10 Vintage Sports Watches Under $2,000 That Have Seen More Action Than You
Clickbait? Maybe. Underrated vintage sports pieces on a budget that deserve more love? Absolutely.
Yes, a “Top 10” article. We’re not ashamed. Okay, maybe a little. But we’re embracing it. We know you’re not making a purchasing decision based on a Top 10 list, but it’s a great chance to show off some cool pieces with cool stories. It’s time to make another case for funky, beat-up watches.
1. A Seiko that’s seen the world
Seiko definitely gets love from enthusiasts, but it’s time to give that wonderful little SKX a sexier, more well-travelled GMT brother. This World Time GMT is beefy, clean, and comes decked out on its original steel bracelet. This watch has been worn well and clearly taken care of, with an unpolished 41mm case and a warm patina developing on the lume. The proportions of the case work flawlessly with the rattly bracelet, and something about that black and red makes me drool a little. Find it here.
2. The watch the President doesn’t wear
It’s been long documented that the Vulcain Cricket is a watch worn by many a President, and this Vulcain chronograph has a bit of the Cricket’s tuxedo elegance—without any of the stuffiness. Put a dash of red on a matte black dial in a slim 35mm case, throw it on a definitively unique bracelet by bracelet master J. B. Champion, and you have an infinitely wearable and surprisingly versatile piece of almost-Presidential history. Find it here.
3. Not a Gerald Genta, but Gerald Genta would approve
Tell me this watch doesn’t have Nautilus written all over it. The matte blue dial, the integrated heavy-link bracelet, the… white hands? Alright, I guess the similarities end there, but the feeling isn’t lost. Put some Genta design sensibilities into an older, smaller pre-Royal Oak and this is what you’d get. It just works. Find it here.
4. Of course there’s a Snorkel on this list
You should know by now, we’re obsessed with the Bulova Snorkel. But for good reason. This is a super rare example of an already rare early dress watch, with a silver dial and Rolex Explorer-like numerals and a satisfying 60-click bezel (offered mere decades before Rolex finally decided to add ratcheting to their beloved Submariner bezel). It wears masterfully at 36mm and was a true early experiment that won out on so many characteristics of divers that we love today. Find it here.
5. The JLC Polaris but flashier (and cheaper)
This Nivada Alertamatic alarm watch has absolutely no business being as affordable as it is. Not only is it an early piece from the now-revered Nivada Grenchen chronograph maker, but it has clear JLC Memovox/Polaris influence that’s executed with satisfying taste. The dark navy centre ring is complete with a bright orange alarm indicator, pairing smoothly with the grey minute spacers. It’s seen a bit of action but is in excellent shape, plus it’s in an extremely modern 38mm cushion case. Find it here.
6. The world’s simplest world timer
Sometimes simplicity is key, and the Caravelle World Time knew what was up. It’s a very minimal execution of a world timer (much different to the Seiko above) with uncommon stick hands and a clean orange bezel font that gives it a surprisingly modern feel. It’s a watch that doesn’t ask for much, and that’s cool. Find it here.
7. Defying design expectations
This Zenith Defy is making another appearance in DVW editorial, only because it deserves it—this unassuming little gem-shaped 37mm beast can withstand an absolute beating, and has clearly done so before, but it’s ready to go again. These pieces were a Zenith experiment of the 60s that developed into a well-respected line today, and the look is truly unique. Find it here.
8. A poor man’s Heuer Carrera
You don’t have to be poor to wear this watch, I’d just like to put that out there. BUT this is the perfect piece for someone dreaming of a Heuer Carrera but doesn’t have the cash for one (yet). It’s a clean Zodiac-made Clebar from the late 60s with a minty blue tachymeter ring that has undeniable mid century charm and is in remarkable shape for an old racer’s watch. It certainly deserves to see a few more laps on the right wrist. Find it here.
9. Another Omega, but this time in grey
I think we can consider this the Ultraman Speedmaster Mini. Yes, no chronograph in sight, but for a time-only watch, this 70s Omega Geneve has so much modern class. It’s been well-worn but is completely original and in a super uncommon grey-orange colorway that would look fantastically at home on a striped NATO strap. Is this Ultraman’s dress watch? Find it here.
10. Last but not least, a good old Seiko 5
To close off the list, yet another beefy and reliable classic: the Seiko 5 Sports Rally diver. It’s very much in line with the new Rowing Blazers Seiko watches, but this baby’s the original. It has color galore and so much vintage character in a hefty 40mm case. Plus, as a sneaky bonus, an ultra-rare original Arabic day wheel. This Seiko radiates cool and is only just over $1k. Find it here.
If you know a vintage watch that doesn’t get enough coverage, we’d love to feature it! Let us know through our Contact form, or send a message to @iamjoshcameron on Instagram.
