Tag Archive for: vintage watches

Jasper52 presents luxuriant pick of wristwatches Nov. 13

Jasper52 will present an exclusive collection of two dozen luxury wristwatches from a variety of renowned brands on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Mostly contemporary Cartier, Ulysse Nardin, TAG Heuer, Vulcain and Louis Vuitton models are featured on this online auction. Bidders will also find other fine watches and unique timepieces by world-class Swiss, French and even Italian manufacturers.

TAG Heuer model Grand Carrera 17RS2 Black Titanium, reference no. CAV518B, automatic movement, 43mm titanium case. Estimate: $3,000-$3,500. Jasper52 image

View the auction here.

Learn more about the auction on Auction Central News.

Luxuriant pick of vintage watches in Jasper52 auction Dec. 13

Nearly 100 vintage famous-name wristwatches – all verified authentic, serviced and ready to wear – are offered in a Jasper52 online auction taking place Wednesday, Dec. 13. Topping the impressive list of luxury timepieces is a 1980s Patek Philippe model 3666 in 18K white gold. The watch’s case size is 28mm, making it suitable for a man or a woman, and it comes on a solid gold Patek Philippe bracelet.

Luxuriant pick of vintage watches in Jasper52 auction Dec. 13

View the auction.

Learn more about the auction on Auction Central News.

Seiko Watches: Always One Step Ahead

There are many “firsts” in the history of the Seiko Watch Corp. As impressive as that may sound, what is even more remarkable is that those firsts contribute to the current innovation of a company now in its 137th year of operation.

An example of an early Laurel model wristwatch from Seiko, the first of its kind in Japan. One reason for its popularity was its design, suitable for wear by men and women. The Seiko Museum image

One can’t help but wonder what founder Kintaro Hattori might think about the company and creations manufactured by the business he started as a simple clock repair shop in 1881 in Tokyo. Given that a Hattori (Shinji Hattori – a great grandson) remains at the helm of the global company, it’s a good possibility Kintaro would be pleased with how his little watch business has evolved. As of April 2017, Shinji Hattori became chairman of Seiko Watch Corp., while also retaining his role as CEO. Shuji Takahashi moved into the role of president of Seiko, while also serving as president, chief operating officer and chief marketing officer.

Seiko Fact: The company built its first pocket watch in 1895, and in 1913 Seiko brought forth the first Japanese wristwatch, named The Laurel.

Seiko is a business that produces timepieces found on the wrists of explorers journeying to staggering heights atop moutain peaks, to the depths of the world’s oceans, and to both poles. Modern-day adventurers such as Mitsuro Ohba, who is known for his solo treks on foot crossing the Arctic Circle and Antarctica, have worn Seiko watches. Explorers of land and sea aren’t the only ones who have opted to go with a Seiko.

Vintage quartz Seiko pocket watch, a three-register chronograph, 14K gold chain, sold for $1,037 during a July 2017 auction. Hampton Estates Auction image

Seiko watches have made their way into outer space as well. One of the most talked about space adventures involving a Seiko watch was Richard Garriott’s 2008 trip to the International Space Station. It wasn’t just any seiko watch that accompanied Garriott, it was the Seiko Spring Drive Spacewatch, made especially for the mission. It also wasn’t the first time a Garriott wore a Seiko watch in space. Richard Garriott says his decision to venture into space was also about following in his father’s footsteps. In 1973, Owen Garriott traveled aboard Skylab as a NASA astronaut, and again in 1983. During these flights, he too wore Seiko watches.

Stainless steel automatic men’s Seiko wristwatch, circa 1970s, mineral glass on the face, with generic steel bracelet, sold for $605 during an auction in March of 2017. Jasper52 image

Adventurers are not the only history-makers to turn to Seiko watches for timekeeping. The late U.S. Army Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf was also a Seiko wearer. In his New York Times death announcement, the military leader is pictured wearing a Seiko watch on one wrist and a Rolex on the other.

