Welcome! In this series, we highlight some of the most compelling new watches that have entered the A:S inventory each month.
This November, some of our favorite new and unusual watches are also some of our most affordable, with numerous sub-$1,000 options waiting in the A:S vault for their next owners.
From a Bulova Accutron equipped with a GMT complication to a double-signed Hamilton, we’ve got the goods — and this is to say nothing of the two watches featured below that date to the days of the Second World War! Whether your taste runs to funky ‘70s time-only pieces or complicated ‘40s chronographs, there’s something for everyone in these 10 pieces — and, of course, these are only a small smattering of the myriad pieces we’ve got available in our New York City showroom. Reach out to us to swing by and check out some more!
Bulova Accutron GMT 'Flyer' Asymmetrical ($995)
Bulova Accutron GMT 'Flyer' Asymetrical - IN THE SHOP
Developed in the 1950s by engineer Max Heschel, Bulova’s Accutron technology offered a highly accurate alternative to the mechanical movement. Though the tech was soon beaten out by the humble quartz movement, a bevy of cool Accutron watches were developed in the interim that deserve the attention of the vintage watch collector. The timepiece we have here is particularly notable: Equipped with a GMT complication, it offers handy tracking of a second time zone with the added appeal of a gold-filled case. With its quirky design and generous size, it’s the type of piece that’ll definitely stand out at a RedBar event.
Hamilton Buick Motor Division Service Award Watch ($1,995)
Hamilton Buick Motor Division Service Award Watch - IN THE SHOP
This yellow gold Hamilton would be appealing enough on its own given its thin case profile, automatic winding, and handsome dial. Add in the red, white, and blue Buick logo and its unique caseback engraving, however — given to a Buick employee for 22 years of loyal service in 1966 — and you’ve got yourself a very special watch, indeed. Measuring 34mm wide and featuring applied ‘dart’ and ‘Arabic’ indices alongside a luminous ‘dauphine’ handset, it’s a distinctly handsome piece of 1960s horological design. Paired to a black leather alligator-style leather strap from Analog:Shift, it’s ready to be worn to a formal event — or to the office as a dressy everyday timekeeper.
Seiko 1992 Olympics ($650)
Seiko 1992 Olympics - IN THE SHOP
While we love our mechanical watches as much as the next guy or gal, there’s something about a simple and reliable quartz movement that never fails to disappoint — provided it’s paired to the right case and dial, that is. This cool Seiko checks both of those boxes: Contained in a gold-plated stainless steel housing with a black bezel, it features a white dial with the Olympic logo and Team USA logo as well as day-date display, an outer minute track in black, and large, luminous ‘block’ indices. Paired to its correct black rubber strap with ‘USA’ stamp, it also includes an additional Analog:Shift black leather strap as well as its inner and outer box set, factory manual, and serialized hangtag.
Gruen "Scallop" Dress Watch ($850)
Gruen "Scallop" Dress Watch - IN THE SHOP
While there are oodles of watches floating around the secondary market from defunct American watch companies such as Waltham and Elgin, few of them have the appeal of this supremely cool Gruen from the 1940s. Measuring just 27mm in diameter, its octagonal, gold-filled case features a ‘scalloped’ bezel design complete with applied conical indices surrounding the crystal. The black dial — featuring a ‘gilt’ outer minute track and matching gold ‘sword’ handset — is simple and elegant, while a hand-wound movement keeps the whole thing ticking. Paired to an elegant black Analog:Shift Cervo strap, it’s ideal for the collector who prefers a bit of whimsy in his or her collection.
