerouter (see one,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/universal-geneve-polerouter-1\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e). With its record-breaking movement and Genta’s artistic touch, the White Shadow deserves as much recognition as any other UG, whether it’s a Tri-Compax or Nina Rindt chronograph.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Universal Geneve","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3076848385,"sku":null,"price":1800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Universal_Geneve_White_Shadow_Box_and_Papers_AS00850_Culture2.jpg?v=1432841804"},{"product_id":"lemania-chronograph-as00852","title":"Lemania Chronograph","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're at all interested in vintage chronographs, the name Lemania should ring a bell.  We could go on about their history (founded in 1884) or their technical expertise, but to sum it up, Lemania is the shit as far as chronographs go.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLemania is not as well known for their self-branded watches, but there are a wide variety of fantastic vintage Lemania watches out there ripe for the picking. Some of the most popular vintage Lemanias are the military-issued timepieces (see one, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/lemania-monopusher-chronograph-royal-navy-issue\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e), and they’re cool as hell. Prior to those, Lemania produced some of the highest quality chronographs of mid 20\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century, and we have a great example here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack-dialed chronographs from the 1950s are quite rare compared with white and silver dials, so we love this Lemania just for that reason. Perhaps the coolest feature of this watch, though, is something that you can’t see: the movement. All vintage chronograph lovers are very familiar with Omega’s Caliber 321 Speedmaster. It’s universally regarded as one of the best chronograph movements ever made, and collectors go crazy for them. Most collectors know that Lemania was Omega’s supplier for the 321, but not all realized that Lemania used this movement for their own watches too (not to mention sending a bunch off to Patek Philippe for their chronos).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnown in-house as the Caliber Ch27, this Lemania is at the pinnacle of manually-wound chronograph heap. And for a fraction of the price of the 321 Speedmaster Pro, this watch is a no brainer.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lemania","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3077093121,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Lemania_Chronograph_AS00852_Culture1.jpg?v=1432841478"},{"product_id":"le-phare-triple-date-calendar-chronograph-pink-gold-plate-1","title":"Le Phare Pink Gold","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt its heart, a timepiece is a reflection of our human experience, the embodiment of our concept of the passage of time. From the simplest three-hand timepieces to the most complex haute pieces, a watch is nothing more than our way of reaching out and grasping at the eternal, celestial revolution of our little orb as it dances its way through the heavens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a simple three-hand movement, we are able to record the most immediate instances of this dance, the seconds, minutes and hours that comprise each day. But three hands can only go so far. After twelve hours, simple movements start the record over again, resuming the march driven by these smallest of intervals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe addition of day, date month registers is not simply an exercise in adding mechanical complication, it is the expansion of our vision and account of time and its passage. When wearing a triple-date, the wearer engages with the expanse of time, the hours that have grown to days, days to months. All this captured and recorded in the few millimeters of metal on the wrist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe can't blame you if you've never heard the name 'Le Phare,' but you shouldn't let the brand's relative obscurity concern you.  Le Phare was the brand name for the Jean d'Eve manufacturing company which minted in Switzerland in the late 1800s.  Jean d'Eve won several awards for watchmaking in the early 1900s and was so successful and reknown that by 1970, it was the second largest Swiss manufacture of chronographs.   \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCounted among Le Phare's successes was the contracting of Valjoux for its movements - highly precise, robust movements that found their way into various watches of the era, including the Rolex Daytona.  The venerable Valjoux 72c (“c” for calendar) movement powers the timekeeping mechanism and complications of this particular piece, and is without a question one of the best manually-wound chronograph calibers ever created. The triple-calendar version of the Valjoux movement displays the day, date and month, in addition to a 12-hour chronograph with central seconds counter. The silky silver-tone dial and gold-tone Arabic hour markers contrast beautifully with the subtle blue accents of the outer calendar ring and blue-tipped date hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Le Phare is capable of going toe-to-toe with any chronograph of the era - both mechanically and aesthetically - and at 36mm, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/p\/2ovzAzrM9H\/?taken-by=analogshift\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ewears incredibly well on the modern wrist\u003c\/a\u003e.  \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Le Phare","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3077190593,"sku":null,"price":4200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/LePhare_Calendar_AS00885_Culture1.jpg?v=1432841378"},{"product_id":"rolex-submariner-gilt-dial-as00828","title":"Rolex Submariner Gilt Dial","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are Submariners and then there are \u003cem\u003eSubmariners\u003c\/em\u003e. This, dear friends, is one of the latter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore there were 5512s and 5513s, before there were COMEX, Tiffany or Mil-Subs, there existed a line of Submariners so simple in design that they truly were the prototypical dive watch for Rolex, and arguably for the entire industry.  These early Subs don't have the heft, tolerances or flash that their more modern counterparts have, but they are every bit as iconic and have a fair dose more of understated charm. Bringing it back to basics, it is hard to dispute the importance of these early form-follows-function designs, and the presence they have on the wrist is truly something else.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLaunched in 1953, the Submariner line is one of - if not \u003cem\u003ethe single\u003c\/em\u003e most important timepiece designs in all of wristwatch history. An icon among icons, its signature Oyster case, rotating dive-timing bezel and simple three-hand black dial configuration with perfect proportions is for many the singular most identifiable wristwatch in the world.  Spawning a number of variations (and an innumerable of knockoffs), the early \"shoulderless\" models are some of the most collectible diving watches on the market, identifiable immediately by their slightly slimmer case dimensions and bezel assemblies, as well as - you guessed it - their lack of crown guards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt once handsome and capable, these early executions are sought after by collectors for their historical significance and beauty, as well as their tie-in with James Bond, who, while portrayed by Sir Sean Connery in Dr. No, first brought a Rolex onscreen as part of Q's kit of SPECTRE-busting field gear. \"Big Crown\" Subs (such as those worn in the early Bond films) have a hefty premium on the market, but models such as this Reference 6536\/1, which feature roughly the same case dimensions, a 100 meter depth rating and a smaller 6mm crown are still relatively undervalued in our eyes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntroduced in 1955, the 6536\/1 is commonly considered a transitional model from Rolex's earliest executions to the later Big Crown versions. This particular example carries a 306XXX serial, dating it to circa 1957. In beautifully patinated condition, it features a great case with a stunning aged dial and handset. The Radium lume has puffed up evenly, exhibiting a warm creamy coloration, and the ghosted bezel insert is a thing of sheer beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are excited to be offering this special example from a local collector in New York City.  They really don't get much more character than this! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo see a video of this watch, click on over to our Vimeo feed, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/130355980\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e*We have received numerous inquiries regarding the authenticity and originality of the bezel insert fitted to this Submariner.  We have researched it extensively, and while it may not have originally been fitted to the watch (inserts are commonly exchanged and swapped on vintage Rolex), we believe it to be an authentic Rolex part.  Of course, nothing conclusive can be ascertained without a crystal ball, especially when dealing with no crown guards Submariners!*\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3077306625,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Rolex_Submariner_Ref_6536_AS00828_Culture1.jpg?v=1432841422"},{"product_id":"heuer-carrera-3647t-red-tachymeter-dial","title":"Heuer Carrera 3647T","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere really is no bad looking vintage Carrera.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Carrera was one of Jack Heuer’s most passionate projects, and his design ethos for this watch can be summed up in one word: legibility. Jack wanted a watch that was stylish and functional, a watch that gives you everything you need and nothing you don’t.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a watch designed in the late 1960s, the Carrera remains a stunner, proving the brilliance of Jack’s design philosophy. A clean dial never goes out of style, and it makes the Carrera an easy watch to dress up or down. At 36mm, the case wears extremely well on the modern wrist, its long beveled lugs making it feel a bit beefier while still slipping easily under a cuff.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarreras were produced in a variety of styles with a range of dials configurations, including relatively standard black and silver dials and the rarer, more sought after panda dials.  Still rare, but slightly more available and affordable than the coveted panda dials, are the black and silver dials with added tachymeter, decimal or pulsometer chapter rings in red, blue, white and black.  These rings add a wonderful touch of color to an otherwise simplistic dial, making them a particularly attractive option for the enterprising collector.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eManufactured circa 1970, this particular Carrera, a lovely Reference 3647T, is powered by the robust manually-wound Valjoux 92 chronograph movement, with double subsidiary register layout. The Valjoux 92 is a derivative of the triple register Valjoux 72 that we all know and love, with similar architecture and quality, simply without an hour register. These Valjoux 92-equipped Carreras have a cleaner look and feel especially modern today, as many brands use this layout for their new releases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have been so blown away by the demand from our clients for these watches that we’re officially declaring 2015 the Year of the Carrera. With values for early manual-winding Heuer chronographs on the rise, you won't want to miss out on snatching up one of these beauties before they go stratospheric like too many other vintage pieces of this caliber.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor an in depth look at early Heuer Carreras, check out this great piece by our friend Eric Wind over at Hodinkee, \u003ca title=\"analog\/shift X Hodinkee Heuer Carrera Explained\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hodinkee.com\/blog\/understanding-the-earliest-heuer-carreras\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Heuer","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3077452417,"sku":null,"price":6000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Heuer_Carrera_3647T_Red_Tachymeter_Dial_AS00816_Culture1.jpg?v=1432842000"},{"product_id":"wakmann-chronograph-as00827","title":"Wakmann Chronograph","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWe’ve joined forces with our friends at 10:25 Vintage, a New York-based operation with a shared enthusiasm for interesting vintage timepieces, to bring you a robust handpicked collection that is both \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eexceptional and affordable. Perfect for the discerning collector on a budget, these pieces provide an excellent entry point to the joys of vintage watches.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is something wonderful about excellent vintage watches that have yet to be 'discovered' by the general public.  