The general explained his practice of wearing two watches in a December 1998 letter to Antiquorum auction house, which accompanied the Seiko Quartz Divers 150 Watch he donated for a charity auction. His note read: “To Whom It May Concern: This letter certifies that the Seiko Quartz Divers 150 Watch, Serial #469576, was owned and worn by me while I was the Commander in Chief of Allied Forces during the Persian Gulf War. I always wore two watches during the war. The one on my left arm was set on Saudi Arabian time and the Seiko on my right arm was set on Eastern Standard Time. That way I could quickly glance at my watches and instantly know the time in both Saudi Arabia and Washington, D.C. Sincerely, H. Norman Schwarzkopf, General, U.S. Army, Retired.” The watch sold for $11,000 at auction in 1999.

Seiko’s ‘First’ First: In 1969 Seiko unveiled the Seiko Astron (Seiko Quartz-Astron 353SQ), which was the world’s first quartz watch. This was a game-changing innovation. It offered an alternative to the mechanical movement used to keep time for nearly a thousand years.

In addition to having a commanding presence in explorations and military movements, the Seiko watch brand has long been associated with sporting events including several past Olympics and World Cup soccer competitions. Seiko watches also make their appearance on the red carpet from time to time, having been on the wrist of actresses including Kristen Stewart and technological icons such as the late Steve Jobs.

Seiko Quartz wristwatch with a white face, black metal bezel, Arabic numeral dials, black leather band, circa 1980s, consigned by Steve Jobs’ longtime house manager, sold for $42,500 at Heritage Auctions in February 2016. Heritage Auctions image

That was a Seiko timepiece on Jobs’ wrist as he held the original Macintosh computer in his lap, in the photo that graced the cover of the October 17, 2011 issue of Time magazine following his death. The photo was take in 1984, and Jobs wore that same watch for decades to come as he and his team at Apple helped define technology in the 21st century.

Global Firsts from Seiko: Having generated great success with its quart watch, Seiko unveiled the first LCD quartz watch with a digital display in 1973, followed by the first multifunctional digital watch in 1975. The 1980s saw more innovation in Seiko’s TV watch, the first analog quartz watch with chronograph, and the first watch to feature computer functions.

For a company whose name is said to mean “success, exquisite, force and truth” in Japanese, it seems Seiko Watch Corp. lives up to its name. However, remaining a relevant and innovative company has meant paving paths into the unseen while staying committed to providing durable and accessible watches and remaining a step ahead in quality and invention.

 

Keeping Time with Cartier

A lot can happen in 170 years. In fact, quite a lot has since jeweler Louis-Francois Cartier took over at the Paris shop where he was an apprentice, following the death of master jeweler Adolphe Picard. While brands have come and gone as the global marketplace has evolved, the popularity of Cartier jewelry and watches has remained strong. Talk about staying power.

A significant reason for the company’s relevance, especially in its first century operation, was due to the visionaries within multiple generations of the Cartier family. This is most evident in the company’s masterful watchmaking.

This Cartier watch exemplified the influence of Cartier’s roots in fine-jewelry design. The platinum Art Deco ladies watch, circa 1915, features a “panther” design diamond and onyx on the setting and band, as well as graduated pearls on the band. The timepiece is a creation of Cartier and European Watch & Clock Co. It sold in a 2016 Heritage auction for $42,500. Heritage Auctions image.

Cartier’s History: By the time Henry Ford had introduced the Model T automobile, created in an assembly line and available at a price more Americans could afford, Cartier’s watchmaking operation was already in its 20th year. When men were starting to get behind the wheel of a Model T, in 1908, their driving attire might have included Cartier’s Tonneau wristwatch. And if they were particularly well connected, they might be able to acquire the Santos, which was not readily available to the public until 1911.

