Vintage wristwatches have for centuries been one of the most prized collectors’ items. Not only that, but vintage watches are also hugely popular as hand-me-downs, family heirlooms and as gifts for a variety of celebrations. They do not even have to be ‘vintage’ in the strictest meaning of the word; many companies specifically design and make these watches to resemble a vintage look, and sometimes even have modern features incorporated into them. Those are known as replica vintage watches.

Let’s talk a little about actual vintage watches, though. The year was around 1900 and Dietrich Gruen introduced his line of wristwatches to the world. His mission: To produce the thinnest watch possible by cutting out some of the internal overlapping parts. Doing this, famous watches such as the VeriThin, SemiThin and Pentagon were made substantially thinner than its competitors.

Technically speaking, authentic vintage watches have certain characteristics:

• Typically, they are considered vintage if produced before 1970.
• Watches made in the mid ‘70s until modern day almost always use the Quartz movement feature which is Swiss-invented and is not indicative of a vintage watch.
• Vintage watches serve many purposes, like:  as heirlooms, collector’s items, people who love to study in the inner workings, and so forth.
• Classic vintage watches have unique characteristics, such as: dials with Arabic numbers, oversized faces and shells, Swiss military engravings, or individual families’ last names engravings.
• Vintage watches were made by several renowned companies, such as: Wittnauer, Hamilton, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Omega, Perrelet and Universale Geneve.
• The Vintage Military style is one of the most treasured. It can be either Swiss or American-made, and common manufacturers of Vintage Militaries include Hamilton, Omega, Bulova, Waltham, Universale Geneve and Elgin.
• Of the former, 90% of them were made during or around the time of World War II, and are extremely valuable wristwatches.
• They were made, and are still sold by many antique dealers with metal, leather, or gator-skin bands.

What it means to own a vintage wristwatch

Owning a vintage wristwatch is a symbol that you are a person of integrity, sophistication, tradition and character. In many cultures and subcultures, vintage watches are handed down to posterity once they attain a certain age, or once a specific milestone has been achieved. In other cultures, people collect fine vintage wristwatches that have been fully-restored. They will then either sell these watches to discerning patrons or proudly display them at home and on their wrists.

Vintage watches are so much more than just keeping the time. They are a reflection of taste and an expression of high-style of the owner. They simply exude charm—something which most modern wristwatches cannot claim. In addition, vintage wrist-wear symbolizes an era that’s gone-by: an era where railroad workers used wristwatches and pocket watches to keep track of time, and a period of time in where quality and style in smaller numbers really meant something. We live in a time where goods are produced en masse and sold to the masses. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that. However, if you want to keep alive the times before mass-marketing then go online and browse the great selection of vintage wristwatches.



The Joy of Vintage Wristwatches

Swiss Military Hanowa Men’s 06-4095-04-079 Sealander Watch $135.00

The Swiss military watch is a timeless expression of beauty, precision, ruggedness and innovation. Since its humble beginnings in 1963’s Switzerland, Swiss watches and their patented Swiss Quartz Movement have set the benchmark for many of their competitors. Chronometers and chronographs are two of the most instantly identifiable hallmarks of the Swiss watch. Tests of endurance through deep water submersion, heavy shocks and dirt/dust infiltration tests have all proved the Swiss timepiece to be second-to-none. Precision and hand-craftsmanship is what it is all about.

Caveat Emptor

When you give a Swiss military watch to someone you care about, make sure it’s the real thing. Any genuine Swiss watch will have the insignia “Swiss Made” engraved or stamped on it. As with most things of such high-value/high-demand, there will always be counterfeiters. The Swiss government, the World Intellectual Property Organization and the World Trade Organization work very hard to protect the brand. Additionally, for a watch to bear the “Swiss Made” insignia, it legally must be at least 50% produced in Switzerland. This means that a minimum of the watch inner case, the movement and the dials have to be of direct Swiss origin, and the final inspection must be done in Switzerland.

Endless Variety

With that little caveat out of the way, take a little time to discover the different models of Swiss military watches. Different varieties include: The Grenadier GMT (Heer), the International Special Forces wrist-watch, a number of limited series pieces, and the Luftwaffe editions—which include the Air Force 1 special edition, and the Paratrooper, and the Navy Diver and Seals II editions.

