Three Vintage Watches Under $1000 and Why You Should Buy Them

If you love vintage watches, it's time to consider some affordable and under the radar options that won’t break the bank.

I’ve been collecting vintage watches for only about five years now, but over the last few years I’ve begun to notice one thing: a lot of people want the same watches. Now I’m not saying that I wouldn’t love an AP Royal Oak or Patek Philippe in my collection, but what I can tell you is that there are so many interesting and wallet-friendly watches out there you're probably not considering.

In today's open watch market, the sheer amount of affordable watches is bountiful. While names like Rolex are at the top of the list, I’m always interested in discovering watches that don’t require a heavy hit to the bank account. Today we’ll discuss three pieces under $1,000 that I think would make anyone's collection more unique and enjoyable.

Caravelle World Time

Caravelle is one of those watch brands that not enough people seem to give any respect to. During the 1960s, Bulova was one of the world's biggest watchmakers. They created the Caravelle brand to compete with the likes of Timex and other low-cost watches in the market. By the end of the decade, Caravelle had become one of the largest selling jeweled watch brands in the US.

My very first vintage watch was a Caravelle “666” Devil Diver, that I still own and proudly wear to this day. With all the quality hallmarks of a Bulova, Caravelle watches are now some of the most plentiful and attainable pieces on the market, which makes them great for someone just getting into the hobby of collecting.

This Caravelle World Time really shows what was great about the 1960’s and 70’s watch design. A funky, but legible dial, hand-wound movement and a black bi-directionally bezel that features 22 different cities in a vivid orange text. At 35mm, this watch harkens back to a time when watches didn’t need to be gigantic. Personally, I think everyone should own at least one Caravelle watch before they begin to buy a more expensive watch.

Longines Admiral

One of the most famous brands in horological history, Longines is another example of a heritage brand that is often overlooked by serious collectors. Their catalog of watches spans decades and a brand that once seemed an afterthought is quickly becoming one of the most sought after on the market. They’ve even successfully reissued some of their classic models.

The reason I love Longines from this period is their variety. Longines was putting out all different types of case shapes, movement types and dial configurations during the 60’s and 70’s. Sure, the most iconic pieces can be hard to find. However, a lot of the lesser desired models are still great watches, in original condition and ready to be purchased for a great price.

The Longines Admiral 5 Star model featured here has an automatic movement, quickset date and a standout sunburst dial in gray. For a 50-year-old watch, it's amazing to see just how modern this watch still is today. As smart looking today as the day it came out, you could easily wear this with a suit on a clean saffiano strap (maybe even one of ours!).

Omega De Ville with a Matte Gray Dial

Sure, the Speedmaster is the watch you most associate with the Omega brand, but most collectors will tell you that any watch from the Swiss watchmaker deserves to be in your collection. As the popularity of the “moonwatch” has increased over the years, Omega’s base models have remained consistent in terms of availability and pricing.

While specific models, like the Constellation, can cost upwards of 1k, The Omega De Ville is the perfect watch for someone looking to own a piece of history from the brand. An elegant and minimalist watch, the Omega De Ville was introduced in 1967 as a stand-alone collection after being part of the seamaster line. The De Ville’s combination of meticulous finishing, slim profile and well-proven movements made it an instant hit and eventually won awards by the Committee of European Excellence.

This time-only example stays true to the classic dress watch. It comes with a manual wind movement and a beautiful matte gray dial. These were never meant to be very expensive watches, but the details were certainly well executed, like those raised indices and stick hands. What’s better than the perfect understated dress watch? A completely original understated dress watch. In a world full of fakes and franken watches, it's great to know that watches at this price range are still out there and ready to be worn. It still looks as good as the day it came off the factory floor.

Steven D. Elliott is a designer, photographer, and new father from New York City, who has a passion for tailored men's clothing and vintage watches. When he’s not commissioning a new suit, he’s carefully building a collection of watches he loves and wears.