Cartier quickly became well known in European high society and abroad for creating lavish and unique items of jewelry. Applying the same approach the firm used in designing jewelry, Alfred Cartier (Louis- Francois’ son) expanded the company’s line to include timepieces. As explained in an introductory video on the Cartier website, the company’s foray into watches began with fob and chatelaine watches for women, followed in 1888 by the first ladies Cartier wristwatch. Alfred wasn’t alone in this timekeeping venture; by the turn of the 20th century, all three of his sons (Louis, Pierre and Jacques-Theodule) had joined the family business.

However, working side-by-side in the company’s Paris headquarters wasn’t the Cartier family’s vision for the future. By 1910, the three sons were overseeing Cartier’s overseas branches in London and New York. Cartier remained a family-run operation until 1964, following the passing of Pierre. Louis and Jacques both had predeceased their brother in 1942.

Classic Cartier: In the 21st century, Cartier is owned by Richemont, a conglomerate that owns other luxury brands including Van Cleef & Arpels, Jaeger, Vacheron Constantin and Piaget. More than nine decades ago Cartier was partnering with each of those companies, producing “white-label” watches to be sold under their own brand names, according to Collectors Weekly. One of the earliest and most innovative partnerships in Cartier’s history was with Jaeger, the company behind the movements in Cartier watches.

There’s no mistaking the influence and appeal of Cartier watches. Let’s look at four of the company’s notable styles:

A square-shape 18K gold Cartier Tank, circa 1962, gifted to Jacqueline Kennedy in 1963 and worn regularly, was part of an affinity lot that sold for $379,500 at an auction presented by Christie’s in June 2017. Christie’s image.

1. Tank: This year marks the 100th anniversary of this iconic Cartier model. Various historical accounts attribute the name and styling of the watch to the military armament by the same name first used during World War I. The first examples of this watch were given by Cartier to members of the American Expeditionary Force, according to A Blog to Watch.

As is the case with many sought-after collectible items, the stories and provenance related to the antique and vintage watches undoubtedly add to their appeal at auction. This was evident recently, when a Cartier Tank wristwatch owned and regularly worn by Jacqueline Kennedy more than doubled its estimate at a summer 2017 auction at Christie’s.

According to Christie’s auction preview, Mrs. Kennedy’s watch was a gift from her brother-in-law Prince Stanislaw “Stas” Radziwill, husband of her sister, Lee Radziwill. The watch’s engraving adds to its historic relevance. It bears the engraved inscription, Stas to Jackie, 23 Feb. 1963 2.05am to 9.35pm. The words correspond to the date and duration Radziwill and friends spent completing a 50-mile hike at Palm Beach, Florida. The hike was tied to President Kennedy’s aims to make America a fit nation by making health and wellness a priority. The first lady and her sister were driven to a section of the hike to meet up with the walkers, and at various points during the hike, President Kennedy was also said to have joined the endeavor.

Radziwill’s gift was not the only gift commemorating the event. The first lady created a painting depicting Radziwill and one of his friends on the hike and inscribed it similarly to what is seen on the watch: February 23, 1963 2.05am to 9.35pm /Jackie to Stas with love and admiration. The painting, paired with the watch, formed the lot that sold for $379,500 at Christie’s June 21, 2017 auction.

Limited edition 18K white gold Santos Triple 100 wristwatch, one of 20 made, features a full diamond-set case and three rotatable dials, circa 2008, sold in 2011 for $218,382 at Sotheby’s. Sotheby’s image

2. Santos: As Cartier history reveals, this famed watch model (the company’s first style for men) came about as a solution to a friend’s problem. The friend was noted aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. The issue he relayed to Louis-Francois Cartier was the frustrating challenge of accessing his pocket watch while at the controls of a plane. Cartier went to work and in 1904 approached Santos-Dumont with a watch that had an easily visible face, sat flat on the wrist and was held in place by a strap and buckle. In no time, the watch – which Cartier named the Santos – also became known as a pilot’s watch, according to Monochrome. The watch was made available to the public in 1911.