A Closer Look at Some Of The Offerings

• Grenadier: This rugged, stainless steel chronograph was originally developed for the Swiss Elite Corps for use in the extreme conditions of the snowy Alps.

• Navy Diver: Used by the toughest of the tough in armies around the world, the skilled Diver’s watch is a chronograph, stainless steel watch capable of submersions deep as 660 feet.

• Argonaut: One of the most prized Swiss military chronographs available. Made from 25 jewels and submersible up-to 1000m, this watch is the very pinnacle of what a military watch should be.

• Air Force I: A timeless, enduring symbol of ruggedness and elegance, this watch is worn by the majority of the U.S. President’s Air Force One Group.

• Paratrooper: Also one of the most prized timepieces by Swiss, this military watch is encased in genuine Titanium and features the second-to-none Swiss-made Ronda calibration and a bulletproof 43.0mm case enclosure; submersible to 200 meters.

The Gift Any Outdoorsman Will Love

Those are only a very few editions of authentic Swiss military watches. However, practically any style will please even the most discerning gentleman or gentlewoman. Usually, these watches even come with their own case that looks and feels almost as good as the watch itself. Anyone would love to receive one: those in law enforcement, the Navy or Marines, Coast Guard, firefighters, thrill-seekers and just about anyone else. Give the perfect gift to anyone who loves the great outdoors—give them a quality-made, dependable Swiss-made military watch.

A Swiss Military Watch Makes the Perfect Gift

Among Switzerland’s most famous brands is the wide range of military style watches that are produced. These draw on both Switzerland’s heritage of watch making and fine craftsmanship as well as on its tradition of independence and neutrality. Switzerland’s military has long been revered across Europe and the rest of the world and it has long been the country’s guarantee against invasion by its bigger neighbors. As such Switzerland has always ensured that its citizen soldiers have been well trained in marksmanship and tactics and equipped with the finest equipment. And Switzerland’s gift to the world has been the innovation and attention to detail that goes into items such as Swiss Army knives and Swiss Army Watches.
The best-known military style watches are clearly those associated with the Swiss Army knife, which made by two Swiss companies, Victorinox and Wenger. The two companies merged a few years back, yet still operate under different names in many parts of the market. That said, both offer unsurpassed quality and reliability. Victorinox and Wenger Swiss Army watches offer a really good blend of features and price. One of my favorites is the Wenger Commando Watch. This is a really rugged and tough watch. It also has a brilliantly lit up display that makes it easy to see at night. Two other favorites of mine are the Wenger Ranger Watch and Battalion Diver Watch, which is also made by the same company. The Victorinox Swiss Army Infantry vintage watch is also a really beautiful and classic timepiece with a real old-style look.
Both Wenger and Victorinox offer a really wide range of watches so that you can usually find something to fit almost any pocket with prices starting at under $100 and going up from there.
There are however quite a few other companies that you can look at when looking to buy a Swiss Military Watch. Most people overlook firms such as Hanowa, which makes a really high quality range of watches sold under the Swiss Military brand as well as the more exclusive Swiss Eagle watch brand.
Even tougher (and more expensive) is the range of watches produced under the CX Swiss Military brand. These are some of the world’s toughest watches and have stood up to all kinds of tests including being dropped out of airplanes, blown up with high explosives and shot at with a shotgun. They survived most of these tests whereas other watches just got smashed to pieces.
If you are looking for a cheap military-style watch then you could consider Invicta. These are Swiss-made watches but they have a bit of a mixed reputation when it comes to reliability. I don’t endorse them wholeheartedly but some people swear by them. That said, you can’t say they aren’t cheap. Some Invicta military watches can be bought for under $50. And although this blog is really all about Swiss Watches, there are also some other really popular manufacturers of military watches. Citizen has an eco-drive military watch that also has a really clear face with an easily-to-read dial. It also never needs its batteries changed,

Features of a Military-Style-Watch
Apart from the obvious point that most people buy Swiss military watches because they look good, some of the better ones also have some features that provide real tactical assistance. In this I’m thinking of a watch with a dial that is easy to read and a face that is not confusing. You also want something that is self illuminating, so you can see it even in the dark, and you almost certainly want a watch that will not beep and give away your position. There are a number of cheap military watches on the market that I haven’t mentioned here but be sure to do your research first as if you end up paying a very low rate you may end up with something that is also not very good quality either.

