5 Iconic Watches Under $500 Part 2 - Affordable Ways To Add Classic Horology To Any Collection
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- You don't need to spend thousands of dollars on a luxury watch for it to be iconic. In today's video I share my top 5 watches that have an incredible history, important or influential design, and cultural legacy that prove every elitist watch snob wrong. In case you missed part 1, click here:
• Top 5 Iconic Watches U...
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Quick story-
29 years ago I met my wife at a party. We didn't know each other, and I didn't talk to her at the party. But, at the end of the night I wanted her phone number. I asked and she said, " you didn't talk to me all night, why would I give you my phone number? And besides I don't have anything to write with!"
I said, " that's OK, I'll put it in my watch! "
Man did she think I was a nerd. But, thank god I had that Casio Data Bank. The rest is history.
Thank you Dieter,
Fantastic story! :D
Best regards,
TGV
I hated the Data Bank. That was around 88? Oh, gosh, no.
Never have I ever been more Inclined to lay my hands on a databank soon ...
Making fun of yourself and your sayings? Pure class!
Shout out to TGV for having a second segment of this affordable entry timepeices! Hopefully we can see a part 3 because there is countless timepieces but I like seeing TGV perspective on these timepieces knowing his experience and knowledge on hurology!
My problem is how much vintage watches have increased in price over the last 15 years. I used to buy 14k gold Longines and Omegas for less than $500 in the late 1990's early 2000's. I had a gorgeous enamel dial gold manual wind Movado that I bought out of an antique shop for $300. Today all that crap costs a fortune. At least cool chronographs stayed affordable for a while, but now even those cost over a grand. I feel like Eric Cartman "Screw you guys, I'm going home!"
Yeah i've never quite understood why chronos sold for so much more. I mean, i get with new watches as the cost of a Valjoux 7750 is pretty high (around 500 USD from what i understand, just for a basic elabore). But with old chronographs you would think that it would be more determined by rarity, etc.
As one vintage brand/piece becomes popular, another becomes forgotten. The trick is to find those forgotten quality vintage pieces and snag those for a steal.
I always thought Swatch was a mashup of Swiss and Watch, that's interesting to learn it's second watch.
Pure class TGV! Congratulations on reaching 80k subscribers. Yes many items not just watches from the 70's and 80's are escalating in price as people are repurchasing items to relive their childhood or buying items they missed out on.
Thank you so much Bob, especially for your loyal support.
As for 70s and 80s childhood dream fulfilment, spot on!
Best regards,
TGV
How about the Vostok Amphibia? Unique, fairly early 200M diver. WWII connection, made completely in-house, probably one of very few men's tool watches designed by a woman. Under $100 brand new, with originals easily under $500.
William Pope under $100 brand new?!?!?! Where!
Obviously, in Russia. I've just checked, actually it's around $65 due to exchange fluctuations. But being a Russian, I don't feel such excited about it :)
In the 90s there was a Dick Tracy Watch available through Mickey Mouse Magazine. It said "calling Dick Tracy" when you pushed a button. I still have it.
Congrats on reaching 80,000 subscribers TGV. Hopefully you can hit 100,000 in the near future.
Thank you Ben, very kind.
Onwards and upwards!!!
Best regards,
TGV
Great video packed full of information. You proved once again its the passion and not the money that counts.
Thank you so much my friend. I appreciate that a great deal.
Best regards,
TGV
Every time you talk about Swatch I'm reminded of one that I had in the 80's. The dial was the same as the horizon clock on your wall. Always got compliments.
I just noticed it's one of the ones in the picture. Lol.
Love your videos. Keep up the good work! I just bought an skx007 largely from your influence to kick off my collection and I absolutely love it. Thanks for the numerous recommendations!
Thank you Trevor, congrats on the SKX, so glad you love it.