3. Tonneau: One of the earliest readily available wristwatches created by Cartier, the Tonneau appeared on the market in 1906. Named for the shape of the case (tonneau is French for barrel), it was an incomparably sophisticated design for the time. This model of Cartier watch was introduced during the Belle Époque period, an age during which Cartier’s watchmaking business flourished.

Collecting Tip: Two sets of numbers are stamped on the backs of Cartier watches made from about the mid-20th century onward. The 4-digit number is the model number, while the 8-digit number is the serial number.

4. Crash: Steeped in urban lore, this model of Cartier timepiece was inspired by the result of an accident, or heat exposure, or possibly Salvador Dali’s Persistence of Memory. According to an article by George Cramer for Revolution.watch, it was 1967 and Jean-Jacques Cartier, the head of Cartier’s London office at the time, designed the Crash style of watch after seeing a warped Cartier timepiece. Regardless of the source of inspiration, the radically uncommon watch captured the world’s attention. Three times in the years since its debut (1991, 1997 and 2013), Cartier has released limited-edition versions of the Crash watch. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Cartier Crash and chatter on horological sites is rife with speculation (perhaps hopefulness) about a re-release of the Crash in 2017.

This 18K pink gold Ballon Bleu Flying Tourbillon watch, featuring blued steel sword-shaped hands and a brown alligator skin strap, was auctioned for $36,830 on June 12, 2017 at Morphy’s. Morphy Auctions image
This 18K pink gold Ballon Bleu Flying Tourbillon watch, featuring blued steel sword-shaped hands and a brown alligator skin strap, was auctioned for $36,830 on June 12, 2017 at Morphy’s. Morphy Auctions image

5. Ballon Bleu de Cartier: This Cartier model appeals to both men and women, making it modern choice. The shape of the case is circular, with both the top and bottom featuring a rounded design. Another uncommon design element of the Ballon Bleu is the inclusion of a guard over the traditional Cartier sapphire cabochon crown.As historical records demonstrate, the connection between Cartier and royalty dates to the company’s earliest years, when King Edward VII of England famously referred to the company as “the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers.” Today, that connection continues, as England’s Duchess Kate Middleton is often photographed wearing a Ballon Bleu Cartier watch.

Function & Beauty in Luxury Vintage Watches

Wristwatches serve a dual purpose – they are both a utility that help you keep the time, while also a piece of jewelry worn to dazzle and delight. From military to luxury watches, this week’s collection of wristwatches feature pieces that dazzle both with their function and their design.

The 55-lot auction contains several military watches including a vintage Gallet Royal Canadian Air Force Monopusher chronograph watch. This watch was issued to the Royal Canadian Air Force in the early 1960s and is considered rare. Its white dial has evenly toned patina praised by collectors. The watch has been fully serviced; all functions work as designed.

Vintage Gallet Royal Canadian Air Force Monopusher chronograph watch, early 1960s. Estimate: $3,750-$5,000. Jasper52 image

 

Another fine watch consigned from the rank of the military is a vintage Unver (universal Geneve) chronograph Argentine Air Force watch. The case is engraved on the back: “N264 Univer Argentina Air Force Logo 92 48.” The chronograph watch incorporates the functions of a stopwatch for measuring time intervals.

Vintage Unver (universal Geneve) chronograph, Argentine Air Force watch. Estimate: $1,500-$2,000. Jasper542 image

 

Another beautiful chronograph in the auction is the 1950s Lip that features a black and gilt telemeter dial. This watch is in pristine condition.

Lip chronograph, black and gilt dial 1950s. Estimate: $3,700-$4,900. Jasper52 image

 

Also from the 1950s is an oversize Longines Calatrava watch, which is clean and keeping time. The dial, with the iconic Longines winged hourglass logo, shows minimal aging. This manual wind Swiss-made watch is estimated at $3,525-$4,700.