As collectors and enthusiasts, we so often astounded at how, seemingly overnight, watches appreciate and go from being relatively attainable to scarce and expensive.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnown mainly for their closely association with the Breitling family, Wakmann was the US distributor of Breitling watches from the 1940s to the 1970s. Some watches from this era were actually co-signed as Breitling\/Wakmann; however Wakmann also brought their own line of sporting timepieces to the market, often utilizing Breitling's supply chain of high grade components but retailed with entry level price points.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWakmanns have been getting a lot of attention in the past few months, with chronographs and triple dates fetching higher and higher prices.  While collectors and enthusiasts familiar with Breitling's history and their relationship with Wakmann have enjoyed years of unmolested buying, real interest in the brand and the U.S.-market timepieces has made finding good, honest examples hard to turn up.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSadly, this interest has also spawned a whole sub-economy of fake and refurbished\/refinished versions of these watches, making it even harder to find the genuine example. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular piece is in fantastic original condition with a 34.5mm steel, gold-plated case and lovely silver sunburst dial with mint-green luminous material.  Driven by a wonderful Venus 188 chronograph movement - a stalwart and reliable Swiss engine - this Wakmann is an excellent value proposition for the experience collector and the entry-level enthusiast alike.     \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Wakmann","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3077525249,"sku":null,"price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Wakmann_Chronograph_Two_Register_Gold_Plate_AS00827_2.jpg?v=1444251081"},{"product_id":"universal-geneve-bumper-wind-box-papers","title":"Universal Genève Bumper Wind","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is fire sweeping through the inner circles of the New York City collector community that can be summed up in two words: Universal \u003cspan\u003eGenève\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUntil recently, this high end Swiss brand was little-known outside of their Polerouter models (designed by a young Gerald Genta), but recently, intense interest among collectors and enthusiasts has pulled the largely defunct manufacture into the limelight - a light that has long been overdue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUniversal \u003cspan\u003eGenève\u003c\/span\u003e was once responsible for some of the most beautiful dress watches and chronographs from the mid-20th century. From the purpose-driven to the ornate, UG had a touch all its own and breathed incredible beauty and craftsmanship into every piece they produced. While there has been some contemporary stirring from the brand (they released a manually-wound limited edition Compax at Basel World in 2009), it is Universal \u003cspan\u003eGenève's sumptuous vintage stylings that have the Big Apple all abuzz.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe piece we have for you here is a shining example of just how capable the brand once was at producing stunning high quality gentlemen's wrist wear.  A simple but elegant 35mm steel case wraps a textured two piece dial with luminescent markers and sword hands.  Internally, the watch houses a Calibre 138SS bumper-wind automatic movement, the same found in early iterations of the aforementioned Polerouter.  The best part? This gorgeous piece comes complete with its original box and papers from the famous Henri Stern Watch Agency at Rockefeller Center in New York City - the very same company that brought Patek Philippe to the United States and sold Universal Geneve alongside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn nearly flawless original condition, the only signs of aging are the creamy luminescent elements on the dial and hands - and a subtle radiation burn on the dial, caused by the hands remaining stationary for decades!  This is really a time capsule watch, and an absolutely brilliant one at that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEat your heart out, Don Draper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Universal Geneve","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3078575681,"sku":null,"price":2900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Universal_Geneve_Bumper_Wind_Box_Papers_AS00817_Culture1.jpg?v=1432844442"},{"product_id":"rolex-explorer-ii-as00824","title":"Rolex Explorer II","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor decades, Rolex prided itself on sending their watches to the farthest reaches of the earth.  Where the iconic Submariner ruled the ocean depths and the GMT Master owned the skies, the Explorer II was designed to delve deep into the earth itself.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReleased in 1971 as a follow up to the original Explorer, the Explorer II was designed specifically for a new threshold of exploration: Speleology - the exploration of all things subterranean.  This hearty breed of adventurers spend days on end underneath the surface of the earth, and without sunlight it is easy to lose track of day and night.  To keep them on point, Rolex combined a 24-hour hand with a fixed 24-hour steel bezel which kept continuous track of whether it was AM or PM. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike it's predecessor, the Explorer I, which made famous by mountaineers in the 1950s, the Explorer II utilized a larger Oyster Case design closer in proportion to the larger sports models already offered (the Submariner and GMT).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the Explorer II was produced in far fewer numbers than its Sub and GMT counterparts, it maintains a strong collector following, due partially to its assumed connection with Steve McQueen.  In the early 2000s, a rumor was started that the legendary actor\/racer\/all-around King of Cool owned a 1655.  In truth, no evidence exists that McQueen ever wore one, much less \u003cem\u003eowned\u003c\/em\u003e one, and there is no photographic proof to substantiate the rumor.  Regardless, his name is forever connected with the watch, and although prices have cooled down since the truth was revealed several years back (he actually wore a Submariner 5512), the Explorer II remains a highly collectable and \u003cem\u003etotally\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eawesome\u003c\/em\u003e member of the vintage Rolex family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular example dates to 1978 and also comes complete with its full set of box (not pictured) and paperwork, including original Warranty Papers (stamped and dated 1978, original instruction manual, and factory service and warranty papers from 1998 and 2010. Fitted with a genuine service dial, handset, and a factory refreshed bezel, this pampered Explorer II is an absolute beauty, ready for daily wear and another 40+ years of ownership on the wrist of its next custodian. Truly, one of the nicest and most complete examples of this reference that we have ever come across!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo see a video of this watch, click on over to our Vimeo feed, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/130355979\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3078775809,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Rolex_Explorer_II_Full_Kit_1978_AS00824_Culture2.jpg?v=1433276598"},{"product_id":"zenith-two-register-pink-gold-chronograph","title":"Zenith Pink Gold Chrono","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe never planned on this happening, but it did. Somehow, we’ve become gold watch guys. Not the gangster style, blinged-out Rollie kind of guy, but the classic, understated, precious metal cased, fine timepiece aficionado of yesteryear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGold may have gone out of fashion for a time, but all signs point to it coming back with a vengeance. We’re not complaining, and it only seems fitting that a finely crafted Swiss movement be housed in a case worthy of the heart beating away inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis lovely Zenith chronograph dates to the late 1960s, and is an excellent example of the genre of sport-influenced dress pieces that became quite popular in the post-war years. This can be attributed, in part, to the hundreds of thousands of GIs returning home with issued timepieces, as World War II was the first war during which most troops had wristwatches instead of pocket watches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe idea of the wristwatch as a fashion item took hold with a tremendous surge in the post-war years, and manufactures in both Switzerland and the United States were back in business. The no-nonsense tool watches of the war years heavily influenced post-war design trends on both the manufacturer and consumer sides. This resulted in designs such as this Zenith, with clean, uncluttered dials, angular lugs and robust mechanical movements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example features the Zenith Calibre 146D movement, a high-grade unit provided by Martel, the movement house also responsible for supplying many of the Universal Genève Compaxes of the era with their guts. While Zenith may be best known for creating the first fully integrated automatic chronograph, the El Primero, they have a long history of partnering with the best Swiss movement manufacturers, as did many of their contemporaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEveryone needs a little gold in their life, and this Zenith makes an excellent first foray into that segment of the watch world. It’s the perfect dress watch for a guy who’s not into dress watches, or a great casual watch for a guy who wants to turn things up a notch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust channel your best Belgian super-villain voice and repeat after me, “I love gooooooooold”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Zenith","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3079233025,"sku":null,"price":3900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Zenith_Two_Register_Gold_Chronograph_AS00826_Culture1.jpg?v=1432842226"},{"product_id":"rolex-datejust-as00825","title":"Rolex Datejust","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes to vintage Rolex, it is often the most minute of details that makes a \"regular\" timepiece something truly special.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the case of this steel Reference 1603 Datejust, that detail is the pair of Alpha style hands delineating hours and minutes.  Used regularly on earlier references and executions, this stunning style was replaced by the simpler \"stick hand\" style still in use today.  While not the rarest of variations, this nice set of Alpha hands with patina really take this piece to the next level.  We grab every one we can find, and that hasn't amounted to many over the last few years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Datejust also features an engine-turned bezel, silver sunburst dial, and a US-made oval link Jubilee bracelet, rounding out the perfect vintage package.  With prices on modern Datejusts kissing the $8K mark, it really makes us scratch our heads as to why someone wouldn't pick up one of these charming beauties at a fraction of the price instead. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir loss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eHistory\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe've said it over and over again - the Datejust may just be the perfect watch. Coupling perfect proportions, simple dial layouts, and robust movements, Rolex's most prolific model is an icon of timekeeping that has been in continuous production for decades. Let’s face it, the Datejust is all the watch that just about any of us really need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beauty of the Datejust is that it is the ultimate do-anything, go-anywhere watch. One part sporty and one part dressy, the Datejust wears just as well with jeans as it does with a suit and thanks to the signature Oyster case and tough-as-nails movement, it’s ready for anything that you can throw at it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn production continuously since 1945, the original Datejust was the world's first wristwatch to incorporate a date disc and aperture at 3 o’clock. The cyclops magnifier over the date window was introduced in 1954, and as we all know became a signature Rolex design cue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince then, dates at 3 o’clock has become commonplace, and the Rolex cyclops magnifier bubble has become a hallmark of the brand. Datejusts have proudly been worn by presidents, athletes and movie stars (and probably your grandfather), in a testament to how timeless and versatile the watch truly is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere so many watches can be a little too big here, or a little to small there, the Datejust is just right, embracing the wrist with its thin and tapering 36mm case. And while recent horological trends have favored large wristwatches, the age of the giant watch is behind us (thankfully), making more reasonably sized watches, like the original Datejust, a pleasantly stylish option that fits the bill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's a magic to the Datejust's simple design, a timelessness that speaks to how true style never dies.