3 Vintage Driving Watches You Can Buy Right Now
Whether you collect watches or not, chances are you’re in some way aware of Tag Heuer’s standing as one of the best-selling watch brands in the world. With its star-studded ad campaigns on billboards and on the pages of your favorite magazines, the brand’s success can’t be escaped, though things weren’t always this way. Prior to Formula One component manufacturer TAG Group’s acquisition of Heuer, the watchmaker had experienced many a tough year.
Heuer Viceroy Autavia
After having sold less than 500 automatic chronographs in 1971, Heuer was in need of something that would stimulate interest in the brand, and it got just that when it collaborated with Viceroy Cigarettes on a promotion that would offer the Autavia chronograph for just $88…with the purchase of a carton of cigarettes.
Although it wasn’t a greatly profitable venture for Heuer, it did earn significant exposure at a time when it needed all it could get. Here’s a great looking example of the Viceroy Autavia, offered with the original Heuer “beads of rice” bracelet, which really completes the watch, in my opinion.
Kaltron Valjoux 7733 Chronograph
To be perfectly honest, I’ve never heard of the watch brand Kaltron, but I didn’t let that stop me from appreciating this next piece, as it’s quite the looker in its price range. This Swiss-made chronograph dates back to the 1960s, and has a number of interesting details like a twisted lug case and a slightly speckled matte blue, multi-scale dial.
There’s really not much to say about this piece other than that it’s a terrific looking watch, and there’s a lot to love about it at the seller’s asking price. If you’re looking to wet your feet in the waters of the vintage chronograph market, this is a good piece to start with.
Enicar Sherpa Graph MK2/B
Your last vintage watch selection for the week is yet another chronograph, and it may look familiar if you’ve ever looked into the watch collection of Formula One legend Jim Clark. This is what’s known as an Enicar Sherpa Graph MK2/B, and much like the Rolex Daytona and other chronographs of a similar quality and vintage, it features a Valjoux 72 movement within its stainless steel case.
Based upon what the seller’s photos show, you’ll notice that this piece is being offered in extremely clean shape, with all original components and an unpolished case. As far as Sherpa Graphs go, they don’t get much better looking than this.
