There’s something about looking down at a watch on your wrist that is considerably older than you. Admiring those scratches, dents, the slight patina and imagining where they had come from will almost always distract you from actually reading the time. It’s also very impressive to think that a machine manufactured in the 1950’s is still ticking away right in front of your eyes.

This is a list of some of my favourite vintage picks from this week:

1. Omega Genève Chronostop Driver ST 145.010

This line of watches was released in the mid 1960’s and is arguably Omega’s most interesting design. A few years into the production of the Chronostop, Omega realised that the watch was hard to read when the wearers hands were placed at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel. To combat this, they decided that the watch should be worn on the underside of the wrist and that the dial should be rotated 90 degrees.

The striking orange second hand pairs perfectly with the orange threading of the strap and overall the watch balances its eccentric style with a fairly elegant look on-wrist. If you are looking to wear a conversation starter, this is the watch for you.

Case material: Steel

Case diameter: 35 mm

Thickness: 10 mm

Price: £2,250.00

2. Tudor Heritage Advisor (Ref. 7926)

The Ref. 7926 was the first Tudor Advisor ever made, this watch was produced in 1958 and has a beautiful patina dial to show for it. The Tudor Advisor is an important part of the brand's history. Introduced in 1957 and Tudor’s answer to the JLC Memovox and the Vulcain Cricket

The Ref. 7926 had a Rolex Oyster case with two unsigned crowns, and was powered by an A. Schild Caliber 1475 movement. This movement has two mainsprings, one of which is for the alarm and activates a hammer that strikes a pin and create the alarm sound.

Case material: Steel

Case diameter: 34 mm

Thickness: 12 mm

Price: £3,420.00

3. Baume & Mercier 18k White Gold (Ref. W21822)

This stunning vintage manually wound Baume & Mercier dress watch features an attractive onyx black dial and 28mm 18k white gold case, and is presented in outstanding condition. The Ref. W21822 was produced in the 1980’s and is a unisex dress watch. It’s sleek, elegant and classy look is a timeless piece that would fit on the wrist for years gone by, and years to come.

Case material: White gold

Case diameter: 28 mm

Thickness: N/A

Price: £995.00

4. Rolex Datejust 361601 Sigma Dial 18k

I think most people would agree that no vintage watch list is complete without Rolex. That’s why entry number four is this gorgeous Rolex Datejust 36. The Ref. 1601 is presented here in the uncommon 18k gold case, with a striking Sigma dial. This watch is brilliant to wear and is the epitome of understated style. The gold case and suede strap almost cancel each other out and stop the watch from being too flashy. If you are looking to add a Rolex to the collection and are a fan of vintage, this could be the right watch for you. (Especially with the difficulty of obtaining a Datejust these days.)

Case material: Yellow gold

Case diameter: 36 mm

Thickness: 11 mm

Price: £6,690.00

5. Grand Seiko (Ref. 881823)

This was just something I had to add to the list as I am too big a fan of Japanese watchmaking to not add a Grand Seiko to the list. The GS Ref. 881823 contains the automatic 6146 which boasts an astounding 36,000 A/h. This watch has a 40 hour power reserve. This model started production in 1967, and continued right through until the end of the vintage Grand Seiko era in the late 1970s. The main reason for this watch being on the list is the price, where else could you get a Hi-Beat automatic movement like this for under £1200? Add Grand Seiko’s unreal finishing and attention to detail and you have one of the best value for money purchases out there.

Case material: Steel

Case diameter: 37 mm

Thickness: 11 mm

Price: £1,196.00

That’s it for the first issue of Top Vintage Picks. I will attempt to post one a week on top of the regular monday post. If you have any watches you think should be on the next issue then let me know in the comments.