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3079563777,"sku":null,"price":2700.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Rolex_Datejust_1603_AS00825_Culture1.jpg?v=1433344083"},{"product_id":"jlc-mark-xi-pilots-watch","title":"JLC Mark XI Pilot's Watch","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough much of World War II, allied aviators were donning the American-made A-11 service watch. While this tough-as-nails timekeeper performed meritoriously for soldiers and airmen alike, Britain's Ministry of Defense found that the production specifications of the A-11 were too broad and resulted in timepieces too imprecise for effective navigation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an answer to the A-11, the MoD issued new standards for the watches going to its RAF pilots. The new standard, coded 6B\/346, required chronometer-grade performance and anti-magnetic properties. As the MoD did for all watch procurements, they turned to Goldsmiths \u0026amp; Silversmiths Co., Ltd., a High Street jeweler with Royal Appointments who worked with the general public, as well as royalty and government ministries. Goldsmiths \u0026amp; Silversmiths likely approached all of the major European manufactures, eventually giving contracts to two: Jaeger-LeCoultre and International Watch Company.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe resulting timepiece was the Mark XI Pilot's watch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to the relatively standard features present on the A-11 (center seconds, hacking and a stainless steel case) the Mark XI featured a soft iron dial and dust cover, surrounding the movement with iron on all sides (known as a Faraday cage) and shielding it from magnetic fields that can throw off timekeeping accuracy. It’s worth noting that the Mark XI was likely the first watch designed from the start to be anti-magnetic, a feature that would later become prevalent in military and professional timepieces. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs cool as the engraved caseback and Faraday cage are, it’s a shame that the JLC Caliber 488 can’t be seen, since it’s one of the most beautiful movement of the era, not to mention built to an extremely high standard. The Cal. 488 is one of only a handful of chronometer grade movements from the 40’s and 50’s, designed to be accurate within just 4 seconds per day. While many assume that a military watch such as this would be the epitome of function over form, the gorgeous hand-finished Geneva stripes on the movement are squarely in the realm of haute horology. Putting the military heritage aside, the JLC Mark XI is simply one of the finest watches of its day.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jaeger LeCoultre","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3079705729,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/JLC_Mark_XI_Pilots_Watch_AS00814_Culture2.jpg?v=1432843720"},{"product_id":"rolex-air-king-as00742","title":"Rolex Air King","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeavy is the wrist that wears the Crown. Yeah right! It’s fucking awesome.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen wading through the sea of vintage Rolex, it can be difficult to know in which direction one should travel.  At times, the divide between the tool watch models - the Submariners and Explorers - and the dressier gentlemen's pieces - Presidents, Datejusts and the like - seems incomprehensible, and it can be hard to know just what each model and execution would be suit you best. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut wrapped around each iconic Rolex is the understated benchmark of the brand's success.  The Rolex Oyster Case is probably one of the most ubiquitous designs in the modern era, and can be found in the simplest Oyster Precisions to the most sought after Explorers and Submariners.  It is the silent canvas upon which every one of the brand's executions has been painted, and regardless of the movement that fills it, or the dials that adorn it, this simple and elegant case is a huge part of the brand's global success. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rolex Air King, the brand’s most attainable model, is no different.  Built upon the sturdy foundation of a 34mm Oyster Case, the Air King is one of the cleaner Rolex designs with simple stick markers and baton hands.  And while recent trends have deemed the Air King a bit on the small side, modern manufactures are beginning to re-focus on slimmer, simpler cases, making this svelte, classy design totally en vogue.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a gorgeous silver dial Alpha hands and spear markers, this particular Air King is certainly one of the best looking execution. Whether this is your first watch from The Crown or your tenth, the Air King is a solid choice.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3079843201,"sku":null,"price":3200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Rolex_Airking_AS00742_Culture1.jpg?v=1432844494"},{"product_id":"omega-chronostop-145-009-blue","title":"Omega Chronostop Blue","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerhaps the most eccentric Omega watch ever produced (and knowing Omega, that’s saying a lot), the Chronostop driver’s watch is undeniably charming. After all, how many instances can you name of a watch brand attempting to change the way that their customers wear a watch?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Omega Chronostop was introduced in the mid-60s as an attempt by Omega to create a lower-priced chronograph watch targeted at younger consumers. More novelty than true chronograph, the Chronostop is only able to time events up to 1 minute. We’re sure some people found a good use for it, but to be honest, this is not the most functional chronograph ever made, but at least it’s fun to use! The mono-pusher stopwatch is started with the initial press of the pusher and then it is pressed and held to freeze the orange hand and read the seconds. When the pusher is released, the totalizer returns to zero.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most interesting thing about the Chronostop is that it was designed to be worn on the underside of wrist. Omega advertised the Chronostrop as a driver’s watch, and pushed the idea of wearing it in that unusual fashion since the topside of the wrist isn’t easily visible while your hands are on a steering wheel.   Omega even created a special version of the watch with a rotated dial (see \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/omega-chronostop-grey-dial\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular example is completely original, driven by the Calibre 865 manual-wound movement, and features a gorgeous blue dial with original handset in excellent condition.  Its size, dial design, and unique functionality make it an interesting conversation piece, not to mention a collectable timepiece.   If you’re looking for something fun, colorful and affordable, this is the one!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA video by Hodinkee explaining the history and operation of the Chronostop can be found \u003ca title=\"Hodinkee Omega Chronostop Video\" href=\"http:\/\/vimeo.com\/8723791\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore information on the full Omega Chronostop line can be found \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.old-omegas.com\/chronostop.html\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Omega","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3079902017,"sku":null,"price":1250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Omega_Chronostop_145_009_Blue_AS00800_Culture1.jpg?v=1438896037"},{"product_id":"heuer-autavia-chrono-as00789","title":"Heuer Autavia Chrono","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs far as we’re concerned, the Siffert is a perfect watch. When Heuer designed this watch, the stars were aligned and an icon was born. The Siffert went on to become a favorite of vintage watch collectors and a grail for any passionate Heuer fan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat said, if you absolutely forced us to nitpick, the only qualm we may have with the watch is that it’s a bit chunky. Don’t get us wrong, the Siffert wears extremely well, but it’s a chunky watch, and some collectors prefer to fill their watch box with svelter pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLuckily, there’s a Siffert for everyone. While the Caliber 11 automatic model is what comes to mind when many collectors here the name, Heuer created three manual versions of the watch in the same style as the automatic model, and only produced a small number of these compared to the automatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach version of the Siffert has its own unique merits, and we would be very happy if our personal collection consisted of one of each and no other watches. This example, the two register no date, has the cleanest dial of bunch, as well as the thinnest case. While it looks identical to the rest head-on, it’s the easiest model to slip under a cuff and most comfortable to wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eManual Sifferts rarely come up for sale, and we had to pry this model out of the hands of a private vintage collector to be able to offer it to our clients. With a case, dial and hands in excellent condition, this is a rare opportunity to own of the coolest vintage Heuers out there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eHistory\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Siffert is the real deal. During the golden age of sports car racing, a chronograph watch was an essential piece of kit, and the Siffert is the watch that was worn by many of the greats. This one, ladies and gentlemen, is the real McCoy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese were the days of Bell, Elford, McQueen. The days of Porsche 917s with no traction control. The glory days of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This was a special time in history, and Heuer chronographs were used to mark it, track it and record it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJo Siffert was a Heuer enthusiast (not to mention amateur pit-lane dealer) in the late 60s and early 70s, and also happened to be one of Formula I’s best drivers.  He taught Steve McQueen his track secrets and was the very man who introduced McQueen to the Heuer brand. When McQueen was filming Le Mans, he insisted on imitating Siffert’s uniform down to the smallest details, including the prominent Heuer patch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Monaco is the best-known Heuer chronograph to many, but for collectors like us, the Autavia is the one to own. Rolex has its Submariner, Breitling its Navitimer. Blancpain has its Fifty Fathoms and Audemars Piguet its Royal Oak. As far as we’re concerned the Siffert is Heuer’s monolith, it’s pièce de résistance. From its steel cushion case, panda dial, twin subsidiary registers and date function, to the fact that it's powered by one of the world's first automatic chronograph movements, the Siffert has it all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the full story on the history of the Jo Siffert Autavia, check out a great article over at Hodinkee,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.hodinkee.com\/blog\/2009\/7\/28\/whats-the-deal-with-the-jo-siffert-heuer-autavia-a-look-at-s.html\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd for a comparison of early Autavia models, check out this great reference\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.onthedash.com\/Guide\/_Chronographs\/62.Autavia\/d.Automatic_Autavias\/69.Reference_1163T\/\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eat OnTheDash!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePersonal Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eA few years ago, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mr. Jack Heuer - Honorary Chairman of TAG Heuer and former President of the Heuer brand.  During that memorable encounter, I happened to be wearing my own \"Siffert\" Autavia, and Jack noticed immediately, commenting on how great a driver Jo had been. If that doesn't speak volumes about the iconic nature of this special timepiece, I don't know what does. - James Lamdin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Heuer","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3080118785,"sku":null,"price":7500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Heuer_Autavia_AS00789_Culture1.jpg?v=1432843910"},{"product_id":"aviation-navitimer-reference-2151","title":"Aviation Navitimer","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf it looks like a Navitimer, swims like a Navitimer and quacks like a Navitimer, then it probably is a Navitimer.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot this time.  