Stay tuned for the next few episodes, something for the SKX fans ;-)
Best regards,
TGV
I was wearing my Alpinist while watching this. My wrist started tingling :-) Right you are in everything you said. 60's Geneves are so classy. Just pure humble beauty. They are actually quite pricey for a basic watch that old, but it's hard to resist getting one. And classic Eternas, yeah. I actually have a 30's Eterna pocket watch that belonged to my grandfather. Sadly it's worn beyond repair, but it's still a keeper, obviously. Really well made watches. In vintage sector there are plenty of watches that are great value for money. Many quite nice quality Swiss timepieces were rebranded for local wholesalers. Obviously they are not the highest end, but in the 60's and earlier there were no throw-away watches. By today's standards they are really good quality. And you can get them for 10-40 €, unserviced. They are local icons, unknown everyrywhere else. One of my favorite watches is a 50's Leijona.
esa062 which strap did you put on the alpinist?
I have it on a yellowish brown Colareb Spoleto
Two watches that don't really get enough love: 1. Timex Ironman: Phenomenal watch that was a real icon of the 90's. Even Bill Clinton wore won while serving as president. 2. Tag Heuer Formula 1 (original series): They go for anywhere between $50 - $400. We're talking the plastic cased, rubber bands with the cutable links for sizing. Super cool, super affordable. Seriously iconic!
I really enjoy the Omega Geneve timepieces. I agree that they are a great buy and an excellent daily wearer!
Thank you Nathan :D
Best regards,
TGV
Make a best under $50.00 under $100.00 and upwards and onwards to $10k or so ...
gjaddajg
I don't know if he wants to detail each price point. It would be too time consuming..
A simple. $1.00- $50
$50-$100
$100-200 or more
Etc...
Breaking it down my $5 or even $10.00 increments would be exhausting
nigguh u stopid
The Alpinist! O yeah! The watch that has started my obsession.
Haven't been around when this was released, but I have to say this - the ABSOLUTE TGV trade mark catch phrase (or word actually) is PZAZZ. Come on, how is that not on that list??
liked for Harry Enfield reference...never thought I would see/hear that again XD
It's really cool that I actually agree on your choices from Part 1 and Part 2 after watching video and prior to it I was shaking my head in not approving way, after reading title. You did really good job again. BIG LIKE. Congrats on 80K
Thank you Mike, always glad to hear I met your approval. Greatly appreciated my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
I remember being at school and having the Casio TV remote watch and being able to turn the video off that the class were watching! Great haircut by the way! Well done on hitting 80k too! KS
LOL Thank you KS!
Best regards,
TGV
This episode was PURE TGV. The enthusiasm and positive energy are great! Nobody does this better!
Thank you Tim,
Very kind of you to say. Reminds me of that great Bond movie theme ;-)
Best regards,
TGV
I love seeing you going completely nut-butters over a Casio. It shows you have an appreciation for quality and design that goes beyond the price-point. *Pure* class!
I like it when you say "Azurro!" in Italian... pure class lol
Haha, thank you Matthew :D
Best regards,
TGV
Hi tgv fantastic vid 80's classics i was never a digi boy at school but 100% swatch addict, my Autie started it by give me the pure white golf ball face very rare these day's, swapping straps, the rubber watch face protectors, pop swatches, love it definitely what started me on my watch loveing journey, still look at the new one's now at airport's lol, ONWARDS AND UPWARDS, all the best your friend Ryan.
Thank you Ryan.
A fellow Swatch addict, nice one. O&U!
Best regards,
TGV
how can anybody dislike this video !?? I'm going bonkers ! ... anyways great video as always ! pure class
Croton Nivada Grenchen ... my buddy is still wearing his from the 1960s .He wore it when he was a paratrooper after the Korean War and it still runs and looks great ..they come up on EBay .
WOW, cool story, I am going to look into them. Thank you so much!
Nice one indeed.
Best regards,
TGV
Those Eterna-Matic watches on Ebay are gorgeous. I actually much prefer them to the Omega Geneve stylistically. Sadly, I think they're most likely too small for my 8 3/4" wrists!!
Thank you Pierce, the new Eterna's now come in 42mm, sadly not much originality as the vintage ones but very well made all the same.
Best regards,
TGV
i would love to see an under 200$ or even 100$ video but loved this great video and congrats on 80,000 subs :D
The Seiko SARB017 was my first automatic watch and remains my favorite.
Daniel Wood which strap did you put on the alpinist?
You always get me psyched about a watch like the Alchemist for me to find out they are 38mm lmao. I have an 8.5 in wrist and a 38 looks like a toy on me lmao.