Wenger® Men’s 72328 Battalion II Diver Swiss Watch $125.00

Wenger Battalion Diver Watch NA Wenger Mens Black Battalion Iii Diver Watch $208.12

Wenger Men’s 72325 Battalion II Diver Swiss Watch $97.94

The Wide Range of Swiss Military Style Watches

One of the most recognizable and well respected brands in the world is ‘Swiss Army’, but it seems that they are far better known for their knives than their watches. Switzerland as a country has always been known for its precision, elegance and beauty, and the fact that the Swiss government itself has a hand in making these products suggests that they are serious about making them as best as they can.

Unlike some watch companies, there is a huge variation of Swiss Army watches available at the moment – from waterproof watches that allow you to dive up to 100m deep with them, to Swiss Army automatic watches that automatically change in conjunction with daylight saving. While make watches that were designed to be worn with elegant suits and tuxedos, they also make timepieces that look far more casual that could be worn with anything, so there’s definitely a large variety available and something for everyone.

These watches are often identified by the white cross over a red background (which is the same logo as their knives have) and throughout the years, it has become a symbol of quality and precision. Swiss Army celebrated its 125th year in business recently, and although the event was very much a look back at many of their successes, it was also a look forward to a no-doubt bright future.

One of the main successes of the company is the special edition watches that they produce every few years (for both men and women). Only a handful (i.e. less than 200) of these limited edition timepieces are ever produced at any one time, so the demand for them is always high (as are the prices).

The standard Swiss Army mens watches start somewhere between $200 and $240, with more expensive models breaking the thousand-dollar mark. It is important to note that while these watches are expensive, they are supposed to be something that you can keep for years to come, so in fact, this is more of a one-time investment than something you do every few years (which is the average lifespan of many inferior watches).

One interesting thing about these watches is that they are only ever available in analogue format (i.e. with the hands pointing at numbers) and that they have never made a digital watch. That being said, they do include many of the features that typical digital watches have (such as a date and month reminder and a stopwatch) so you are really not missing much at all.

It is not only men that Swiss Army makes timepieces for, but women too. Most women like the idea of wearing a watch more as a fashion accessory than as a practical and useful object, and it seems that they fully understand that. By this I mean that their selection of lades watches are stylish and right up to date with the fashion trends of today, and each one retains the famous red and white logo that is now almost a fashion icon in itself.

The basic Swiss watch was designed with the adventurous person in mind, which is why they are suited to those that like to get outdoors. As I previously mentioned, many of them are waterproof (meaning you can go swimming with them on) and lots of them also have a tiny light inside of them so that you can see them in the dark. This type of watch is perfect for those that are frequently out in the dark (such as fishermen and hunters).

Their most popular model currently on the market is the men’s Chrono Classic watch, which can be bought from Amazon.com for around $330.00. It is part of the Victorinox Swiss Army range, and has a classic stainless steel look to it. It is water resistant up to 330 feet and feature luminous hands that glow in the dark.

Their second most popular selling timepiece at the moment is the Class Chronograph Brown Dial watch, which is available for around $275.00. This watch has a fairly more subtle look, as it features a brown leather strap and a slightly less vibrant face. It has a date display that can be easily set by pressing the buttons on the side and twisting the dial, and it is the perfect watch for anyone looking to get started.

The most popular ladies Swiss Army watches on the market are the Victorinox Cavalry watches, which can be found for around $250.00 each. This timepiece has a far more feminine feel about it, as it does not have the same loud and brash features as its male counterparts. Made in Switzerland, it has a scratch resistant screen that is easy to read thanks to the large numbers. Another really popular watch is the Wenger Commando Watch. This is really tough and great for the outdoors. If money is no object and you are looking for the world’s toughest watch, then the CX Swiss Military is the right one for you.

Overall, Swiss Army watches are some of the finest on the entire market, and if you are looking for accuracy and durability these will provide you with everything you will ever need.