Oversize Longines Calatrava, 1950s. Estimate: $3,525-$4,700. Jasper52 image

 

A top-shelf timepiece in the sale is the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Jumbo 3747 watch from the 1980s. Its thin case and blue dial paired with the class dauphine hands make it an instant icon. It has a high-grade Patek Philippe quartz movement and date feature and retains the original crocodile band with the classic ellipse-shape buckle.

Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Jumbo watch, Patek Philipe quartz movement, 1980s. Estimate: $8,000-$10,000. Jasper52 image

 

No luxury watch auction would be complete without a fine Rolex. One of the best in this collection is a classic men’s Datejust in 18K two-tone case.

Men’s Rolex Datejust watch, two-tone 18K, ss model 116233. Estimate: $8,500-$12,000. Jasper52 image

 

Peruse the full collection here where you will discover timeless luxury from a variety of periods and styles.

 

Why 1960s Vintage Watches Are So Popular

This week, our collection of vintage watches focuses on timepieces from one decade – the 1960s. Watches from this time period are among the most highly collected and feature many of our favorite brands known for design, function, and precision. Here are 6 standouts from this 1960s collection for which we’d absolutely turn our clocks back.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual

This 1967 watch has an automatic Rolex movement that functions precisely and is in beautiful condition. With its original 14K gold and stainless steel band, the watch is expected to sell for $6,000-$12,000.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual, 1967, stainless steel with solid 14K gold bezel, original Rolex 14K gold and stainless band. Estimate: $6,000-$12,000. Jasper52 image

 

Breitling TransOcean Chronometre

This rare 1960 piece features an automatic chronometer movement in an 18K solid gold case. In excellent condition, there’s no doubt you’ll be placing a bid on this handsome watch.

Breitling Trans Ocean, chronometer 1960s, 18K gold. Estimate: $5,000-$10,000. Jasper52 image

 

IWC Schaffhausen Automatic

This Swiss-made International Watch Co. Schaffhausen model dress watch has a mechanical automatic movement in a stainless steel case. Perfect for the stylish occasion.

Men’s Swiss IWC Schaffhausen dress watch, 1960s, stainless steel case. Estimate: $3,000-$5,000. Jasper52 image

 

LeCoultre Manual

This LeCoultre wristwatch has a bold design in 19K gold-filled case. The manual-wind watch by the Swiss luxury watch and clock maker is in excellent condition.

Swiss-made LeCoultre 10K gold filled manual wind watch, 1960s. Estimate: $1,300-$2,000. Jasper52 image

 

Omega DeVille

And finally for the ladies, this Omega DeVille dress watch in an Andrew Grima design is a perfect throwback to the 1960s while maintaining a timeless fashion.

Swiss-made Omega DeVille women’s dress watch, Andrew Grima design, 1960s. Estimate: $900-$1,800. Jasper52 image

Classic Luxury Watches to Polish Your Presence

Time marches on, and what better way to measure it than wearing a classic watch – an accessory that polishes your presence. This week we’re presenting a collection of personal luxury timepieces where you’ll find 20th century watches by world-class Swiss, French, and American manufacturers. From Cartier to Rolex, these creators endow watches with boldness and precision.

Topping the list of women’s watches is a classic 18K white gold Cartier Tank watch from the turn of the 21st century. Louis Cartier revolutionized watchmaking design in 1918 when he introduced the Tank watch, which featured a rectangular dial and Roman numerals. This modern version has a quartz movement and is estimated at $6,500-$8,000.

Solid white gold Cartier Tank watch, quartz movement, circa 2000. Estimate: $6,500-$8,000

Solid white gold Cartier Tank watch, quartz movement, circa 2000. Estimate: $6,500-$8,000

Also by Cartier is a recent 18K gold curved case watch, which has a $4,000-$5,000 estimate. A pioneer in watchmaking style, Cartier combines utility, luxury, and elegance.

