Three watch guys, handfuls of watches and a couple of cameras, this is the result...
A little insight into the people that make up the WatchGecko team. Many of us are passionate watch collectors and enthusiasts (naturally). And we all happen to have an appreciation for vintage watches in some form of another.
Calibre Co is an example of a company with passion watch guys behind it who look to build a unique relationship with clients all through incredible watches.
The Tudor Snowflake Submariner 7021 - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
In a recent trip to London, Ben and I sat down with one of the faces behind the brand, Christy at a great little cafe/restaurant in Covent Garden to discover more about what this young business offers. More on that detailed chat soon, but for now let’s just enjoy the handfuls of watches Christy brought with him.
It’s probably worth starting off with the watch of choice for the man behind Calibre Co…
Tag Heuer Autavia 3646 - c.1960s
The Tag Heuer Autavia 3646 - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
This was a real beauty. The Autavia is a hugely important name for Heuer, and this example has a perfect blend of everything it stands for. A simple two register chronograph for someone like myself who isn’t a crazy chronograph guy is always appreciated.
Throw on top of this the reverse panda design, correct hands, faded/ghost bezel, correct crown and completely serviced Valjoux 92 and you’re left with a truly stunning piece. If you’re looking to capture Rolex Paul Newman vibes for a fraction of the price, look no further.
Find out more and add the Tag Heuer Autavia 3646 to your collection here.
Tudor Snowflake Submariner 7021 - 1972
The Tudor Snowflake Submariner 7021 - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
The Tudor Submariner has lived most of its life living in the shadow of it’s Rolex, older brother. However, in recent years they’re beginning to come into their own. Helped of course with the success of the new Black Bay line, these old Submariners have gone from being a fraction of the price of a Rolex to now only a few thousand less.
This example here is pretty much the full package. An original receipt and service manual accompanies this piece along with nice little details like the unique red date window, huge crystal, and perfectly aged hands.
The Tudor Snowflake Submariner 7021 - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
If you want something a little different to everyone else the 7021 is a great way to go.
To find out more and add the Tudor Snowflake Submariner 7021 to your collection here.
On the topic of popular sports watches from the mind of Mr. Wilsdorf, the next two watches are very honest examples of the ever-popular GMT Master…
Rolex GMT Master Pepsi 1675 - 1970
The Rolex GMT Master Pepsi 1675 - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Rolex GMT Master 1675 Mark 1 Dial - 1972
The Rolex GMT Master 1675 Mark 1 Dial - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Both of these 70s GMT Master watches have such appealing aesthetics. The visual signs of age in the form of lume changing colour, bezel marks/fades and honest dial blemishes add real character to watches that already have it in abundance.
The Rolex GMT Master Pepsi 1675 - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Both the 1675 references are available on the Calibre Co website here.
Heuer Carrera 12 Dato, Red Crescent - c.1969
The Heuer Carrera 12 Dato, Red Crescent - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
If you’re going to bring along two Heuer watches for a meet up with two watch guys you might as well make them two of the coolest vintage examples right?
This Carrera 12 Dato packs a lot of info in just a 36mm case. The use of red for the crescent date hand and blue for the date itself work to make this watch that on paper could be regarded as one that takes itself very seriously, but clearly, this watch has fun with its design.
Make this watch yours today, head over to Calibre Co for the full rundown here.
Rolex Precision 9ct Gold - 1947
The Rolex Precision 9ct Gold - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Going back to Rolex for a moment now and a beautiful little Precision. This watch is a stunning, simple time only gold Rolex from an era before Rolex became who they are today. Coming in at 32mm wide this piece will rule out a lot of people's wrist (mine included) however if you have a smaller wrist this watch will look incredible. You're not going to find a watch like this in better condition easily...
Of course, available here at Calibre Co.
Two unusual watches now in the form of an Enicar and a Depthmaster 1000.
Enicar Sherpa Jet 33 - c.1962
The Enicar Sherpa Jet 33 - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Nivada Depthmaster 1000
Nivada Depthmaster 1000 - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
These two watches really offer something unique. First, we have a very legible, comfortable and just downright cool looking Depthmaster. When it was introduced in the 60s, it was sold as ‘one of the strongest watches ever made’. Although that statement may not be true nowadays with the advancements of watchmaking technology, one thing you can’t deny is the watches unusual look.
Similarly, we have a beautiful looking Enicar. If you consider the latest re-issue style watches and microbrands creating watches that solely look to be inspired by the 60s, the likelihood is they will use similar hands, case size and indices. The appreciation for these old Sherpa Jet’s is growing which after handling one, I can confirm it is deserved.
The Enicar Sherpa Jet 33 - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
And, coming in at 36mm on a straight link bracelet you can’t argue this watch has the look.
To find out more about these pieces, check out the Calibre Co site here.
As we wrap up our little photo gallery of our time with Christy we discuss some exciting plans for the future of both Calibre Co and WatchGecko. We can’t say too much for now, all we will say is you’ll want to keep up to date with both WatchGecko Instagram and Calibre Co's Instagram, the WatchGecko YouTube and of course the Online Magazine...