Awesome Video as always! I dig how your videos focus on the whole spectrum of horology proving that watch collecting doesn't necessarily need to be an overly expensive hobby! Thanks bud!
Thank you Mike, I really appreciate that. It was my gaol since day one.
Best regards,
TGV
Just discovered your channel this evening. Very entertaining and informative.
So glad, welcome!
Thank you :D
Best regards,
TGV
Roosevelt Island!? I'll have you know that I'm old enough to remember when it was called Welfare Island. It was a wonderful place back then and I'm glad to see it has remained so. Back in the day, a lot of teachers and professionals lived there. It was a solid middle class community.
Love my SARB017. It's a lovely piece and excellent value.
Paul Sg what strap did you put on?
I picked up my birth year watch a 1979 timex hand wind for £37, saving for a Seamaster but needed a fix so went for a value vintage. I think every collection needs a birth year piece
That poll was hilarious! Keep up the good work. Have a great day
Thank you :D
You too!
Best regards,
TGV
I vote the Zodiac Sea Wolf to be in the next icons video, because it is one of the most important divers along with the fifty fathoms and the submariner...
my vote for quartz zodiac seadragon. amazing watch. a lot of color schemes both for 39mm regular and 42mm chrono. well under $500
Early Certina ds and ds2 "Turtle". Quite cheap and common in sweden and you can get the 50th ds for under 50$. The ds2 and chronomatic are more expensive. Really nice sport watches but can easily be worn as a dresswatch.
My mom has the "Lady And The Mirror" by Rik Fukuda (1997), I saw it in your video! It unfortunately works no more, but its really beautiful!
Very cool. Thank you Joao.
Best regards,
TGV
I have the plastic resin Casio calculator and love it! I got it free with the purchase of a hooded sweatshirt from Suburban Riot clothing back in 2009 or so. Odd freebie but whatever.
Great video as always, I think donkeys is a very British thing my parents say it all the time and I even say it too haha, and congrats on the 80,000 well deserved all the hard work pays off!
Thank you Lewis :D
Best regards,
TGV
Astoria was certainly raining donkeys yesterday as you would say! The Seiko Monster was put to the test for sure!
A fellow Astorian? With a Seiko Monster, fantastic! :D
Thank you for the comment,
Best regards,
TGV
I like this channel! Watch lover myself
Another great video, Tristano. With much horological culture. That's the way to value Horology and to create passion.
Tante grazie. Ricordi dalla Spagna.
Till your next video, "ciao" (smile)
Thank you Carlos!
Hope you are well my friend,
Best regards,
TGV
I'm glad you appreciate fun stuff like that Databank. We used to use watches like that to store mathematical formulas and similar stuff, for a little extra "help" on our Exams in school, haha.
I was watching La la land yesterday and i saw wonderfull vintage Omega on Goslings' wrist. Any idea where I can find one?
Great video. Recently bought my first vintage watch; a 67' Omega De Ville. However, I never quite understood the differences between the Seamaster, Geneve, and the De Ville of this time period.
The Kaith Harring's painting you showed is in Pisa!
I had no idea, certainly looked like Italy,
Thank you Stefano, I hope this finds you well.
Best regards,
TGV
I got a 1960s omega seamaster in original immaculate condition for $500. Did I get a good deal??
ABSOUELTY!
Enjoy it,
Thank you Anmol,
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry Thanks a lot for the reply TGV :)
Immaculate? Yes. If the dial is repainted, no.
It's all original, almost new condition. The previous owner bought it for his father, but his father had died before he gave it to him. So it sat in the box for 50 years.
Oh man that hit me right in the manhood.
The Seiko Alpinist SARB017 green dial color might be inspired by the color of the mountains.
TGV, what's that music in the intro? PURE CLASS! Love it almost as much as your watch content!
Thank you Targa :D
Regarding the music, not sure exactly, but it is from the Narcos series soundtrack.
Best regards,
TGV
Those calculator watches are so much fun !!! Can u make a video on how to change the strap with.... let's say a NATO strap ???
Look up Smiths. They were the last high-volume manufactures of watches made entirely in England and there is a pretty dedicated collectors base which services them and sells them on ebay for reasonable prices.
