Every passionate watch collector has a soft spot for vintage watches, and vintage dive watches are no exception. If you're already familiar with the best dive watches on the market, you'll be familiar with the classic watch brands and their heritage. A number of original 1950s, 1960s and 1970s examples from familiar makes such as Rolex, Omega, Blancpain and Jaeger-LeCoultre – and quirkier designs from more obscure dial names including Favre-Leuba, Yema and Eterna – are enjoying their moment in the sun at auction, with a 1956 Rolex Submariner recently fetching more than $1 million at Christie’s in recent years.
The hook for vintage watches is that they need to be in great condition, a watch steeped in history with plenty of life left in is likely to fetch a greater bounty. Pieces from the mid-1950's when every new launch to the market was a pioneering step for dive watches, are now most likely collector's pieces. We've done some research to find you the best vintage dive watches available to buy now.
Rolex Sea Dweller
Case: Steel, 40mm
Age: From the year 1665
Condition: Very Good - Some minor wear visible
Prices from: £39,999
SHOP NOWPanerai Luminer Submersible
Case: Titanium, 47mm
Age: January 2011
Condition: Little-to-no signs of wear
Prices from: £8,495
SHOP NOWLongines Legend Diver
Age: 1968
Case: steel, 42mm
Condition: very good
Price: £5,640
SHOP NOWOmega Seamaster 300
Age: 1964
Case: Steel, 41mm
Condition: very good
Price: £10,500
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