Cartier curved case watch, Model 0211, 18K solid gold, circa 2006. Estimate: $4,000-$5,000

Cartier curved case watch, Model 0211, 18K solid gold, circa 2006. Estimate: $4,000-$5,000

One of the most unusual watches in the auction is a Rolex cover watch from the 1960s. It features an 18K bracelet and a white waffle dial, which is covered by a gold half shell. It is expected to sell for $3,000-$3,500.

Rolex solid 18K gold cover watch, 1960s, 15mm diameter. Estimate: $3,000-$3,500

Rolex solid 18K gold cover watch, 1960s, 15mm diameter. Estimate: $3,000-$3,500

For more spark in your game there is an 18K Bucherer diamond tennis bracelet watch from the 1960s, which has a $4,000-$5,000 estimate. The Bucherer brand has been family owned since 1888, and the company is renowned for innovation and creativity.

Bucherer diamond tennis bracelet watch, 18K gold case. Estimate: $4,000-$5,000

Bucherer diamond tennis bracelet watch, 18K gold case. Estimate: $4,000-$5,000

The auction features 19 pocket watches including an American-made Waltham 14K pink gold oversize box pocket watch. Its heavily engraved case depicts a bridge and castle. Made in 1892, this timepiece is estimated at $3,000-$3,500.

Waltham 14K solid gold oversize box pocketwatch, 1892, 55mm in diameter. Estimate: $3,000-$3,500

Waltham 14K solid gold oversize box pocket watch, 1892, 55mm in diameter. Estimate: $3,000-$3,500

Much smaller is a 14K gold repeater pocket watch that features stopwatch, quarter-hour and initial plate blank functions.

Repeater pocketwatch, 14K gold, white porcelain dial, 1890s. Estimate: $3,000-$3,500

Repeater pocketwatch, 14K gold, white porcelain dial, 1890s. Estimate: $3,000-$3,500

The auction for this collection of luxury timepieces ends on Sunday, December 11. Bidding starts at just $1 – Click now to bid.

Vintages Watches and Timepieces with Bold Design

From Cartier to Rolex, world-class Swiss, French and American timepiece manufacturers have created watches with bold designs and precision movements. Take a look at some of the beautiful pieces featured in this week’s watch auction.

Ranking at the top of the auction estimates is a rare Tiffany & Co. Piaget model 924-C4, in an 18K gold and bracelet. It is one of the thinnest movements made by Piaget. This stunning watch carries a $10,000-$12,000 estimate.

Piaget Tiffany & Co. 18K gold watch, model Piaget/924-C4, serial no. 88490. Estimate: $10,500-$12,000. Jasper52image

Piaget Tiffany & Co. 18K gold watch, model Piaget/924-C4, serial no. 88490. Estimate: $10,500-$12,000

 

A LeCoultre eight-day desk clock  has attracted much attention. This handsome gold-plated timepiece from the 1960s has a $900-$1,200 estimate.

LeCoultre eight-day desk clock, manual movement, 1960s. Estimate: $900-$1,200. Jasper52 image

LeCoultre eight-day desk clock, manual movement, 1960s. Estimate: $900-$1,200

 

Also by LeCoultre, the renowned Swiss luxury watch and clock maker, is a Memovox alarm watch in a gold-filled case, estimated at $1,000-$1,500.

LeCoultre Memovox alarm watch, circa 1960, gold-filled case. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500. Jasper52 image.

LeCoultre Memovox alarm watch, circa 1960, gold-filled case. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500

 

One of the earliest items in the auction is a Zenith wristwatch with bold radium numerals and hands and a sterling silver case. This stylish antique from 1918 carries a $2,000-$2,500 estimate.