Love Smiths!!! I so nearly bought a vintage military piece but the price during bidding went into insane prices, well at least a bit too much for me. I will have to have another look,
Thank you for reminding me,
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry it's true that the military models can be prohibitively expensive but the watches made for the civilian market use the same movements and sell for considerably less. Just make sure the watch you're looking at is marked "made in England" because towards the end of production Smiths was known to use cheap Swiss pin-pallet movements to cut down costs.
Yes, the databank does have a currency converter. No, I haven’t had a use for it. Haha. I have the silver and gold databanks. I haven’t worn anything else in almost 2 weeks.
Fantastic video once again! Where do you get your turtle necks? I am looking for some :) - Eric
Thank you Eric, I buy them from the UK, it is a brand called "brave souls"
You can order them on eBay.
Best regards,
TGV
great video, great presentation... thank you for not doing clickbait titles, copying other channels, etc.
Thank you, very glad to hear.
Best regards,
TGV
I thought for sure that the SKX would make it into this video! Still a great lineup, can't wait to have my Omega one day!
Rieley Hill it's in part 1 i believe
Rieley Hill wich omega and why?
oh! Didn't even notice it if it was!
I'd love a Sea Master, probably a vintage Cal. 1020. I'm only 16 so I won't have the budget for a new, modern timepiece. I love the look of the integrated bracelet. Probably one of my favorite looks on a watch. Finding a more rectangular case shape would be preferable, but not necessary.
tissot visodate and victorinox inox.. throw in some khaki king as well... 2 more,and that'll be a list of 5.. keep it up tgv!! 👍
YES, YES and YES!!!!!
Spot on.
Thank you Daryl,
Best regards,
TGV
I bet you he never loses track of time
I bet he looks at the watch, admires its design and forgets to notice the time!
Had a Casio DataBank as the first watch i bought to myself. It's not working anymore but want to buy the very same model soon. As for the Alpnist... Waiting for funds to get into my account as I want to buy me a new mechanical watch. Seiko is the affordable option for now.
Vintage grand seikos from the 1960s and 1970s had for $700 to $1200 from ebay and king seikos for $400 to $800 on ebay. They will increase in value over the years.
Very fun video, perfect timing for the publication of this video as well. Very well received.
I think the Seiko T001-5019 AQ would give your Casio Databank a run for its money as a real-life incarnation of the Dick Tracy watch, and as one of the most iconic and fun "smart" watches of all time.
congrats on the 80.000 subscribers!!
Thank you David! :D
Best regards,
TGV
pure class! And on a decent time of the European evening this time...
Thank you, sorry about the late uploads, I try to rush home after work as fast as I can.
Best regards,
TGV
i have a 70s omega geneve and love it. i wouldnt say that the 1000 series movements are bad at all! maybe not as pretty but mine is between 3-5 seconds a day.
So glad to hear. I had a terrible time with a 1000 series but I am glad it worked out for you. One can never be certain with these things. Keep enjoying it, thank you Kirk.
Best regards,
TGV
Thank you for sharing all those valuable information on the watches history and company...really enjoy it. Keep up the good job!
Great video. I really like the Omega Geneves. :)
Thank you Tim, they are such understated class.
Best regards,
TGV
Good to know, I always thought "Swatch" was a contraction of the words "Swiss" and "Watch" .
I used to think the same thing!
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Recently ordered a Casio Worldtime, can't wait to put it on a nice camo nato!
Also congrats on the 80K subs!
haha, fantastic!!!!
Enjoy my friend,
Best regards,
TGV
Man that Keith haring swatch is amazing, has it gone up in value?
I have a couple Swatch watches from the mid 80s. I know i have a Coca Cola one and a translucent green one that is skeleton cased. I need to find them. Great video!
You need to do that, 80s ones are worth $$$, especially in the box.
Thank you JC, happy hunting ;-)
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry no boxes for sure
I love swatch
Great video as always TGV! I really need to get a databank, such an awesome little watch. And congrats for reaching 80.000 subscribers! You deserve many more.
Thank you Alexis, especially for the loyal support. I will not forget it.
Best regards,
TGV
Which strap with the Alpinist Sarb017 ?? Need help...
trintec aviation instruments watches. they were the first 15 years before bell & ross became famous for their instrument collection. You can have the original for less than $500.