However, this is not some lame Breitling Navitimer homage, it is a veritable watch and an interesting and excellent piece of horological history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreitling was founded in 1892, and while still around today, the company is no longer in the hands of the Breitling family. The late 1970s was a turbulent time for the Swiss watch industry, and many storied houses were swept away by the Quartz Crisis. By 1978, Breitling was in trouble due to the illness of its leader, Willy Breitling, and the steep decline in sales that had befallen the entire industry. Unable to keep operations going, the Breitling company was liquidated, and parts, toolings and naming rights were sold off. The Ollech \u0026amp; Wajs company, founded in the 1950s, was one of several groups who bought some of the Breitling properties, and they began producing Navitimers under the Aviation brand name soon afterward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Aviation Navitimers are nearly identical to their Breitling counterparts, and present a tremendous value proposition compared with a Breitling-branded watch. The archetypical pilots watch, Navitimers are one true icons of the genre. The slide rule bezel is the watch’s most recognized design feature, and it is what endeared the Navitimer to pilots in the analog era. The Navitimer is a time-speed-distance flight computer, and by starting the chronograph on takeoff and stopping it on landing, the pilot is able to calculate his average flight speed via the bezel. Before GPS, this was an essential tool for navigation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular piece is a wonderful example of an Aviation chronograph, with the classic Navitimer dial, in completely new old stock condition. The Navitimer was a large watch for it’s day, but perfectly sized to modern tastes. The dial is certainly has a lot going on, but that is what distinguishes the Navitimer from every other sports watch and lets someone in the know spot one from a mile away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’re more than a little nostalgic for the days when these watches were such important tools for professionals, but now it’s our job as enthusiasts to be caretakers of watches from those good old days, and to share the stories of these fine mechanical instruments with you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrap this watch to your wrist, put on your bomber jacket, buckle in, start her up and take off. Repeat after me: “Tower, this is Ghost Rider requesting a flyby”.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aviation","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3080259713,"sku":null,"price":2900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Aviation_Chrono_AS00785_Culture1.jpg?v=1433276192"},{"product_id":"breitling-top-time-reference-2003-as00784","title":"Breitling Top Time Reference 2003","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRolex: Submariner, as Breitling: Navitimer, as Omega: Speedmaster. This SAT-style analogy (if the real test was like this we wouldn’t have had to become watch dealers!) may describe the best-known models from the three brands, but as you know, there’s so much more to Rolex than just the Sub, just like there are so many great Omegas out there besides the Speedy Pro. Now let’s talk about vintage Breitling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes to collecting vintage chronographs, Breitling can be a polarizing brand. Generally known for their Navitimer aviation computer watches, many find their dial designs hectic and difficult to read for daily wear. While those pieces are indisputably cool, they are indeed a lot to take in, and as a result Breitling doesn't always get the same appreciation as some of their contemporary counterparts. We'd like to change that. Exhibit A: \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Breitling Top Time line was created in the 1950s as a simpler line of chronographs for more basic tasks then timing an orbital burn (you know, like driving a car in circles or making dinner). The Top Time came in a variety of case, dial and movement configurations, but they all had a clean and classic vintage chronograph style that is reminiscent of a Heuer Carrera or Rolex Daytona while maintaining it’s own identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis reference 2003 falls on the dressier end of the Top Time spectrum with its gold-plated steel case and silver dial, featuring gold hands and hour markers. While still a sports watch, the watch dresses up well and is a fantastic option for those of us who still like to wear a chronograph with a suit. With a comfortable 36mm case and Venus manual-winding movement, the Top Time checks all of our boxes for a vintage chrono, and it’s only a matter of time before Top Times are as popular as their Heuer and Omega contemporaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLet’s not forget that a Top Time was Bond’s choice in Thunderball, and you can learn more about that one over at Hodinkee \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.hodinkee.com\/blog\/on-the-block-the-james-bond-breitling-top-time-geiger-counter\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Breitling","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3080365633,"sku":null,"price":2070.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Breitling_Top_Time_Gold_Chrono_AS00784_Culture1.jpg?v=1433267309"},{"product_id":"tudor-oyster-prince-big-rose-reference-7964","title":"Tudor Oyster Prince","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s seems likes Tudor is everywhere these days. There are always a few Tudors on the table at collector get-togethers and Tudor's is one of the most hotly anticipated booths at the upcoming Baselworld watch show in Switzerland. After decades of playing second fiddle to Rolex, the sibling brand has caught on in an epic fashion, and collectors can’t get enough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVintage Tudor have always had somewhat of a following, but in terms of enthusiasm and price, it paled in comparison to Rolex.   The times, they are a changin’, and vintage Tudors are now extremely sought-after. Snowflakes and Monte Carlo chronographs have been hot for some time, but one of the most exciting and dynamic parts of the Tudor market are the simpler Oyster Princes and DateJust and Oyster Precision analogs, which are being “found” after decades hiding in the backs of drawers, garnering the attention that these beauties deserve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe “Big Rose” Oyster Prince is one of the best of the once-forgotten Tudors, featuring a stunning applied Tudor Rose logo and matching polished steel markers and hands set on a sharp black dial. Dating from the 1960s, this Tudor Reference 7964 is 34mm and wears similarly to Rolex Oysterdates. The Tudor uses the same Genuine Oyster Case design as its Rolex contemporaries, but is fitted with an automatic ETA movement. The Jubilee-style bracelet stamped 'Made in USA' is signed by Rolex and is the perfect compliment to the silver accents on the dial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a truly elegant timepiece with an iconic Oyster design and a lovely dial for a relatively meager sum. You seriously can’t go wrong.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tudor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3080602753,"sku":null,"price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Tudor_Oyster_Prince_Big_Rose_Reference_7964_AS00781_Culture1.jpg?v=1432844170"},{"product_id":"rolex-turn-o-graph-as00763","title":"Rolex Turn-O-Graph","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e The Turn-O-Graph is perhaps the most unusual and misunderstood of the Oyster Perpetual line, and most certainly one of the coolest!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe line dates to approximately 1955, when the designers at Rolex paired a Datejust case with a rotating bezel more commonly found on sports models. The result was the Turn-O-Graph, later nicknamed the \"Thunderbird\" after being selected by the US Air Force's Thunderbird aerobatics team for its pilots. Although the model never really caught on with consumers (at least not the way standard Datejust models did), it has become a highly desirable model for vintage collectors and one of our favorites. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is one of the best that we’ve come across, thanks to the gorgeous and unusual gold Alpha hands. This hand shape is a rarity for a Rolex, and collectors go crazy for them. The matching gold dial and bezel give the watch a chic sporty look, making it a perfect do-everything Rolex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eHistory\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe've said it over and over again - the Datejust may just be the perfect watch. Coupling perfect proportions, simple dial layouts, and robust movements, Rolex's most prolific model is an icon of timekeeping that has been in continuous production for decades. Let’s face it, the Datejust is all the watch that just about any of us really need. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beauty of the Datejust is that it is the ultimate do-anything, go-anywhere watch. One part sporty and one part dressy, the Datejust wears just as well with jeans as it does with a suit, and thanks to the signature Oyster case and tough-as-nails movement, it’s ready for anything that you can throw at it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn production continuously since 1945, the original Datejust was the world's first wristwatch to incorporate a date disc and aperture at 3 o’clock. The cyclops magnifier over the date window was introduced in 1954, and as we all know became a signature Rolex design cue.   \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince then, dates at 3 o’clock has become commonplace, and the Rolex cyclops magnifier bubble has become a hallmark of the brand. Datejusts have proudly been worn by presidents, athletes and movie stars (and probably your grandfather), in a testament to how timeless and versatile the watch truly is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere so many watches can be a little too big here, or a little to small there, the Datejust is just right, embracing the wrist with its thin and tapering 36mm case. And while recent horological trends have favored large wristwatches, the age of the giant watch is behind us (thankfully), making more reasonably sized watches, like the original Datejust, a pleasantly stylish option that fits the bill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's a magic to the Datejust's simple design, a timelessness that speaks to how true style never dies. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3080738433,"sku":null,"price":4900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Rolex_1625_Turn-O-Graph_Thunderbird_1964_AS00763_Culture1.jpg?v=1432844581"},{"product_id":"rolex-datejust-1601-two-tone-1973","title":"Rolex Datejust","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack-dialed Datejusts are just plain sexy! Add in a touch of gold here and there and the whole thing just \u003cem\u003epops\u003c\/em\u003e. If you’re searching for the perfect vintage Datejust, this is a great contender.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter 70 years of production, Rolex has certainly made a Datejust that suits everyone. No matter what dial hand combo gets your blood flowing, Rolex has probably made it. Most came in various shades of white and silver, and black dials are certainly harder to find on today's market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepending on the case material and dial color, some Datejusts are on the sportier side, while some are a bit dressier. We’d call this example one of the dressier Datejusts, mostly due to the yellow gold bezel, hands and hour indices. Combined with the black dial, the gold accents add a lot of panache, and this Datejust is the perfect pairing to a sharp suit and handmade oxfords.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOften imitated but never matched, the Datejust has been a major part of the Rolex success story, and it can be part of yours too. Whether this is your first watch or tenth watch, it’s always a good choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eHistory\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe've said it over and over again - the Datejust may just be the perfect watch. Coupling perfect proportions, simple dial layouts, and robust movements, Rolex's most prolific model is an icon of timekeeping that has been in continuous production for decades. Let’s face it, the Datejust is all the watch that just about any of us really need. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beauty of the Datejust is that it is the ultimate do-anything, go-anywhere watch. One part sporty and one part dressy, the Datejust wears just as well with jeans as it does with a suit, and thanks to the signature Oyster case and tough-as-nails movement, it’s ready for anything that you can throw at it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn production continuously since 1945, the original Datejust was the world's first wristwatch to incorporate a date disc and aperture at 3 o’clock. The cyclops magnifier over the date window was introduced in 1954, and as we all know became a signature Rolex design cue.   \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince then, dates at 3 o’clock has become commonplace, and the Rolex cyclops magnifier bubble has become a hallmark of the brand. Datejusts have proudly been worn by presidents, athletes and movie stars (and probably your grandfather), in a testament to how timeless and versatile the watch truly is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere so many watches can be a little too big here, or a little to small there, the Datejust is just right, embracing the wrist with its thin and tapering 36mm case. And while recent horological trends have favored large wristwatches, the age of the giant watch is behind us (thankfully), making more reasonably sized watches, like the original Datejust, a pleasantly stylish option that fits the bill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's a magic to the Datejust's simple design, a timelessness that speaks to how true style never dies. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3080868865,"sku":null,"price":3600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Rolex_Datejust_TwoTone_AS00779_Culture1.jpg?v=1432844689"},{"product_id":"rolex-oyster-perpetual-date-as00777","title":"Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe probably sounds like a broken record already, but an Oysterdate is a hell of a watch! Oyster case, chronometer certified movement, steel rivet bracelet- this is Rolex doing what they do best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Oysterdate is available in a plethora of color combinations, but this one is about as classic as it gets. Featuring a bright silver dial and hands, it’s on the sportier side for an Oysterdate, and feels very contemporary, in a good way! The automatic chronometer movement is a Rolex workhorse classic, and out of all the watches and all the different movements that pass through our shop, Rolexes have proved to us that they deserve their sterling reputation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe all silver and steel Oysterdate is one of the most sought-after combinations, and examples in this condition are drying up on the market. This is one beautiful Rolex, and you just can’t beat the value proposition of an Oysterdate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eHistory\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat looks like a Datejust, works like a Datejust, and wears like a Datejust...but isn't a Datejust? Why, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, of course. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rolex Datejust is the undisputed favorite among many vintage Rolex collectors. The array of dial colors, hand variations and the option of a white gold or stainless steel bezel make the Datejust an incredibly versatile timepiece that could satisfy just about any collector or enthusiast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut sometimes you want something just a little different, something that will stand out and something that will prove that you have style that demands moving out of the box. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduced from 1963 to 1980, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 1501 is a close horological cousin to the Datejust. Featuring the same iconic Oyster Case design, three-hand plus date functionality, and build quality you'd expect to come out of Rolex, the only major noteworthy difference between the two models is approximately 2 measly millimeters. Yep, you heard it - the Oyster Date is just a smidge smaller than its Datejust siblings, and has the same great looks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOyster Dates, also known as Oyster Perpetual Dates later on in their production life, came in a wide variety of hand, dial and bezel permutations over the years, everything from black dials with stick hands in yellow gold cases, to silver dials with Alpha hands in steel cases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes to Oyster Dates, there’s something for everything, and the value can’t be beat!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3080991425,"sku":null,"price":3200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Rolex_Oyster_Perpetual_Date_Reference_1500__1967_AS00777_Culture1.jpg?v=1433358638"},{"product_id":"rolex-explorer-6610-gilt-dial","title":"Rolex Explorer I Gilt Dial","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRolex has long been the watch of exploration. Their timepieces have been worn into some of the most extreme locations on the planet, often at the behest of Rolex technicians who wanted to subject their timepieces to worst Mother Nature could conjure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt wasn’t surprising that Rolex approached the 1953 Everest expedition with a run of simple Oyster Perpetuals, hoping that the mountaineers who had set their eyes on the monolithic mount would utilize them on their journey to one of the few places on the earth yet to be touched by man.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you know the tale, then you know that Edmund Hillary (later to be knighted for his achievement) and Tenzing Norgay successfully planted their flags atop the behemoth, and that Rolex came with them to the summit. These simple, three-hand Oyster Perpetuals represented the cornerstone of Rolex’s engineering at the time – robust automatic movements housed in slim stainless steel cases designed to take a beating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA few short months after the successful summit of Everest, Rolex unveiled the first ever \u003cem\u003eExplorer\u003c\/em\u003e model. Built on the trim 36mm Stainless Steel case with ‘Twinlock’ crown, it featured a Calibre 6298 automatic movement and a simple Arabic dial with luminescent numerals at 3,6, and 9, a layout which is now synonymous with the history of the model. Designed specifically for legibility in low-light conditions. In name and design, the watch was an homage to Hillary and Norgay and to the simple Oysters that they wore during the expedition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetween 1953 and 1960, Rolex tried a handful of movements and case designs, keeping the overall appearance of the watch relatively unchanged. The successor of the earliest 6298s(which were produced in very small numbers) was the Reference 6610. It featured, among other small changes, a gilt dial with the same 3-6-9 layout, and a white lollipop sweep hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1960, the Reference 1016 Explorer was released and it would remain in constant production virtually unchanged until 1990, making the Reference 6610 just about the closest thing to an actual \"Everest Watch\" that you can find outside of a museum today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplorers like this one don’t come along often, and with a gorgeously patinated Gilt dial, original lollipop sweep hand and original stretch-rivet bracelet, it is a truly remarkable example of a collector-grade Explorer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3081058433,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Rolex_Explorer_6610_Gilt_Dial_AS00768_Culture1.jpg?v=1433966221"},{"product_id":"rolex-gmt-master-as00751","title":"Rolex GMT-Master","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere’s a reason why the 16750 has a cult following among GMT-Master collectors: Rolex took the nearly-perfect Reference 1675 (in continuous production for decades), kept the matte dial, hands, tritium lume and case, and souped it up under the hood. Hard to go wrong with a recipe like that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Reference 1675 GMT-Master with a “Pepsi” bezel seems to be on the top of every collector’s wish list these days. That’s no surprise- after all, it has timeless good looks and a great story behind it- and after playing second fiddle to the Submariners and Daytonas for too long, the GMT is getting its moment in the spotlight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis has unfortunately led to exceptional matte-dialed Reference 16750 models, long a best-kept secret among vintage Rolex aficionados, all but vanishing. Savvy collectors gravitated to this reference because it is virtually identical to the classic 1675 on the outside, but features a more modern and improved movement on the inside. During the 1970s, Rolex needed to introduce new movements with higher beat rates and quick-set dates to keep up their competition, and the 16750 is the first GMT-Master with these features. Swapping the 1675’s cal. 1575 movement for the upgraded cal. 3075, Rolex increased the beat rate to the modern standard of 28,800 vibrations per hour (for improved accuracy), and the quick-set date was a welcome convenience for owners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 16750 is what’s known as a transitional model by Rolex collectors today, since after producing it with a matte dial for a few years, Rolex \u003cem\u003etransitioned \u003c\/em\u003eto a glossy dial with white gold surrounds on the hour markers, the same type of dial that was carried over into the modern GMT-Master II references. When matte-dialed owners sent their 16750s to Rolex for service, many had their dials swapped out for glossy dials. Combine that with the short production run, and subtract the pieces that were damaged or lost over the years, and you’re left with very few quality examples of the 16750 surviving to this day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s not hard to understand why the 16750 GMT-Master is viewed as the Reference to own by many knowledgeable collectors. The example that we’ve sourced here features all the elements you'd want in a proper vintage Rolex sports model: sharp case without major blemishes or signs of over polishing, original, nicely patinated dial and hands, and a great faded \"Pepsi\" insert.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eHistory\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the legend goes, Pan-Am approached Rolex in 1953 looking for a watch specially designed for their pilots, and a partnership was quickly formed. A Submariner became the base for this new watch, and several important modifications were made to turn a Sub into the GMT-Master that we know today. Rolex added a date function with a cyclops lens magnifier, GMT complication, and two-colored bezel to provide long-haul pilots with the info they needed as they circumnavigated the globe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe GMT-Master’s 24-hour hand works in conjunction with the rotating bezel to make tracking a second time zone incredibly simple. When the bezel’s triangle is aligned to 12 o’clock, the red arrow hand points to the time on a 24-hour military scale, which in itself is valuable as a day\/night indicator (at least if you’re a cave explorer). The usefulness of the complication really shines when the wearer rotates the bezel so that the numbers around the bezel correspond the a 2\u003csup\u003end\u003c\/sup\u003e time zone (such as Greenwich Mean Time), allowing the watch to track any two time zones in the world at once.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eFive decades later, the GMT-Master and its “Pepsi” bezel has become a true icon of the watch world. Instantly recognizable and eternally stylish, the watch represents vintage Rolex at its best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3081185217,"sku":null,"price":7900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Rolex_GMT_Master_16750_1981_AS00751_Cultutre1.jpg?v=1432851891"},{"product_id":"omega-speedmaster-mark-iv-automatic","title":"Omega Speedmaster","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Omega reference 176.0012 Mark IV was introduced in 1973 and only produced for a year, making it a rarity on today’s market. The Mark series of Speedmasters represents Omegas continual efforts to push the limits of their designs and technical innovations, and the Mark IV is built around the Lemania 1340 (AKA Omega c.1040) automatic movement, which features a practical and also largely seen central minute counter hand, rather than the typical minute sub-register. The Lemania 1340 is of course the movement that would later be stripped down into Lemania 5100, as classic chronograph caliber.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tonneau-shaped case with hooded lugs is typical of Omega's, and the industry’s, design trends of the late 60s\/early 70s, and was introduced in the first of the Mark series, the Mark II, in 1969. Though utilizing a radically different case and movement, Omega kept the same style hands as the original Moonwatch, and the dial is clearly a close derivative of the classic Speedmaster Pro.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Omega Speedmaster Mark IV is one of the most desirable of the Mark series, second only to the original Mark I, otherwise known as the Caliber .861 Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. The cushion case and automatic movement distinguish the Mark IV from the Speedmaster, and both can happily coexist in a vintage chronograph collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the wrist, the watch feels like a solid piece of machinery. The case fits comfortably on the wrist, and though it shows some wear from use, it retains the beautiful original radial brushing pattern. The Mark IV is a joy to wear, and an interesting milestone in the history of the Speedmaster Professional model line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether it’s a Moonwatch or a Mark IV, you can never go wrong with a Speedmaster!