Best vintage chronograph under $500

[becketth]

Hey guys, a little bit about me. I'm still a student so I don't have a lot of money to spend, but I'm really trying to get rid of some bigger, newer boutique divers and getting into the vintage stuff more. I got rid of an old valjoux 23 chronograph by Nivada Grenchen a few months ago, and I've regretted it every day.



So my question to you guys is, what would be a good one to look for on eBay? I love smaller watches and wind-ups and just really appreciate vintage watches a little more. Any help would be appreciated!

Ps - I have a seiko 6139 coming, but really like all the 6138s as well

[Eeeb]

One tip when looking for quality for your money, make all you eBay searches with the "-omega -rolex" parameters. LOL Brands the tourists don't know go for less and often are essentially the same watch. I have several nice Venus and Valjoux based vintage watches I could afford in great condition because the uninitiated had not heard of the brand.

And Seikos are usually cheap in vintage because most folks think the brand to be relatively low end. Often that is not true... again, don't be a tourist. Old WUS posts are often very informative guideposts.

[joeuk]

Dont know what prices tissot are demanding these days but these can be great watches to buy

[DragonDan]

Tissot, Bulova, Roamer, Hamlton, Certina and tons more that I can't think of off the top of my head are all solid watches. As has been mentioned somewhere else, take a look through the 'what are you wearing today' posts to get a feel for what's out there.
Post some photos of what you come up with!

[baronrojo]

I have a few Landeron based chronographs that have ultimately turned out to be pretty good considering what they cost. I know the Landeron movement isn't the best in the world...but as a nice entry level vintage chronograph I feel you can't go wrong with them. The watch plus servicing should be less than your budget.

Here are two that I have...

[becketth]

Baronjojo, those are great looking!

I loved the Nivada and I was surprised to learn that they are more valuable than I had first thought.

I love hamiltons and I've been close to pulling the trigger a few times, but I'm new to some of the other brands so I'll definitely check them out and keep scouring the "wearing" threads

Thanks a lot for all the info

[Vsanzbajo]

For me the best chronograph for the money is the Citizen Challenge Timer with 8110A movement.
Here is mine.