Smartwatches were never my thing. They’re clunky black screens with unflattering silicon bands that only strengthen my attachment issues with my phone. I get it – the tech is impressive and the utility has its place, but it’s not for me. Problem is, I’m not quite ready to blow a stack on an analog watch either. So where does that leave us? Believe it or not, the scourge of vintage reselling has yet to sully the watch department. On top of that, affordable watchmaking has always been a competitive field which means that getting a solid deal on a beautiful vintage timepiece is easier than you’d expect. Here’s a shortlist of about 15 beautiful timepieces I found posted on eBay:

1960s Citizen Homer (~$150-$300)

The first four watches above come from the Citizen Homer Phynox line which normally sports a classy combination of champagne-colored dial, golden casing, and earthy leather strap . These timepieces have an undeniable vintage class and swagger that provide an affordable and versatile option for those just getting into the hobby (speaking from experience!).

The fifth link highlights part of the pleasure of vintage watch collecting is the industrial storytelling they can hold – stories the watch-collecting community love to provide those who will listen. Check out a bit of backstory to the Citizen Homer Railway Second Setting as told by redditor Hold-My-Sake:

. . .The Citizen Homer Second Setting was the watch of the Japanese railway workers over the period from 1960 to 1970. It was an endowment of the Japanese National Railways to all their railway personnel and so this watch was never marketed [to the public] . . .

Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/136esk5/comment/jioa5gw/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

So if you think about it, getting this job is basically like wearing Carhartt to your job as a software engineer – was it designed for you? No… Is your barista digging it? …hm…

But you still got that shit on, I promise.

1960s Seiko Skyliner (~$200-$350)

Seiko skyliner ran as a sort of everyman’s version of the brand’s crown jewel’s, the Grand and King Seiko. Much like the Citizen Homer, you get some very playful, retro-future typefacing that has since taken a backseat to more elegant, bold, serif fonts (look no further than Seiko’s current dial branding). Pairing this with slick Omega-style dials and a slim silhouette and you get a fun and affordable change-up to pick. Want a little Patrick Bateman flair? Check out the Seikosho Skyliner Ref.J15006E. The tasteful linen dial… the gold hardware splashing against the blue leather… my god, it even has the old-school Chevrolet font…

Feel like reading up a bit more on Seiko’s early years? Look no further than this romantic perspective from Fratello watches. And if you find a bidding war on the 6220-9970 he writes about, I’ll see you there.

Vintage Omega (~$300-$1000)

Other affordable brands were just copying Omega’s homework after all – why not go right for the OG? Well, finding this vintage flavor for less than 500 bucks is certainly possible but you are trading condition for affordability. A few scuffs or knicks for a <$500 Omega strikes me as easy money, but perfectionists will have to stretch this budget a little higher for more quality postings. As long as you stay away from Don Draper’s legendary black-dial De Ville, you’ll be able to spot some Mad Men era deals.

Oh, and now that we’re getting into luxury territory Its worth acknowledging the risk buyers take when buying vintage. Getting burnt at this pricepoint may not be the worst, but getting ripped off is never fun. eBay has taken genuine watch sales very seriously, offering buyer’s authenticity checks for $80 bucks – not a terrible price for piece of mind. Lastly, make sure to read those descriptions! I believe all the postings linked here have indicators that the watches are in working condition, recently serviced, and often list whether their movements are original or replaced. Got a dud watch? You can likely get it up and running for about $200-300 with a servicing. Happy hunting!

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Late to the party? Everything’s sold out? No problem! Vintage or not, most of these links are mass-produced watches and will make their way on and off eBay regularly. Just be patient and keep an eye out for the lines listed below!