The pursuit of vintage watches need not be an extravagant affair; this curated list unveils five vintage watches under £500 worth considering for your collection or a great place to start if you are yet to commit to a watch.
Omega Seamaster
Where else to start but here? The Omega Seamaster has been an emblem of luxury and precision for a long time, but it can still be found for a relatively affordable price. Priced from £400 and up, it is an excellent addition to any collection. There are many different variations, so do some research, find your favourite, and take the plunge.
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Seiko 5 Day Date
Seiko's reputation for crafting reliable and stylish timepieces is epitomised in the Seiko 5 Day Date, a fantastic homage to the Rolex Datejust (I know this has a date function, but they give a very similar look). This vintage gem, priced between £150 and £300, combines functionality with a touch of retro charm. The automatic movement powers the time, date, and day complications. With a stainless steel case and bracelet and combinations that match the Rolex it pays homage to, the Seiko 5 Day Date is a fantastic way to take a first foray into the vintage market.
Timex Marlin
The Timex Marlin is by far the most affordable watch on this list, yet it still captures the essence of vintage watchmaking at a remarkably low price. Priced from as little as £30, this timepiece often carries a reliable mechanical movement. Strap this up with your favourite leather strap and you’ve got a lovely but affordable piece from a quintessentially British brand.
Tag Heuer Professional 2000
The Tag Heuer Professional 2000 (though some would say not strictly vintage but it is too good to miss) exudes a timeless sporty aesthetic reminiscent of the 1980s. Priced from £300 upwards depending on the edition, this iconic timepiece features a stainless steel case, a unidirectional rotating bezel, and a distinctively styled dial. With its robust construction and water-resistant design, the Tag Heuer Professional is a versatile watch suitable for both water adventures and everyday wear. The Quartz movements make it a great everyday watch that won’t require winding. Look out for the “Moondust” edition, as featured on Hodinkee's Talking Watches (Keegan Allen episode), although this desirable edition may cost you a little more than the £500 price point.
A Vintage Longines Watch
For my last one, I couldn’t pick a specific model, so I went for a “Longines Vintage watch” instead. A cop, I know, but it is impossibly hard to choose between the Conquest, the Flagship and everything in between. Longines, known for its rich heritage and elegant designs, offers vintage watches priced from £200 upwards. Often mentioned in the same breath as the Seamaster, a good vintage Longines is every bit the watch of its Omega counterpart (at even better value).
Let us know what you think of our list. What's on yours?