10 Vintage Watches to Look for at Estate Sales
Vintage watches are known for their craftsmanship and durability and are seen as a symbol of elegance and timelessness, making them the perfect addition to any watch collection. Estate sales in Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and Olympia are great places to find vintage watches. Here are ten to keep an eye out for.
Rolex Submariner
This classic dive watch is one of the most recognizable and sought-after watches of all time. Originally waterproof up to 330 feet, these watches hit the market in 1953. The vintage Submariner models are highly prized by collectors, and they can fetch a high price at estate sales.
Omega Speedmaster
The Speedmaster is a legendary chronograph watch that was worn by astronauts during the Apollo missions. Vintage Speedmaster models are highly sought after by collectors, and they often command high prices at estate sales, with the 1969 Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Vintage going for more than $11,000.
Patek Philippe Calatrava
This elegant dress watch is one of Patek Philippe's most iconic models. These watches date back to 1932, and vintage Calatrava watches are highly prized by collectors. They can fetch a high price. Some models can go for more than six figures.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak is a pioneering luxury sports watch that is known for its bold and innovative design. Authentic Royal Oak watches feature a trademark dial with a tapisserie pattern.
Heuer Carrera
The Carrera is a classic chronograph watch that was first introduced in 1963. Vintage Carrera models are highly sought after by collectors, and they often fetch high prices at estate sales.
There is a fantastic website dedicated to the Vintage Heuer Carrera. Check it out here.
Breitling Navitimer
The first Navitimer debuted in 1952 or 1954. No one is certain of the date because it was used as a professional aviator’s tool. The Navitimer is a classic pilot's watch that is known for its intricate slide-rule bezel. Vintage Navitimer models are highly sought after by collectors, and they can command high prices at estate sales.
Learn more about the history of these watches here.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
The Reverso is a classic Art Deco watch that is known for its unique reversible case. The design originated thanks to British polo players whose watches were damaged during a match. The Reverso, first designed in 1931, featured a swiveling face, allowing the case to be flipped to protect the glass.
Cartier Tank
The Tank is a classic dress watch that is known for its timeless design. It debuted in 1919 and was produced in Paris, London, and New York. All three of these produced the Tank in different ways.
Learn more about the vast history of this watch here.
IWC Portuguese
This watch, both classic and modern in its design, was a step ahead of its predecessors and would only become famous many decades later. Ironically, these watches were originally first sold in 1939 to a Ukrainian watch wholesaler and made their way to Portugal in 1942.
A. Lange & Söhne
These German watches date back to 1845 when the company’s owner, Ferdinand Adolf Lange, received a loan from the government of Saxony to establish A. Lange. The company reinvigorated the town of Glashütte and helped transform it into the epicenter of German watchmaking.
Learn more about the history of this company here.
Whether you're a collector or simply looking for a unique and timeless timepiece, check out our estate sales to see if we might have a watch to add to your collection.