Zenith Swiss-made wristwatch, sterling silver case, 1918, porcelain dial. Estimate: $2,000-$2,500

Zenith Swiss-made wristwatch, sterling silver case, 1918, porcelain dial. Estimate: $2,000-$2,500

 

For a modern look, consider the Movado 14K gold watch that has a dial design by Bauhaus-influenced artist Nathan George Horwitt. The watch dial has a simple design defined by a solitary dot at 12, symbolizing the sun at noon. The dial was selected for the permanent design collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York, in 1960. The single dot dial now appears in many of Movado’s watches.

 

Movado 14K gold watch with antique white texture dial, original bracelet and buckle. Estimate: $1,000-$1,250. Jasper52image

Movado 14K gold watch with antique white texture dial, original bracelet and buckle. Estimate: $1,000-$1,250

Also noteworthy is a Cartier 18K gold curved case watch, model 0211, which was manufactured in 2006. Certain to be a classic, this ladies watch is estimated at $3,500-$4,000.

Cartier 18K gold curved case watch, Model 0211, circa 2006. Estimate: $3,500-$4,000

Cartier 18K gold curved case watch, Model 0211, circa 2006. Estimate: $3,500-$4,000

 

View the full catalog of vintage watches and timepieces here. Your wrist deserves some new jewelry.

Vintage Watches: How to make a statement

Wristwatches have become a staple in a man’s wardrobe, and the practice of collecting these unique items has exploded. While many vintage wristwatches hold sentimental to the owner and are passed down from generation to generation, the practice of collecting and trading vintage watches is quickly growing. Reyne Gauge shares everything you need to know about collecting vintage watches. Read on below.

IWC Stainless Steel White Dial Chronograph Watch and Chanel Stainless Steel Ceramic Automatic Wristwatch featured in Jasper52 Auction on Sept. 18, 2016

IWC Stainless Steel White Dial Chronograph Watch and Chanel Stainless Steel Ceramic Automatic Wristwatch featured in Jasper52 Auction on Sept. 18, 2016

Wristwatches date back to the late 1800s, a time when they were thought of as jewelry for women only. Originally, they were worn by a clasp on a woman’s lapel. Later, a silk cloth was wrapped around a pocket watch for ladies to wear on their wrists.

The wristwatch as we know it today was first designed by Patek Phillipe in 1868. It wasn’t until World War I that wristwatches became a timepiece for men. Pilots found it too difficult to reach into their  pocket to retrieve their pocket watches, therefore, wearing a timepiece on their wrist made more sense.

It wasn’t until World War I that wristwatches became a timepiece for men.

Ironically, what was once thought to be “women’s wear” is now predominately collected by men. Men often collect wristwatches because they offer more than just a way to tell time.

For the traveler, there are watches offering numerous time zones. For the athlete, chronographs are the preferred option. Divers must have watches that are waterproof.

Not only are there different mechanical options, but you can also collect by maker or time period; or, you can collect different types of movements, such as manual wind, automatic, or electric.

Girard Perregaux Stainless Steel Chronograph featured in Jasper52 Auction on Sept. 18 2016

Girard Perregaux Stainless Steel Chronograph featured in Jasper52 Auction on Sept. 18 2016

Watches are small, meaning you can accumulate many without requiring a lot of space to house them, and they also come in a variety of price ranges. Early manual-wind watches can be purchased for as little as $40-50. Asymmetrical Hamilton Electrics can be bought for a few hundred dollars.

It’s not just the lower-end brands that are affordable. If you’ve been eyeing the latest Rolex watch, chances are you can buy one for a lot less if it’s “pre-owned” or vintage. The current “DATEJUST” model in gold and stainless retails for about $4,500. However, a pre-owned model can be had for as little as $2,800.

Regardless of how much you invest in a watch, it’s an opportunity to make a statement about your unique sense of style while investing in a collectible that boasts both form and function.

Click to view the full catalog of this week’s Jasper52 auction of vintage and luxury watches.

Adapted from original piece by Reyne Gauge on Auction Central News.