Movado M95 U.S.A.A.F. Issued Chronograph ($16,500)
Movado M95 U.S.A.A.F. Issued Chronograph - IN THE SHOP
The Movado M95 is easily one of the most best — and most overlooked — vintage chronographs on the market. But while these pieces were made in myriad configurations over a period of many years, there are few that bear the ‘cool’ factor of this particular watch. Measuring 33mm in stainless steel, its caseback is inscribed “U.S.A.A.F” and “Harvey W. Perry,” indicating that it belonged to a member of the U.S. Army Air Forces, the precursor to the modern Air Force that was active from 1941 through 1947. Its awesome provenance aside, the dial is simply tremendous: Bearing a patinated silver surface, it features a triple-register display paired with applied ‘Breguet’ indices and a matching ‘dagger’ handset. Too cool!
Universal Genève White Shadow ($1,950)
Universal Genève White Shadow - IN THE SHOP
Every collector worth his or her salt knows the Polerouter and the Compax series — but let’s please not forget the White Shadow! An early design of Gérald Genta, this supremely cool model is an oft-overlooked U.G. that doesn’t get nearly the love it deserves from the horological community. This particular Ref. 867102 — which is housed in a 34mm C-shaped steel case and comes paired to a matching multi-link bracelet — has an awesome grey ‘ombré’-style dial that fades from light to darker tones along its periphery and boasts a handy date window. Equipped with an ultra-thin automatic movement, it nearly disappears on the wrist, offering a comfortable wearing experience and a taste of awesome ‘70s-era design.
Longines WWII Tre-Tacche ($850)
Longines WWII Tre-Tracche - IN THE SHOP
What are the chances that two incredible 1940s watches show up in our inventory in the same week?! This Longines Tre-Tacche dates to the Second World War: Measuring just 25mm in diameter, it’s positively diminutive by modern standards, but makes for an excellent ladies’ piece. While its patinated silver dial with applied indices, matching ‘feuille’ handset, and sub-seconds display is plenty cool, it’s this Longines’s three-notch caseback that truly seals the deal: Inscribed with the name of an American soldier along with his serial number, it’s a time capsule of a timepiece from the largest armed conflict ever fought.
Nivada Grenchen Aquamar Diver ($850)
Nivada Grenchen Aquamar Diver - IN THE SHOP
If we had a quarter for every cool, unknown 1970s vintage dive watch we’ve ever come across, we’d all be able to retire! This neat Nivada Grenchen Aquamar is an excellent example of such a timepiece: Measuring 35mm in a steel cushion-shaped case, it’s equipped with an awesome silver sector dial with a multi-tone central section; an outer minute track in white; luminous orange hour indices; a luminous white ‘baton’ handset; and a framed date window at 3 o’clock. With its rotating timing bezel with a bi-color insert, it could easily function perfectly well as an everyday watch — especially on the cool Analog:Shift Pitt orange leather strap that we’ve paired it with.
Zenith Defy ($2,950)
Zenith Defy - IN THE SHOP
Zenith may be famous for its chronographs, but time-only pieces such as this funky Defy from the 1970s continue to blow us away with their shaped cases, awesome dial designs, and signature ‘ladder’ bracelets produced by Gay Frères. This particular example is housed in a beautifully sized 37mm octagonal steel case with a prominent crown and bezel and features a unique silver ‘ombré’-style dial with applied, faceted indices, an outer 1/5th-seconds track, and a large, luminous ‘sword’ handset. Powered by an automatic movement, it’s an ideal size for both male and female wrists, and offers a bit of “je ne sais quoi” that’s missing from many modern pieces.
Boucheron Crazy Jungle Frog ($16,770)
Boucheron Crazy Jungle Frog - IN THE SHOP
Now here’s something you don’t see every day: This Boucheron Crazy Jungle Frog watch offers whimsy and luxury all at once, with a 42mm white gold case paired to a gem-set dial. Far from being a simple background for a group of precious stones, however, it takes the shape of a colorful frog with a lazy eye. Look closer at said eye and you’ll notice that it’s actually a running seconds indicator — further proof that the good folks at Boucheron know how to conceptualize an extraordinarily creative timekeeper! Powered by an automatic movement visible via a transparent caseback window and paired to a pink shark-skin texture strap, this piece brings a smile to all who encounter it.
