I've been a huge watch fan for many years. My great uncle was a master watchmaker for 40 years, my other great uncle owned a jewlery store that did watch repair and my grandfathers and father collect(ed) a few watches. I have exposure to watches, pocket watches, watch parts, tools, manuals, knick knacks, tid bits, etc... that span decades. You'd all have a field day!
Thought I'd share just a few of what I have. Unlike many posting here, I am more vintage. I do not wear modern watches. I love winding my own watch and appreciate the craftsmanship that went into them. That is not to say I don't love how cool looking the watches you all post and own are!
My daily watch is an early 1960's Rolex Submariner. NOTHING beats it. It is in for an overhaul since the last time it was serviced was a decade ago. Unfortunately I do not have a pic. But, it is a real beauty with an even patina on the luminous material and a crisp dial.
Excuse my photography. You guys blow me away with your camera skills!
Here is a gold Omega Seamaster Deville that my father bought in Amsterdam in 1964. He recently gave it to me. It has a beautiful, mint star burst dial. I recently put on a new genuine alligator tan band with original Omega buckle.
Here is a Bulova Accutron from 1970. Accutrons have a unique movement that are considered the first electronic watch. Learning about this extremely accurate movement is pretty fascinating. The watch hums and has a perfectly gliding sweep second hand. I have it attached to a genuine Teju Lizard strap.
Next up is a real funkly looking Hamilton with a Cadillac fin-like case. I thought it to be a piece of junk when research proved that it is a rare T-403 with the rare two-tone dial from the 1960's. I sent it out to the nation's leading Hamilton expert for an overhaul and he considered it the finest example he has ever seen. I attached it to a genuine alligator band as that's what it came with when new. I even found a signed, original buckle. I saw one sell on Ebay in much worse condition for $1,200.
Next is one of my favorites. A rare, 1928 Elgin Avigo. Note the awesome dial with the wings and the art deco case with black enamel engraved around the bezel and on the sides. The hands are original and I had the radium replaced in them since they were long gone. Note the original radium on the hour markers and the burn mark on the dial from the old radium in the hands that sat still for decades. The dial has a beautful yellow patina. I replaced with a pig skin, white stitched band common for that era. I love this one!
Here is a nice example of a 1940's 18k gold chronograph. I'm not sure of the movement type. It is a generic Chronograph Suisse very common for the 1940's. I had a beefy, custom made genuine alligator strap fabricated for it.
Here is one of my pride and joys. A square 18K, completely original Rolex dress watch. It has a beautiful texture dial and is in mint shape. I attached it to genuine alligator band. I wear this one when I get really dressed up. It was my grandfathers. He had no money, but was able to come into this whilke working in a jewlery store; one of his many jobs as he was a drop out from school back in the 30's.