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Omega","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3081312833,"sku":null,"price":2250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Omega_Speedmaster_Mark_IV_Automatic_AS00773_Culture1.jpg?v=1432851226"},{"product_id":"omega-speedmaster-mark-ii-as00481","title":"Omega Speedmaster Mark II","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst things first.  This watch is \u003cem\u003efucking\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003ebadass\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is something enticing about wearing purpose-built sports watch clad in precious metal.  We're not sure if its the contradictory nature of the blend of themes, the rarity, or that certain inexplicable draw to a little bit 'a bling...but whatever it is, it makes us feel like Tony Montana whenever we strap one on, and we \u003cem\u003elike\u003c\/em\u003e it!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe'll get back to the gold bit in a moment, but first a little back story on the Speedmaster Mark II:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe name \"Speedmaster Professional\" is synonymous with the exploration of space and is best known as the first watch worn on the moon, giving them some pretty serious credentials. It is arguable that Omega would probably have stayed in business and been just as popular if the original moon watch was the only model they ever made for the line. But they didn't stop there, and we're glad they didn't. The years following the legendary Apollo mission saw the release of an expanded line of Speedmaster variants, known commonly as the \"Mark\" Series. Some of these watches were real flops on the market, and others weren't. Regardless of their initial popularity, all are interesting timepieces and have a collector following today. Of these Mark Series Speedmasters, the one we get asked about most frequently is the first successor to the original Professional - the Mark II.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark II Speedmasters were the first radical departure from the traditional Speedmaster case, and instead of an exposed lug design, the Mk II was designed with a tonneau shape with hidden lugs. This gives the Mk. II a great profile and a very 70s look that is quite popular with enthusiasts today. A total of three variants of the Mark II were produced by Omega, beginning in 1969 - a simple black dial layout similar to the better known \"Moon Watch\" models, a grey \"Racing Dial\" with a colorful outer track, and a gold plated version featuring a gold tone dial and burgundy tachymetre ring. Take a guess at which version is the rarest! All Mark IIs features the Calibre .861 manual winding chronograph movement, used by Omega in their Professional chronographs starting in 1968.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow, back to the bling! Gold plated Speedy Mark IIs such as this example weren't only the rarest, but they are also the most difficult to find in good condition today.  The oversize profile of the tonneau case was prone to damage and dings, and the bevels are easily worn away by careless over-polishing. Additionally, the process by which Omega clad the pieces in gold was by a process known as electro-plating, and these early pieces really didn't hold up particularly well, meaning that the majority of those found on the market have seen better days...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis particular example caught our eye last year as a true survivor, an excellent example with minimal case wear and decent plating, not to mention an absolutely stunning original dial and inner bezel!  As we found it, it was already one of the nicest gold plated Speedies we had ever come across - but we decided to improve on it.  Treated to a complete overhaul, the original case was stripped of its original plating, minor imperfections in the steel were sorted, and then it was re-plated and re-brushed by our master case worker. At the same time, the watch was given a full mechanical sorting, complete with new genuine pushers, crystal, and crown - all directly from Omega. Short of finding an untouched New Old Stock example, this is about as nice a gold Mark II as you'll ever find.  And unlike that mystical NOS find, here's one you could actually \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ewear\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in good conscience. Hit us up for additional details!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Omega","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3081449857,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Omega_Speedmaster_MKII_Gold_AS00481_Culture2.jpg?v=1432851445"},{"product_id":"the-mariner-analog-shift-x-gear-patrol","title":"Mariner - Eterna Kon-Tiki","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter 101 grueling days and 4,300 nautical miles, Thor Heyerdahl and his crew sailed their rickety wooden craft into a reef on the shores of Raroia, one of the Tuamotu Islands, completing one of the most historic and controversial crossings of the Pacific Ocean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeyerdahl, a Norwegian ethnographer, botanist and zoologist, devised the voyage in order to prove his hypothesis that the South Pacific was populated from east to west, contrary to the popular belief. Despite the presence of evidence to support his claims, the larger scientific community remained unconvinced that crafts of such rudimentary design could survive a cross-Pacific voyage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo prove the journey was possible, Heyerdahl constructed a raft, which he christened the Kon-Tiki after the Incan king who had made the journey according to South American lore, using only materials and technology that would have been common to the people of South America in early history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDefiant of the odds, Heyerdahl and his team struck out, using only the current and the trade winds to propel them across the Pacific. The crew assembled a collection of modern and ancient equipment, including a store of U.S. Army rations, hand-crank radios and six Eterna wristwatches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEterna had been building timepieces since the mid 1800s and had made many horological benchmarks along the way: They filed for the first patent for a mechanical alarm wristwatch in 1908 and the design of the worlds smallest production wristwatch in 1930. The simple watches that Heyerdahl and his crew used were subjected to - and survived – conditions to which many watches would have quickly succumbed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShortly after the news of Heyerdahl’s success reached Switzerland, Eterna began assembling a new line of watches in his honor. The new line, the Kon-Tiki Series, came to exemplify the spirit of maritime adventure and exploration. In addition to bearing the name of Heyerdahl’s vessel, the case back of each Kon-Tiki was adorned with a likeness of the raft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular piece, dating to the late 1960s, has a gorgeous sea-blue dial and elegant baton hands. Whether paired with a colorful nylon strap or worn on its original steel bracelet, this watch is dripping with vintage nautical appeal, making it the perfect accoutrement for sea-borne summer fun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Eterna","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3081562625,"sku":null,"price":1700.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/The_Mariner_Gear_Patrol_AS00699_Detail.jpg?v=1432851502"},{"product_id":"iwc-mark-xi-as00686","title":"IWC Mark XI","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough much of World War II, allied aviators were donning the American-made A-11 service watch. While this tough-as-nails timekeeper performed meritoriously for soldiers and airmen alike, Britain's Ministry of Defense found that the production specifications of the A-11 were too broad and resulted in timepieces too imprecise for effective navigation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an answer to the A-11, the MoD issued new standards for the watches going to its RAF pilots. The new standard, coded 6B\/346, required chronometer-grade performance and anti-magnetic properties. For the production of this new timepiece, the MoD turned to major European manufactures, eventually giving contracts to two: Jaeger-LeCoultre and International Watch Company.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe resulting timepiece was the Mark XI Pilot's watch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to the relatively standard features present on the A-11 (center seconds, hacking and a stainless steel case) the Mark XI featured a soft iron dial and dust cover which shielded the movement from magnetism. What really sets the IWC apart from its contemporaries, however, is the use of their outstanding Calibre 89 movement, a masterpiece manufacture movement that is universally lauded as one of the most robust three hand movements of all time.  With excellent durability and reliability in the field, Mark XIs saw use in the RAF for decades, transcending the age of piston-driven Spitfires and VTOL Harriers, a testament to the less-is-more philosophy for tool watches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular example was produced in 1948 and was maintained under contract by IWC, featuring a factory-restored original \"T\" dial and handset with replaced luminescent material on the markers.  If you're a fan of military aviation, there might be no more important watch to add to your collection! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"IWC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3081818497,"sku":null,"price":8200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/IWC_Mark_XI_Pilots_Watch_AS00686_Culture2.jpg?v=1432851560"},{"product_id":"omega-speedmaster-professional-1969","title":"Omega Speedmaster","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Contact Light.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter touching the lander down on the lunar surface, Buzz Aldrin transmitted to Houston control these words, nary more than a whisper, the first communication between human beings not concurrently on the same planet. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon for the first time, his Speedmaster was in the module serving as a backup for its electric timer that had malfunctioned.  It was Aldrin who, following Armstrong to become the second human to walk on the moon, introduced the Speedmaster to the lunar surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, Omega has become synonymous with the Apollo missions, the moon landing and space exploration in general.  The provenance of the brand, driven by the incredible reliability and functionality of the watches that they produced throughout the space era is second to none.  But at the heart of the moon missions, at the core of their objective, was the intrinsic human desire to explore, to crest the horizon and, undaunted, step forth into the unknown.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNASA approved the Speedmaster for its space missions because it was the best, most accurate timepiece they could find, and testing revealed that it needed no modification in order to remain functional under the duress of space flight.  NASA was concerned with accuracy, durability and usability; they didn't care about Omega's history, they needed a tool that could accompany humans on a mission to the moon and help them get back safely.  They exposed the Speedmaster to high and low temperatures, blasted it with vibrations, challenged it with g-force and submitted it to high and low pressure.  Through all, the Speedmaster ticked on, proving that it could go where no watch had ever gone before.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEver seeking excellence, Omega scrutinized their Calibre .321 movement, the movement that was inside Armstrong and Aldrin's watches, and decided, in 1968, to introduce a newer more robust execution.  The Calibre .861 was largely the same as the .321, but it replaced the column wheel switching mechanism with a cam system and increased the beat rate from 18000 to 21600 vibrations per hour.  In all, the .861 proved to be more robust and found its way onto the wrists of numerous astronauts throughout the later Apollo missions, including Apollo 13, where Jack Swigert used his .861 to time the crucial 14-second correction burn which allowed the damaged craft to safely return to earth. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular Speedmaster is in wonderful original condition bearing the marks of a watch that was used as it was designed to be.  With a folded link 1171 bracelet, an original \"dot over 90\" bezel insert and a genuine hesalite crystal, this Speedy is ready to accompany its new owner to many new horizons.   \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Omega","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3082000961,"sku":null,"price":4300.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Omega_Speedmaster_861_on_bracelet_1969_PUF14_AS00636_Culture2.jpg?v=1432865815"},{"product_id":"omega-2791-6-as00665","title":"Omega 2791-6","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the aftermath of World War II, Omega, the prolific Swiss manufacture that had poured most of its production efforts into military-grade wristwatches for pilots and officers, dusted itself off and dived headlong into producing consumer pieces once again.  