Top 10 practical classics

[StuartM1970]

Happy Friday everyone

Let's talk practical classics. This month my IWC Mark XV turns ten. It was the first watch I ever bought new and a decade on I still love it.

Over this decade, my watch collection has grown and shrunk in a random and not always sensible fashion. Some new, some old, watches have come and gone. But I want to bring some order to this chaos.

I've started work on a top 10 practical classics and I'm looking for names to go on the hit list. Now these are practical classics I'm looking for, not super rare, hyper expensive vintage grails. I want watches I can find, afford and with careful enjoyment, watch them gently appreciate - or at least not devalue like a Spanish government bond.

For the sake of criteria, suggestions must be out of production and be as specific as possible.

I'll start off with a Submariner 14060M, which I bought new just before they disappeared. I regret not getting the now old-model Explorer at the same time, but you cant have everything.

That said there's plenty of models out there, back into the 80s, which seem easily available, and I have a hankering for one from 1970.

So hit me with your favourite practical classics, add a few pics and show off your pride and joy, to make me jealous.


...
Mark XV, 14060M, PAM 372, Seamaster Chronostop

[linesiders]

Just Rolex?

Late 60's, 70's GMT should be in the Top 10

5513

Tudor Snowflake (or other Tudor Subs - they are just cool)



That Date 964RS just picked up should jump on some lists now - just beautiful

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=248182

[Lumo]

Tudor prince oysterdate, simple and clean:

[slcbbrown]

Here's my list--

* Sub or GMT in stainless
* DJ or TOG in tt
* Speedy Pro (not expensive and holds value)
* Navitimer (older ones aren't too expensive and have a nice heritage and distinctive look)
* Enicar Sherpa (unusual look, not expensive, went to Everest with the first Swiss team)
* Girard Perregaux high beat or observatory watch (not expensive and the heritage goes back to winning the observatory competitions before the Japanese made the Swiss take their watches and go home)
* older sport/pilot/chrono's like the Nivada Grentchen (inexpensive, larger watches with distintive looks-- Croton had some similar ones, too)
* older dive watches are nice choices (Eterna, for example) but some are getting expensive.

[KatGirl]

Here's a few that would be on my list, if I were a dude, and they are obtainable, without selling a body part ;):

Omega Seamaster 300 no date (original, not the Watchco franken version)
Heuer Autavia and/or TAG Steve McQueen Monaco
Agree with Tudor snowflake milsub: just so darn cool
Omega speedmaster 321
A classic German made Pilot watch, such as a Fortis Flieger cockpit (there are so many brands from which to choose)
Rolex Pepsi GMT( old style)

KAT

[Lamone]

1675 for traveling and 1680 for timing "al dente" pasta.

[StuartM1970]

Ha! My most practical use of my Sub is timing eggs.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[mr500cm]

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

* older sport/pilot/chrono's like the Nivada Grentchen (inexpensive, larger watches with distintive looks-- Croton had some similar ones, too)

My dad had that watch when I was a kid, it never really worked well for him so he gave it to me before he passed away. After he dies I had it restored and its been running like a champ for over twenty years.

[Puffy]

sub is a golden oldie, can do most things i need from a watch

[TakesALickin]

No Seikos on the list yet? 6309-7040 has to be there, and 6139-6002 (proof/proof) would be a strong contender too.

After that, a vintage Seamaster from the 50s makes a nice dress watch nowadays, and a Speedmaster (preferably pre-Moon) would be a must have as well.

[StuartM1970]

Nice call on the Seamaster, my dad has a neglected one somewhere.

______
Mark XV, 14060M, PAM 372, Seamaster Chronostop

[Time Exposure]

LeCoultre Memovox (optional date, automatic); Speedy Pro with a caliber 321 (original moon watch!), any higher-end name with a Valjoux 72 or 72c movement (LeCoultre, Heuer, etc.). From Rolex I'd have to agree with what's already been mentioned.

[harry in montreal]

Nicest most esoteric and underappreciated: blue dial Tudor Ranger II

[vintagewaferthin]

a speedy pro 321, and a gmt pepsi 1675 are definatly on my list of classics.

[kyle L]

Explorer 1016.

[jeff wilson]

Omega 120m big blue must go on the list

[jeff wilson]

And two more

[Harry Brown]

I'm with 'Takesalickin' on the Seiko, I have one the same and that is a watch that draws admiring comments.
My all time favourite is the Heuer Bund SG 1550

[landroverking]

Rolex
1675 1680 1655 TOG

Non Rolex
Omega Speedmaster Pro & Seamaster
UG Compax 214 Astronaunt Seiko Drive

I'm done with nine.

[gregvisser]

Speedmaster 321 should be on the list for sure. Let me be cheeky and suggest my recent acquisition: a Pam 190. I like to think of it as a classic and technically it is out of production.

Greg

[bhall41]

Of course any list of 'classics' is entirely subjective. For example, there are some undoubted classics, just as the Speedmaster Professional, which I like and appreciate but somehow they just don't sing to me.

My own list - right now - would include the following (some of which I own):

- At least one simple but beautiful dress watch, such as a PP Calatrava or JLC MUT moon, in gold case ideally. A vintage Omega Pie Pan is another option.
- A chronograph such as the IWC Portuguese, Zenith El Primero or a vintage Daytona
- At least one classic sports model Rolex, such as a reference 5512 or 5513 Sub or GMT 1675 / 16750
- A practical diver, which can be got wet, such as the new ceramic bezel Subs, Omega Planet Ocean or Omega Seamaster 2254
- A pilot's watch, such as the IWV Mk XV or XVI, or otherwise a Stowa Flieger

I am sure I could go on!

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by linesiders

Just Rolex?

Late 60's, 70's GMT should be in the Top 10

5513

Tudor Snowflake (or other Tudor Subs - they are just cool)



That Date 964RS just picked up should jump on some lists now - just beautiful

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=248182

i love that wood dial do you know what it is called ?

[mrarchiegoodwin]

Originally Posted by Harry Brown

I'm with 'Takesalickin' on the Seiko, I have one the same and that is a watch that draws admiring comments.
My all time favourite is the Heuer Bund SG 1550

Me too. I think the Heuer is a beautifully proportioned watch. Even better with the 3H badge (mainly because that part of the dial seems to have been left blank in anticipation).

[mrarchiegoodwin]

Top Ten is always fun:

My Classics ("vintage") List:

Bulova Accutron Spaceview
Heuer 1550 SG
IWC MkX
IWC MkXII
Jaeger LeCoultre Alarm Memovox
Omega Railmaster Official
Omega Seamaster 120
Rolex 5513
Rolex 1680
Zenith 146 Chronograph

Thank you for asking.

[StuartM1970]

Exactly. Might compile them all now ...

______
Mark XV, 14060M, PAM 372, Seamaster Chronostop

[1369]

This still hits the construction sites...



Would love to get a crack at a 1655 too...

[flathead59]

Originally Posted by 1369

This still hits the construction
Would love to get a crack at a 1655 too...

That is just cool, love the original but not crazy about the current model.

Mark