Anyone like mechanical watches?

[jack145]

Been hitting garage sales and thrift shops a lot lately. No real guns to speak of (kids have put a real damper on that budge), but I can buy cheap things second hand.

Last 2 garage sale seasons and off season thrift shopping has resulted in what I have to now admit is a collection.

Prior to the Longines, the other watches were picked up because they are solid gold. I figure gold is always good to buy on the cheap. The Longines though, I just really really liked, and despite only being gold fill.

Without further ado:
https://i.imgur.com/Rks7ysQ.jpeg



Bulova Accutron in a 14k Case | Longines Mystery Dial, 1950s?, 10k Gold Fill | Omega Seamaster De Ville 14k case, 1960s? | Waltham Automatic, 14k Case | Rolex cocktail watch (?), 14k bracelet.

Paid $50, $200 (first watch I bought because I loved it), $400 (figured the gold was worth that, needs a small repair but runs, its my favorite), $10 (don't know anything about it, but hey, its solid gold), and ~$7.

The Rolex is I think also from the 50s, its crazy small, it was in a bunch of jewelry at a garage sale. I even told them I thought it was gold, but it was so small it was just part of the $7 I gave them for a pile of gold jewelry and silver holloware. They were from California, clearing out their aunt's house who had just passed and they didn't care even slightly about any of her stuff.

I hope someday maybe my daughter will appreciate it as their Aunt did.


Questions for you watch guys;

1) What kind of strap should I put on the Bulova Accutron? It's a big chunky thing, I am just not sure what would look right. Now that I am getting to be a watch guy I fear I may actually wear it from time to time.

2) Why do I love the dial on the Longines so much? It's mesmerizing, and I just love that its engraved.

3) Why does the Omega feel so right when I wear it? It gives me a similar feeling to my Registered Magnums for pure luxurious opulence, while somehow still not being ridiculous or showy.


I'd also appreciate any advice. I don't plan on getting really into watch collecting, but I found this box at a garage sale, put them all in it, and found myself well pleased with the result. Maybe too well pleased. I will doubtless grab more good watches here and there in my travels.

Here's some closer shots. I need to figure out how to get real glamour shots of these;







And I realized just now that I don't have a shot of the awesome back on the Seamaster. Its just so cool.

[Juravelyk]

I remember scoring a vintage Seiko at a flea market for just $20, and I still can’t believe my luck! As for the Bulova Accutron, I think a classic leather strap would look great. It’d give it a nice balance with that chunky style. The Longines dial is indeed mesmerizing; there’s something about intricate designs that draws you in, isn’t there? The Omega’s elegance can be hard to match; it’s like a wearable piece of art! If you ever think of dabbling in luxury replicas, I’ve heard great things about the best replica rolex options out there. They can be a fun way to enjoy luxury without the hefty price tag.

[Japhet54]

Hey, I've been getting into mechanical watches lately, but I'm not trying to spend thousands. I see all these cool microbrands with interesting designs, but I always worry the quality won't be there. Has anyone here found a solid mechanical watch under a grand that actually feels well-made and keeps decent time, or is that price range mostly just cheap stuff that looks nice but feels flimsy? Just looking for something reliable for daily wear that won't break the bank. Thanks.Based on the forum discussion where someone is sharing vintage watch finds and asking about quality, here's a general question written as a real conversation.

[Kelvin89Davis]

Didn't want to spend a fortune, but also didn't want some cheap thing that feels like a toy. I started digging into microbrands and honestly, Watches Under $1000 is where the real sweet spot is. You get sapphire crystal, solid bracelets, and reliable movements like the Miyota or Seiko NH. I picked up a diver from a smaller brand last year for about 600 bucks. Worn it almost every day since. Keeps time within a few seconds, bezel action is crisp, and I've gotten compliments on it from people who own much more expensive pieces. You don't need to drop five grand to get something legit. Just avoid the fashion brand junk and look for actual watch people making watches.