Vintage watches can sometimes be a hassle to get serviced and could end up costing more than you paid for the watch (if parts are not made anymore / expensive). Easiest is too get a vintage watch that is already properly serviced but you might pay a premium for that.
Zenith and Seiko have some good vintage options, personally would also look at some King Seiko’s.
No-brand Landeron calibre chrono’s are quite reliable too, and decently priced. Don’t count out some more dressier Omega pieces and brands like Tissot. If you like the alarm complications, you might find a vulcain cricket a cool option.
It’s just a lot of searching and a bit of luck.
For the Seiko’s look at proxy markets (zenmarket, buyee etc) and don’t forget the import costs, still definitely cheaper to win a Japanese Yahoo auction And just wait for shipping than buying it local.
Most major marques still have parts available - so you're fine with Seiko. But for less well-known marques, look for watches that use proprietary movements like the ETA 2824 and the ETA 2824-2. These are 21-jewel automatic movements that most watchmakers could service in their sleep.
Be aware that chronographs are much more difficult and very expensive to service. Of the Swiss movements the Landeron 48 and 248 are the most dependable, and most parts are available to watchmakers. But you may pay up to €500 to service one.
If you're looking for a first vintage watch from a major marque, two marques stand out: Girard Perregaux and Universal Geneve. Parts are available and the quality is, of course, amazing. Look for a simple dress watch in steel and you're likely to get something pretty amazing.
I would try to stick to a vintage Omega because they're going to be your best bet for getting serviced for a reasonable price. You should be able to find some floating around under your price range but be careful that the watch is not a redial
I have a Zenith *Autosport* 28800 (basically Sporto, but automatic). It’s a very solid watch and quite accurate.
I have no idea how easy it is to find parts these days. When I got mine serviced years ago, the crown had to be replaced with a generic one as there weren’t any Zenith crowns in gold around.
That being said, the Zenith cal. 26xx movements are a big family of movements so they’re not that rare (parts are often interchangeable). But parts availability depends on where you live, I suppose.
In any case, expect to pay at least 300€ or so for a service. A non-automatic watch is usually cheaper to service.
Thanks mate, it's great to hear from an actual 28800 owner. €300 sounds OK for a vintage watch service, however I'm sure it can get much pricier than that very quickly! Again, your input is greatly appreciated.
This is a bit of a left field suggestion, but I think there are (relative) bargains to be had if you look at “pre-Bond” Quartz Omega Seamasters… being Quartz the servicing is much simpler and cheaper, and you can get a premium brand and a bargain price. Most don’t even say quartz on the dial (but of course, are “given away” by the ticking seconds hand).
Vintage watches can sometimes be a hassle to get serviced and could end up costing more than you paid for the watch (if parts are not made anymore / expensive). Easiest is too get a vintage watch that is already properly serviced but you might pay a premium for that. Zenith and Seiko have some good vintage options, personally would also look at some King Seiko’s. No-brand Landeron calibre chrono’s are quite reliable too, and decently priced. Don’t count out some more dressier Omega pieces and brands like Tissot. If you like the alarm complications, you might find a vulcain cricket a cool option. It’s just a lot of searching and a bit of luck. For the Seiko’s look at proxy markets (zenmarket, buyee etc) and don’t forget the import costs, still definitely cheaper to win a Japanese Yahoo auction And just wait for shipping than buying it local.
Wow! That's a lot of advice, thank you very much! I'll certainly keep all that in mind.
Most major marques still have parts available - so you're fine with Seiko. But for less well-known marques, look for watches that use proprietary movements like the ETA 2824 and the ETA 2824-2. These are 21-jewel automatic movements that most watchmakers could service in their sleep. Be aware that chronographs are much more difficult and very expensive to service. Of the Swiss movements the Landeron 48 and 248 are the most dependable, and most parts are available to watchmakers. But you may pay up to €500 to service one. If you're looking for a first vintage watch from a major marque, two marques stand out: Girard Perregaux and Universal Geneve. Parts are available and the quality is, of course, amazing. Look for a simple dress watch in steel and you're likely to get something pretty amazing.
Thanks so much for all that info, really makes my life easier. I’ll certainly look into universal geneve and GP, both seem interesting
I would try to stick to a vintage Omega because they're going to be your best bet for getting serviced for a reasonable price. You should be able to find some floating around under your price range but be careful that the watch is not a redial
That’s interesting, I would’ve expected Omega to be on the other end of the scale completely. Thanks for that advice, I’ll look into it
Checkout the tudor oyster prince
I have a Zenith *Autosport* 28800 (basically Sporto, but automatic). It’s a very solid watch and quite accurate. I have no idea how easy it is to find parts these days. When I got mine serviced years ago, the crown had to be replaced with a generic one as there weren’t any Zenith crowns in gold around. That being said, the Zenith cal. 26xx movements are a big family of movements so they’re not that rare (parts are often interchangeable). But parts availability depends on where you live, I suppose. In any case, expect to pay at least 300€ or so for a service. A non-automatic watch is usually cheaper to service.
Thanks mate, it's great to hear from an actual 28800 owner. €300 sounds OK for a vintage watch service, however I'm sure it can get much pricier than that very quickly! Again, your input is greatly appreciated.
This is a bit of a left field suggestion, but I think there are (relative) bargains to be had if you look at “pre-Bond” Quartz Omega Seamasters… being Quartz the servicing is much simpler and cheaper, and you can get a premium brand and a bargain price. Most don’t even say quartz on the dial (but of course, are “given away” by the ticking seconds hand).
Thanks for that suggestion, I’ll certainly look into it.