Great video. Love the way you describe these watches. Your passion is contagious. You should do a review on the Laco brand. I am looking at buying a watch and would love to see what you think.
Hi TGV
Cool video. Nice to see you still keeping to the concept of covering more affordable watches as well as the expensive ones. In other instances (-such as car- or hifi magazines) I have seen it happen much too often; you develop into something of an expert, and as time goes by you neglect the more affordable items. This of cause happens because most of the new technology is developed in the higher end of the price scale. And in the end you can't bother concentrating on the more "cheep" products. As a result you develop into an elitist channel/magazine and loose touch with a lot of your followers. That's a shame...
You certainly do not fall into that trap and I respect you very much for that. "Cheep" products are often just as interesting...it's just another ball game...
It goes to show with the Seiko Alpinist, for example. It is in many ways just as versatile as that wonderful Breitling Colt you rewiewed in your last video. A field/dress/diver-watch all in one. Of cause not in the same league as the Breitling. But you can actually get yourself a beautiful watch just as versatile for a fraction of the price😊
Have no fear Kjeld, I will always, ALWAYS cover all levels of horology.
Thank you so much for the thoughtful comment,
Best regards,
TGV
Taking parts of two words to make a new word (second watch becoming swatch) is called a portmanteau
Marathon strap, but no marathon watch :( .. Miss it! I love my medium gsar!
Hello Urban Gentry,
Good day to you!
Your channel is informative and I like it. Would you mind giving me tips what affordable Swatch models out there? With a lot of models for 2017 I find it hard to choose what to buy. I am planning to buy it as a gift for my spouse.
Keep us informed.. Thanks.
TGV, you've got to look at the Apple watch, truely represents the future of the smart watch industry!
Really nice video man!! one quick question, for a cheap beater Khaki King Quartz or Ventura Quartz? keep up the quality content!!👍👍👍
Thank you.
Hmmm, very different watches. I feel the Khaki is very much the more versatile. Love the Ventura, a brave choice, but more of an acquired taste. I think the Khaki is just about as classic Hamilton as they get. Either way, enjoy!
Best regards,
TGV
Amazing video! It was "Pure class"
Alpinist today,best value for sexy times
LOL indeed.
Thank you Terry,
Best regards,
TGV
Congrats on 80k!!
Thank you sir.
Best regards,
TGV
Great video as always. I've always wanted to know, what are those altitude clocks on the wall, and where can I buy one?
Long Island Watch, made in Canada!
I reviewed them in a "Gift guide" video.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
So now I want a vintage geneve and hope to find one
Thank you for the video, just one question. Why do some of the Japanese versions of the Seiko watch be better compared to the international variants? Thank you
Don't know if it's iconic, but the Hamilton Viewmatic is my favourite and certainly an amazing watch in the $500 range.
The ideal first automatic watch for a collection in my opinion :-)
Thank you SA, I will look into it. Hamilton certainly do have many icons under their belt.
Great choice.
Best regards,
TGV
I've got the black dial with leather strap, dressy and sporty at the same time :-)
I love everything about the Alpinist but the green.
Totally understandable,
Thank you Rondy, hope you are well.
Best regards,
TGV
Great job TGV! 👍🏻
Thank you :D
Best regards,
TGV
Best one is "for donkeys, absolute yonks" and "... All the rest of it and don't forget to give this video a like if you enjoyed it and found it useful, and as always guys, i catch you in the next one, okay ciao" i always blabber it with you simultaneously while it's on hahaha
Great video T, interesting information about the ball bearings. Always learning something new here :)
Thank you Justin :D
Best regards,
TGV
Amazing video my friend!!
Thank you so much :D
Best regards,
TGV
Can you make another video like this sir?
Dash it all man! I keep trying to avoid spending money on an Alpinist (other watches to buy!) but you keep selling me on it. What's a guy to do? Ha! Looks like there'll be an Alpinist added to my collection this year sometime! Perhaps I NEED one for hiking in the mountains here in Colorado. Great video TGV! Ciao, John
Thank you John,
OMG you jammy thing, I have seen image of Colorado, looks amazing!!!
I am sure you will love it.
Best regards,
TGV
Which Apple watch do you recommend?
First video where I see your actual name! What a great name you have!