Victorinox Swiss Army Men's Renegade Watch #24228 Average Rating: 24 total customer reviews...

Victorinox Swiss Army Men's Original Leather Accented Watch #24220 Average Rating: 16 total customer reviews...

Victorinox Swiss Army Men's Original Leather Accented Watch #24378 Average Rating: 11 total customer reviews...

Wenger Swiss Military Men's 72900 Classic Field White Dial Brown Leather Military Watch Average Rating: 18 total customer reviews...

Swiss Army Watches – Do They Live Up To The Hype?

A Swiss chronograph is not necessarily made in Switzerland; it also includes time pieces made from Swiss components.   Switzerland is a big name in watches and Swiss chronographs for good reason, and the quality derived from the Swiss products will last you an entire lifetime should you choose to purchase one of these time pieces.  Take a look at one of my favorite companies in Swiss time pieces and the wide range of products offered to the public, Breitling is one of the very best names in these products and in Swiss chronographs, and makes watches for the military, as well as for private use for civilians.  These products are used for diving, aerospace, and any other use you would need to have this kind of precision.

The Products Offered by Breitling

Breitling offers four lines of Swiss chronograph (the Navitimer, the Windrider, the Professional, and the AeroMarine), and none of them can be purchased save through an authorized dealer.  This means you should not try to buy one on the Internet. This is because there are so many frauds out there, and unfortunately this not only brings the cost on the true product up but makes it a little tougher to even find them in the first place.  Breitling will not honor the warrantee on any product they did not make regardless of whether it bears their logo or not so know that you must buy from an associate they trust.  With forty one unique models offered, it is likely that they have something that will suite your needs.

The Navitimer Line

The Navitimer line has been around for almost sixty years, and there are eleven models offered in this line.  They range from the space aged to the classic art piece, and feature some of the most advanced attributes available in the business today.   The models are as follows The Navitimer, the Navitimer World, the Cosmonaute, the Cosmonaute Limited Edition, the Montbrillant, the Montbrilliant Olympus, The Montbrillant Legende, the Montbrillant Datora, the Chrono-Matic 49, the Chrono-Matic 1461, and the Chrono-Matic QP.  All of them are featured on the Breitling website and they range in face size from 37mm to 49mm, giving a very nice range for folks to consider.

The Windrider Line

The Windrider line is a beautiful line of Swiss chronograph, very elegant, and this line has many watches which might interest the female set, some are smaller, and even jewelry like in their styling.  These models include the Chronomat B01, the Chronomat, the Cockpit, the Lady Cockpit, the Chrono Cockpit, the Starliner, and the Blackbird.  The line has a wonderfully diverse set of faces, and wrist bands, and will look great on anyone who wants one of these fine time pieces.

The Professional Line

This line is really geared more towards men, they are on the bigger side and will be a little unwieldy for ladies.  This is a great line, and they have classic styling that any pilot or survivelist will really enjoy.    Models include the Emergency, the Aerospace, the Airwolf, the AIrwolf Raven, the Skyracer, the Skyracer Raven, and the Co-Pilot.  Seven models, seven really nice Swiss chronographs, and they couldn’t be better if Breitling tried.

The AeroMarine Line

There are so many great watches in this line, the Super Avenger, the Avenger, the Avenger Seawolf Chrono, the Avenger Seawolf, the Chrono Super Ocean, the Super Ocean Steelfish, the Super Ocean Heritage Chrono, the Super Ocean Heritage 46, the Super Ocean Heritage 38, the Chrono Colt, the Colt GMT, the Colt GMT +, the Colt Automatic, the Colt Quartz, and the Colt Oceane.  Wow, that is a mouthful, with sixteen different models offered in this line and every one of them a winner.  You could not find a better gift for your husband or father, and this Swiss chronograph will last him his lifetime.  They also hold their value well and should need no maintenance, they are one of the few things that when you buy it you should never have to worry about it again, some of these watches made by Breitling were made to go into space for Pete’s sake, so I can’t really see why you would even want to look at a different manufacturer.

– A guest post by Bill S.

What is a Swiss Chronograph, What Would I Use it For, And Where do I Buy One?