1938—arguably one of the finest eras in watchmaking. This period marked a pivotal transition toward the modern wristwatch, with numerous innovations shaping its evolution. Strongly influenced by the Art Deco designs, watches of this time were not only technologically advanced but also among the most decorative ever created. To illustrate this, here’s a brochure from Jaeger-LeCoultre from 1938.

This is my love letter to one of the most iconic watches ever made: the Rolex Datejust. While the internet is full of in-depth research of this legendary timepiece, I’ll steer away from that here. Instead, I want to focus on the "generic" silver-dial steel models produced between the 1960s and 1980s, and explain why they hold a special place in my heart—and why you should consider them, too.

But why this Datejust? And why this mundane silver-on-steel combination? Let me share my insights...

The "Les Grecques" (Translated The Greeks) model line, introduced in 1982, was certainly a watch relying more on it’s backstory combined with it’s design. It drew inspiration from the Greek ideal of ancient values and everlasting beauty. The case inspired to resemble the Greek temples and the dial decorated with Meander or also known as the Greek Line.

Step into the 1960s with a timepiece that gained the nickname among watch collectors: The Keyhole. You'd think a watch with such a strong nickname would have a dedicated online presence, but surprisingly, there's not that much to be found.

So, here we are, embarking on a journey to discover the 1965 Zenith S.65, known as "The Keyhole."

Enter the captivating narrative of Yves Stolz and his brand, Yves Saint-Blaise, known as 'The Exceptional Jeweler.'

Wristwatches stand out as highly sought-after treasures, captivating enthusiasts worldwide. With each passing week, a new publication or research unveils a niche aspect of watch collecting, leaving us wondering: what more is there to uncover?

A view from 1950 on the watches worn and ordered by big celebrities and royalties in 1950. An article written by Federation Suisse des Associations de Fabricants d’Horlogerie and now translated and scanned by VINTAGE VIEW in English for the world to see.

The Alpina 6, a waterproof tank model that should have been the big innovation by Alpina in 1939. The watch that had all of the specifications you wanted from a wristwatch. A waterproof stainless steel case with the highly appraised Alpina 490 and it’s anti-vibration movement, shock resisting and anti-magnetic specification. The six reasons to choose an Alpina 6.

Over the past two years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Piaget watches from the 1960s to the 1980s. Is this new fascination driven by hype, a fashion trend, or a rediscovered appreciation for a forgotten gem?

In my quest for a thorough understanding of the quality and craftsmanship of Piaget timepieces from that era, I turn to period brochures. What were their price points? How were they marketed? And how do they stack up against other vintage watches currently circulating in the market? Let's delve into the past to unravel the allure and value of these pieces by Piaget.

In collecting there are several important factors that come to play. For one it might be the brand, the size, the era, the condition etc. All options that can have huge impacts on value which translates to the collect-ability of said watch.

A factor that I particularly like is it’s provenance. Who bought the watch and why? A mystery that is most likely never to be solved but some watches do offer the option to find out.

For this item I’d like to take you with me on the journey of restoring the provenance of a very special Ulysse Nardin Chronograph that I estimate as something made in the 1940’s.

One of the worst enemies of the wrist watch; water. With timekeeping finding it’s place on the wrist around 1918 the watch starts to evolve in a more durable object.

Precise timekeeping was essential in some cases even the precision needed between life and death. Various outside situations could lead to the movement not being the precise instrument it needed to be like dustproof, shockproof, anti magnetic and lets not forget waterproof.

The first mass produced waterproof watch by Rolex from 1926 made sure ever brand needed a waterproof watch in their catalog. This is an article from 1941 when waterproof wristwatches where still in the top of development ending in the mid 1950’s.

Audemars Piguet Meridian: Indispensable in charting your course to the top.

A watch made for gentlemen and ladies who want to achieve the best. The design and marketing took inspiration from the early maritime explorers who used a astrolabe for their journeys. The lines on the dial clearly inspired by the astrolabe.

The Meridian came in 33mm for the gentlemans size and 22mm for the lady size. Both with an integrated bracelet. The watch made in Stainless Steel with 18kt Yellow Gold details or in full 18kt Yellow Gold.

A lost treasure from the Dutch Indies dating back to the 1920’s. It’s a minute repeater pocket watch with a dial signed A. Schönmann Soerabaia.

A trip back to 1986 where Patek Philippe handed out these booklets with pricing, dealer locations and pictures of the model line-up.

Check out this 1986 Patek Philippe brochure to find some forgotten gems.

I often get the question. Why vintage watches? Collecting vintage timepieces isn’t just checking of watches from a list. It’s a mindset, a philosophic journey.

Within collecting I can find multiple reasons but one market dominating reason is; The Original Cool Guy.

The main influence for making the ,functional build watch in steel, a new collectible wristwatch segment.