TOP 5 AFFORDABLE
VINTAGE WATCHES UNDER £2,000

1) 1960s Omega Constellation Automatic

First released in 1952, as Omega’s range-topping sports dress watch, the Constellation became Omega’s answer to the Rolex Datejust. A well-proportioned, simple and classic design the Constellation consistently featured Omega’s latest state-of-the-art automatic movement, along with a waterproof case, and usually a date function.

The Constellation name and association with the stars stems from the fact that for hundreds of years, the most accurate way of checking the time was astronomically with the aid of a powerful telescope. The relief on the case back shows eight stars above an observatory which symbolise two chronometer records and six first-place awards that Omega earned between 1933 and 1952. Because of its high-quality construction and unfaltering precision, the Constellation quickly became known as “The Swiss watch” and sold for a considerable premium over the Rolex Datejust.

Omega Constellations were produced at various price points with cases made in steel, and also in gold. As this was Omega’s most prestigious watch, certain design elements were introduced to make the Constellation stand out from the other Omega models of the time. At the very top of the range, these included lavish gold bracelets, dials made of gold with gold hour markers, hands and gold-applied logos.

However, steel examples of this classic dress watch can be obtained for around £1,500 – £2,000 for an example in good condition from a reputable dealer providing a solid warranty and support. Expect to pay around double for watches made in gold.

Browse vintage Omega Constellation Automatics here.

The Seamaster has been a cornerstone of the Omega brand for over 75 years. Launched in 1948 in celebration of Omega’s 100th anniversary and based on designs made for the British Royal Navy during World War II this has always been a robust, dependable and accurate watch. What distinguished the Seamaster from its predecessors was its O-ring gasket. This improved its waterproof functionality to depths of up to 60 metres and temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius.

Picking one Omega Seamaster model from the 1960s is tough as there are a lot of great models to choose from. The 1960s represent a decade of great change in design from classic and refined to more extravagant designs but each and every Seamaster comes with a very high-quality movement and watch case.

There are many vintage Seamaster watches to choose from at various price points. They were produced in various case sizes, mostly in steel, although a variety in gold are available. All are good long-term investments as the Seamaster continues to hold celebrity status in the watch market. Prices range from around £1,200 – £1,800 for one with a case made in steel, and around double for one in gold.

Browse vintage Omega Seamaster Automatics here.

Girard-Perregaux is a master of capturing the essence of a particular period while having a special ability to push the needle further in terms of accuracy and innovation. Some of the most technically advanced watches ever made, such as the Tourbillons, Minute Repeaters and other refined Grande Complication models, define this period. From the 1960s the Cal. 1525 or 792-227 hold a particular interest in the £2,000 or less category.

The Cal. 1525 is a beautiful Girard-Perregaux dress watch, containing some of the best of its technical and design mastery. One of the few gold watches worth buying in this price range. It features a stunning ‘state of the art’ (for its time) movement, and an all-gold dial and case back. 

The increased profile of Girard-Perregaux during the past 10 years has helped vintage Girard-Perregaux watches become more collectable and investable. The sheer quality and rarity of great examples, mean values are climbing. This watch will make an excellent investment and you should expect to pay in the region of £1200 – £1500 for a really nice example made with a steel case, and around double for one made in gold.

Browse vintage Girard-Perregaux’s here.