But unlike the pre-war years, Omega sought to build watches that could be worn in more everyday conditions, watches that could look good on the wrist while also standing up to the onslaught of travel, weather and daily use.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of the watches produced in the years immediately following the war were infused with the lessons that Omega had learned while producing reliable wristwatches for servicemen; they used stainless steel cases with simple, stalwart movements, kept dials uncluttered and legible and dotted them with radium for added visibility in low-light environs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven with these style notes coming right out the war-time guidebook, Omega took care to make their new consumer pieces beautiful, using yellow and pink gold to cap their stainless cases, and introduced a variety of fancy lug styles.  While the noteworthy Seamaster line was being driven largely by Omega's automatic movements, other pieces, like this one, were filled with simpler, durable manual-wind movements, making the the overall product more economically approachable to the average consumer. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComing at a time when gentlemen's pieces were generally smaller - about 32mm - The Omega Ref. 2791-6 was seen as a large sized watch at a hair over 35mm.  By today's standards, however, it wears perfectly, it's lyre-shaped lugs tapering suggestively and its patinated moiré dial nodding gently to Omega's earlier Art Deco styling. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a stalwart Omega manual-wind, 17-jewel Caliber 267 movement, this watch is perfectly appointed for the contemporary wrist and ready for decades more reliable service. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Omega","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3082160001,"sku":null,"price":1800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Omega_14K_GF_Ref_2791-6_1950s_PUF14_AS00665_Culture1.jpg?v=1432851672"},{"product_id":"rolex-bubbleback-reference-3372","title":"Rolex Bubbleback","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original Rolex Oyster manually winding watch was a technical and commercial success, but the customers proved problematic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA waterproof watch with a screw down crown was a novelty in the early 20th century, and customers did not understand the importance of keeping the crown secured before getting the watch wet. Since the crown would have to be unscrewed daily to wind the watch, customers had ample chance to forget to screw it back in, and many did, then attempted to return their waterproof watches to jewelers as being “defective”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRolex had built a watch with an accurate movement and waterproof case, but they had to come up with a solution to their problem with user error. Enter the automatic winding watch, which only required the crown to be opened for occasional resetting of the time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead of reinventing the wheel, Rolex attached an auto-winding mechanism to an existing manual movement, and the thickness that this arrangement added necessitated a bulging case back, the distinct feature that earned the Bubbleback moniker. Many of Rolex's competitors used automatic movements built from the ground up, yet this proved to be a poor approach for two important reasons. Firstly, the Rolex movements could be wound manually from the crown unlike the competing models - a feature that was popular with customers who didn’t yet trust the new invention. Secondly, the manually-wound base was easily recognizable by watchmakers who were often hesitant to work on the new-fangled automatic movements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular Bubbleback is in fantastic shape, even more so considering it dates from the mid-1940s, with a rose gold case, patinated white dial with rose gold Roman numerals, blued seconds hand and decorated rose gold bezel. The Bubbleback case has a pleasing thickness that makes the watch wear extremely well for its size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost Bubblebacks on the market have seen better days, and it’s rare to find an example that has aged so gracefully. This example is one of the few good ones, and in today’s most popular color of gold. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's not every day that a 70-year-old feels this relevant and looks this good on the wrist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3082318593,"sku":null,"price":4500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Rolex_Bubbleback_Reference_3372_AS00644_Culture2.jpg?v=1432851844"},{"product_id":"rolex-oyster-perpetual-date-as00581","title":"Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat looks like a Datejust, works like a Datejust, and wears like a Datejust...but isn't a Datejust? Why, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, of course!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeaturing the same iconic Oyster Case design, three-hand timekeeping plus date functionality and build quality you'd expect to come out of Rolex, the only major noteworthy difference between the two models is approximately 2 measly millimeters. Yep, you heard it - the Reference 1500 Oyster Perpetual Date is just a smidge smaller than its Datejust siblings, and has the same great looks. In the past we have gone \u003ca title=\"analog\/shift Datejust 1970\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/rolex-datejust-1603-silver-dial-1970\"\u003eon\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca title=\"analog\/shift early reference Datejust\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/rolex-datejust-1603-sword-hands-1953\"\u003eon\u003c\/a\u003e about the absolute perfection that is the Datejust in the past, and the Oyster Perpetual Date is worthy of all the same praise. It may very well be the only watch you'd ever need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect for ladies and gents alike, this particular Oyster Perpetual Date features a stunning silver sunburst dial which has developed a gorgeous gold-toned coloration from aging.  With a smooth steel bezel, sharp lugs, and absolutely knockout alpha hands, this is a tremendous example from the early 1960s. An absolutely killer look and a great value for a unique vintage Rolex!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3082451265,"sku":null,"price":3100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Rolex_Oyster_Perpetual_Date_1963_AS00581_2.jpg?v=1438892912"},{"product_id":"iwc-ingenieur-7-day-rose-gold","title":"IWC Ingenieur Rose Gold","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere at analog\/shift, we do our best to bring you the highlights of vintage horology in a straightforward and no-bullshit manner. But we also recognize that our personal tastes sometimes interfere with this mission, and we often catch ourselves locating the watches we have come to love, forgetting that we're here not just to talk about the stuff that blows our collective skirt up, but what might ruffle yours as well.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen things like this minty rose gold IWC Ingenieur walk through our doors, two simultaneous thoughts ring in our heads - boy, that's gorgeous - and if that were vintage we'd be on it like patina on a '67 Speedmaster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's when we have to pinch ourselves and remember the facts.  These modern Ingenieurs are the cousins, or perhaps grandchildren, of the original timepieces that we're always on the hunt for.  While in their modern permutation they lack the anti-magnetism with which they were originally designed, the spartan dial and simple configuration speak to the line's roots, and one peek at the display back reminds us that the 44-jewel self-winding movement is work of art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost significant, is the obvious Gerald Genta-ness of the piece - the strong angles and integrated bracelet design - that reminds us of the mark he left on IWC, as well as other auspicious pieces like the \u003cspan\u003eAudemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Nautilus by Patek Philippe. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a formidable 7-day power reserve and wrapped up in a lovely 45.5mm rose gold case, this is not your grandfather's Ingy. But that doesn't mean it doesn't have a place in the IWC lineage.  And besides being a hard-to-get execution of a classic line, it serves as a good reminder that sometimes things can be beautiful, even if they don't have patina...yet!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"IWC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3082581633,"sku":null,"price":18000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/IWC_Ingenieur_7-Day_Rose_Gold_AS00603_Culture1.jpg?v=1448989955"},{"product_id":"hamilton-pan-europ-as00600","title":"Hamilton Pan Europ","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProject 99...We have top men working on it... Top. Men.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're imaging scientists in horn-rimmed glasses and lab coats tinkering away at an atom bomb trigger in a silo buried beneath the Nevada desert you are not alone. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1969, a conglomerate of watch brands, headlined by Hamilton, Heuer and Breitling, created an automatic chronograph movement, the likes of which the world had never before seen.  The top-secret work conducted at the hands of world-class engineers was dubbed Project 99. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere were three watch groups racing to be the first to release an automatic chronograph in the late 1960s; Zenith, Seiko and the joint Project 99 venture.  Ultimately, out of the competition greatness grew.  Zenith, the renown Swiss manufacture, would release its famed El Primero movement that found its way into many watches, including the Rolex Daytona.  Seiko, the incredibly innovative Japanese powerhouse, produced their 6139 movement that would later become the first automatic chronograph in space.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile winner of this contest changes depending on who you ask, under the direction of Hamilton, Project 99 created some of the era's best looking watches: the Monaco, the Autavia and what we have here, the Hamilton Pan Europ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike its Heuer cousins, the Pan Europ is a racing chronograph through and through. With an internal tachymeter bezel, outer countdown rotating bezel and chronograph, the watch was clearly designed with Formula 1 racing in mind. The combination of blue dial and bezel, red accents and novel design cues (like the circular date aperture) endears this watch to fans of vintage chronographs from the golden era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s not everyday that we get to offer a watch that is as stylish as it is historically important, but the Pan Europ is just such a piece. Today, we take automatic chronographs for granted, but consider this: in the hundreds of years of watchmaking history, it was only in the last four decades that these movements have been available. One hundred years ago you could buy a moon-phase, you could buy a perpetual calendar, and you could even buy a minute repeater, but not an automatic chronograph.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hamilton","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3082674561,"sku":null,"price":3650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Hamilton_Pan_Europ_Chronomatic_AS00600_Culture2.jpg?v=1432851767"},{"product_id":"bulova-reference-48-back-wind","title":"Bulova Reference 48","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most rewarding parts of working in the vintage watch business are the rare occasions that we come across something \u003cem\u003etruly\u003c\/em\u003e unusual that we have never seen before.  This doesn't happen nearly often as we'd like, but when it does - and when that truly unusual watch turns out to be something downright brilliant, it makes it all the sweeter!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen this piece - an incredibly rare Bulova from the early 1930s - walked into our offices a few weeks ago, our jaws dropped.  A local collector has had this in his possession for many years, and pulled it out to show us on a recent visit.  Needless to say, he didn't leave with it!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou are looking at a true marvel of horological design.  Outwardly, it is simply a handsome steel gentleman's dress watch, fitted with a clean silver dial bearing applied gold Arabic numerals and featuring a mechanical movement with subsidiary seconds displayed by blued steel \"Lozenge\" hands.  The only thing that seems a little out of place is the apparent lack of a crown.  But the front of the watch only tells a small part of its story - the backside is something incredible unto its own. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlipping the watch over in your hand, you will notice that there is a hinged case back attached to the top portion of the backside of the case.  