Wanted: A nice steel vintage LED watch

[AndersH]

Hi all,

I'm considering buying my first vintage LED watch (or perhaps two?). Having been without a wrist watch for a long time now, I'm now tired of using the mobile for time keeping. Vintage LCDs or LEDs are the only things that I see fit my wrist (aesthetically, of course), and I now look for an everyday watch.

There are of course many at EBay, but hard for a non-expert like me to avoid fake or non-original items. Since I'm not a collector, I'd be very happy with a great watch with some replaced parts, as long as I know that and don't have to pay the price that a complete original one would go for. At the same time, I understand an original costs more and as long as I can trust I get what I pay for I'm willing to pay the extra.

Therefore, I find it a bit hard for a newbie like me to buy off Ebay since I cannot spot a fake or an item with non-original parts - so my thought is that buying from a member/collector here would be the best way to find the watch I'm looking for - even if it might mean in the end that I'll have to pay a slight premium compared to getting a great deal on Ebay.

So, if anyone has anything to offer me based on the list below where I list some of the things I've liked when browsing the net for LED watch pictures, PM me an offer, or post in this thread! Any pointers towards Ebay auctions that seem to contain a nice watch that seem to be described correctly would also be appreciated.

I'd like to buy one in very god condition as it looks nicer. I intend to use it as often as possible - hope the thought of the watch getting some scratches isn't a dealbreaker for you ;). I'm located in Europe, and can pay through PaylPal.

Hope someone has something to offer me!

Sorry for starting my first posts here with only requests for help - if anyone needs help on ultra distance running or kayak paddling I'm willing to offer help back ;)

Anders



Have browsed trough a lot of pictures of LED watches on internet the recent days, and here's my "features I like" list:
Must have feature:
SS only (no GF or gold)
Nice to have:
24-h displays (since I'm European...)
Flick-wrist feature (convenient)

Some of the brands/models I seem to like (not exhaustive - just for you to get a feeling)

-Compuchrons (there are some quite cheap NOS ones under $100 for sale at Ebay, are those genuine? Then one of those might be a good buy for me)
-Pulsars (P2 2900 is nice, or DateIIs with case logo, or P4 Exec or Big time)
-Commodore
-Bertone Stratos in SS look amazing
-Hamilton
-Armitron
-Gillette
-Novus
-Omegas (cool for a European like me)

I think you get a feeling of what I like - a nicely designed SS LED watch ;)

[bucko170]

Hi Anders welcome to the forum.

Our host Ed sells a good range of competitively priced watches via http://www.retroleds.com/ plenty to choose from, including several of the watches on your list, without having to take the eBay gamble, another good place is Peter Wenzig's site http://www.digitalwatches.de/ENGLISH_INDEX.HTMt

If you have a look through the 'links' section there are also several other sites to browse http://dwf.nu/SearchSiteList.htm

Be careful many of us started out wanting to buy just one of two then just couldn't stop

Good luck with your hunt, don't forget to post the photo's when you find 'the one'.

[rewolf]

Hi AndersH, welcome here
I can't add much to what bucko already wrote.
I think it's a good idea to start with one of the more common (thus cheaper) models and then if you can get used to pressing a button to read time (though pulling a "pocket watch with phone capability" out of your pocket is far more annoying) you can go for one of the "high end" models like a HP-01 or, of course , a Girard-Perregaux Casquette SS (also available in 24h!).
24h will be a bit difficult. By far the most LED watches have 12h display only - and the date in "reverse" order.

[egomon]

Code: Select all

Be careful many of us started out wanting to buy just one of two then just couldn't stop

Hi.
I bought my first watch sometime last christmas and I had the same idea as you - just one or two for me to wear- and now I have 20 watches and I try to restaurate a synchronar mk1.
Half a year ago I even did not know what a LED watch was.

Its so crazy :P


P.S. welkome ro forum

[Led-Time]

Anders welcome to the forum...

Please give us an idea of your budget, be assured you won't get ripped off here and I'am sure you'll have a nice LED on your wrist very soon.

Where about are you in Europe.

[AndersH]

Hi, many fast replies and warm welcomes - thanks a lot! I'll try to answer a couple of questions and comments:

Where about are you in Europe?

Stockholm, Sweden (updated my profile as well)

Please give us an idea of your budget, be assured you won't get ripped off here and I'am sure you'll have a nice LED on your wrist very soon.

Good question - haven't really though about it fully yet, but: Considering I could pool the budgets from all watches I have not bought, including the almost obligatory analog Omega all at work seem to buy after having worked a couple of years (I'm 29, graduated and started working a few years ago) I think I can spend a few bucks . I'd be glad if I could find two great watches for $500-1000 in total (even happier with two for $100 , but I have to be realistic). I'd rather spend a few bucks more for a watch a fall in love with! The super-rare watches are out of my budget.

Our host Ed sells a good range of competitively priced watches via http://www.retroleds.com/ plenty to choose from, including several of the watches on your list, without having to take the eBay gamble, another good place is Peter Wenzig's site http://www.digitalwatches.de/ENGLISH_INDEX.HTM

Thanks! I've seen Ed's site before, but hadn't connected it to this forum yet - great to know that both that and Peter's site are reliable sources - will check these more thoroughly now!

24h will be a bit difficult. By far the most LED watches have 12h display only - and the date in "reverse" order

Agree, 24h display would not be a top priority, seems a bit hard to get.

Be careful many of us started out wanting to buy just one of two then just couldn't stop

I think it's a good idea to start with one of the more common (thus cheaper) models and then if you can get used to pressing a button to read time (though pulling a "pocket watch with phone capability" out of your pocket is far more annoying) you can go for one of the "high end" models like a HP-01 or, of course , a Girard-Perregaux Casquette SS (also available in 24h!).

I bought my first watch sometime last christmas and I had the same idea as you - just one or two for me to wear- and now I have 20 watches and I try to restaurate a synchronar mk1.
Half a year ago I even did not know what a LED watch was.

Wow, it almost feels a bit scary now... Are you trying to talk me out of the idea? . I'm just hoping I can avoid the trap that I'm perhaps about to fall into... But I'l take the chance and hope I can avoid getting 20 watches, or the most fancy ones within half a year!

[AndersH]

Thanks for the help so far in this thread and through PMs - I'm sure I'll find something soon!

[LEDluvr]

There is a lot to choose from AndersH.
But as you've heard... whatever you do decide on, if you are worried you didn't choose *the perfect one* don't stress about that too much. You'll be buying another one... and another one...
and another.....