At first glance it appears this is an outer covering for the internal case, something you'd need to pop out of place to adjust or service the movement.  However, beneath that hinged cover is where the real brilliance of this timepiece lies.  Fitted to the \"inner\" case back is a crown for adjusting the time displayed on the front side.  Positioned next to it is a small plunger, which, when depressed, serves to wind the Calibre 7AP movement inside. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's how it works:  When worn on the wrist, the hinged case back is gently pressed and released by the motion of your forearm.  This, in turn, depresses the plunger, winding the movement internally.  Known by some collectors as a \"Back Wind\" wristwatch, this is essentially a manually-wound movement which is drawing its power from perpetual motion of the wrist.  The movement has been fitted with a clutch mechanism to prevent overwinding, and the whole thing works like a charm.  And its from NINETEEN THIRTY TWO!  If this watch said \"Patek Philippe\" on the dial instead of \"Bulova,\" we'd be talking about a seriously valuable timepiece here...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlas, American ingenuity doesn't add up to a whole lot of dollar value in this instance, but this is a tremendous piece of history and deserves to go into the hands of someone who will truly appreciate it for the technical marvel that it is.  Drop us a line if you'd like to discuss!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo see a high-res video of this piece, click on over to our Vimeo channel, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/130355982\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Bulova","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3082817281,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Bulova_Reference_48_Back_Winder_AS00558_Culture1.jpg?v=1432851395"},{"product_id":"aquastar-benthos-i-as00368","title":"Aquastar Benthos I","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you haven't already, we have a lot of affection for the horological \"little guys\" here at analog\/shift.  Even when those \"little guys\" are downright monstrous lumps of steel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Aquastar Benthos is just such a monster.  Built from the ground up as a no-holds-barred diver for extreme saturation (as the name suggests, 1000M of it), it can't be considered a pretty watch by any means.  But if you're being serious about your tool watch design, aesthetics are very much a secondary thought (consider the Omega PloProf 600, for example).  Unlike so many of the modern boutique brands that are building chunky steel divers with excessive specifications for contemporary desk divers, the story of the Aquastar goes back to 1962, the very beginnings of SCUBA diving as a sport, and the dawn of the golden age of diver's watches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe predecessor to this model, the Benthos 500, was the world's first diving watch to be rated at 500M, a tremendous accomplishment for a small manufacture in the 1960s.  Utilizing a monopusher design, both the 500 and 1000 models have a 60 minute timing totalizer with flyback function built into the movement, along with a traditional unidirectional rotating diver's bezel.  The 1000 model we have here is indeed a bit of righteous overkill, in the greatest of ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Aquastar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3082950145,"sku":null,"price":1900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Aquastar_Benthos_1000M_AS00368_2.jpg?v=1438892376"},{"product_id":"bulova-super-compressor","title":"Bulova Super Compressor","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat does Bulova have in common with Jaeger-LeCoultre, Longines, Blancpain, Universal Geneve, and Zenith? They all sold the same damned watch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuper Compressor diving watches are a category unto themselves, and the best Swiss brands sold versions of the distinctive dual crown watches that have been one of the most popular types of dive watches for years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Super Compressor name refers to the innovative case design, which utilizes a \"compressor\" system that’s designed to become more watertight the deeper that the watch went under water. As the atmospheric pressure increases along with depth, the case back in compressed, pushing on the gaskets and creating a tighter seal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compressor case wasn’t any better at preventing water intrusion than a screw-down crown (in fact, it was probably worse), but due to their good looks, compressor cases proved to be popular during the 1960s. Eager to get into the burgeoning dive watch market, many of the best Swiss brands turned to EPSA (Ervin Piquerez, S.A.), the leading manufacturer of compressor cases at the time, for cases to build their divers around.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular example is branded by Bulova, and features a classic 36mm ESPA case with dual crowns and an internal rotating dive bezel. It is perhaps the internal bezel that has become the most endearing feature of Super Compressors to collectors today, and the idea behind them is that they’re less prone to accidental rotation that an external bezel. They worked out great for warm water divers, but anyone with gloved hands would have been out of luck (but at least stylish!).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe example is in excellent condition and looks every bit the part of a vintage dive watch. It’s sporty yet comfortably sized, and conveniently houses an automatic Swiss movement. Nice examples of Super Compressors are drying up, so now’s the time to dive in!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more information on the history of compressor-cased diving watches, click over to Scubawatch.org, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/scubawatch.org\/EPSA_SC_FAQ.html\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_description\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product_details\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Bulova","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3090987969,"sku":null,"price":1600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Bulova_Super_Compressor_AS00913_Culture1.jpg?v=1432866003"},{"product_id":"rolex-oyster-perpetual-date-1974-as00500","title":"Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date - 1974","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat looks like a Datejust, works like a Datejust, and wears like a Datejust...but isn't a Datejust?  Why, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, of course!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeaturing the same iconic Oyster Case design, three-hand plus date functionality, and build quality you'd expect to come out of Rolex, the only major noteworthy difference between the two models is approximately 2 measly millimeters.  Yep, you heard it - the Reference 1500 Oyster Perpetual Date is just a smidge smaller than its Datejust siblings, and has the same great looks.  In the past we have gone \u003ca title=\"analog\/shift Datejust 1970\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/rolex-datejust-1603-silver-dial-1970\"\u003eon\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca title=\"analog\/shift early reference Datejust\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/rolex-datejust-1603-sword-hands-1953\"\u003eon\u003c\/a\u003e about the absolute perfection that is the Datejust in the past, and the Oyster Perpetual Date is worthy of all the same praise.  It may very well be the only watch you'd ever need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect for ladies and smaller-wristed gents, this particular Oyster Perpetual Date features a blue sunburst dial with gold hour markers, hands, and date wheel - an uncommon color combination that really pops!  While the dial shows some light wear and a light scratch from a previous servicing, it comes fitted with a much newer Oyster Bracelet and has just been treated to a full service.  Whether you're looking for a daily wearer or a special occasions-only dress piece, you can't go wrong with this combination, or for that matter, price!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3111991105,"sku":null,"price":2725.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Rolex_Oyster_Precision_1959_Culture2.jpg?v=1432908028"},{"product_id":"omega-chronostop-blue-dial","title":"Omega Chronostop Blue Dial","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chronostop is an interesting side note in the history of Omega chronographs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eManufactured in the late 1960s-1970s with a few different case orientations and movements, the Chronostop offered the functionality of a 60-second stopwatch feature, operated from the single pusher located above the crown. These watches were designed to be worn under the wrist, making them popular with drivers. The Chronostop introduced a press and release stop-second feature, engaged by the single pusher at 2 o'clock.  To start the chronograph, the single pusher is depressed.  To stop it, the pusher is depressed and held, and then released to reset.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular example is completely original, driven by the Calibre 865 manual-wound movement, and features nicely patinated blue dial with original handset.  Its size, dial design, and unique functionality make it an interesting conversation piece and collectable timepiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA video by Hodinkee explaining the history and operation of the Chronostop can be found \u003ca title=\"Hodinkee Omega Chronostop Video\" href=\"http:\/\/vimeo.com\/8723791\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore information on the full Omega Chronostop line can be found \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.old-omegas.com\/chronostop.html\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Omega","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3112149185,"sku":null,"price":1200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Omega_Chronostop_Blue_Dial_Culture2.jpg?v=1432909081"},{"product_id":"longines-flagship-as00502","title":"Longines Flagship","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecommendations for vintage dress watches are one of the most common inquiries we get at analog\/shift HQ. While sports watches are generally understood by collectors and enthusiasts, dress pieces have been off their radar for some time. Now that smaller, more delicate timepieces are becoming popular again, choosing one that offers a good blend of looks, construction, history, and originality can be a daunting task. The good news is that there are lots of options!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe challenge lies (as with any vintage watch) in finding a good one. Years of neglect, damage, and over-restoration can make finding a suitable timepiece a burden. In our minds, there are few minimum requirements for a proper dress piece: svelte case design, clean looks,a solid movement, and originality.  While many opt to go with a precious metal casing material, steel watches are a great alternative, provided the above criteria are met.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLongines is a brand that needs no introduction.  Now closely associated with Omega under the Swatch Group umbrella, the brand was a staple of the Swiss watchmaking industry throughout the 20th century.  They are well-known for their broad assortment of lines and designs, as well as their close association with equestrian sports.  Introduced in 1957, their luxury-focused \u003cem\u003eFlagship\u003c\/em\u003e line was one of the first watches to be given a name that featured prominently in international marketing campaigns, earning the manufacture a well deserved reputation for quality and prestige.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeaturing an elegant, slim steel case, silver sunburst dial and gold highlights on the markers and hands, this particular Flagship model from the1960s checks all the boxes for a vintage dress piece.  It also features a manually winding Calibre 30LS movement, an in-house unit used prominently at the time.  Most importantly, it hasn't been refinished or restored in any way and shows its originality brilliantly. An unfortunate number of dress watches from this period have been \"over restored\" in the past 20 years or so, which makes finding a good original example a difficult but rewarding task. The best part about these timepieces is their value - a historic and truly beautiful dress piece for a fraction of the price of many steel sports watches and divers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo there you have it, folks. If you're looking to round out your collection with a delightful vintage dress piece, look no further!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Longines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3112825857,"sku":null,"price":1250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Longines_Flagship_Culture1.jpg?v=1433261587"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/collections\/archives.oembed?page=12","provider":"Analog:Shift","version":"1.0","type":"link"}