Bringing Retro Back: Discover Vintage-Inspired Luxury Watches at Avi & Co.

Vintage is undeniably cool. In a world full of fleeting trends and fast fashion fads, the exclusive and curated look of retro styles has become perhaps even more popular than the latest releases. The luxury watch world, of course, moves at a significantly slower pace than the fashion industry. However, vintage timepieces remain stunning assets that are just as impressive to wear on your wrist as they are to collect and observe.

We have curated an impressive selection of vintage watches here at Avi & Co., and we are excited to showcase some of our favorite pieces. Which one will resonate with you?

Vintage everything (from watches to haute couture) has been taking off in popularity in the past few years. As trends move at light-speed, many modern individuals feel at a loss in seeking personality, character, and interest in their clothes and accessories. Vintage watches are no exception, and they have been commanding impressive prices on the secondary market. Why?

Exclusivity: Vintage pieces may be more difficult to find than their modern counterparts, making wearing a retro watch a statement in its own right. With a unique, vintage timepiece, you get the chance to show off your personal style without stepping out in something that everyone else is also wearing. Vintage watches are not up-to-the-moment, and that is the whole point.

Sustainability: In addition to the prestige factors, some vintage shoppers appreciate the environmentally friendly sustainability angle of retro pieces. Continuing to wear older models of your favorite timepieces reduces waste, like the 92 million tons of textile waste produced by the fashion industry each year.

Quality: For a timepiece to last through the ages, it must inherently be of superior quality. The fact that vintage pieces from the world’s most prestigious watchmakers continue to be in perfect working condition speaks to the impeccable craftsmanship in elite horology.

Character: Some people believe that vintage pieces are made with more care and attention to detail than modern creations. While this is less pressing in the luxury watch industry, where precision and care is paramount, a vintage watch might be the perfect complement to an overall retro fashion aesthetic. Cherishing items of lasting beauty says a lot about the wearer.

These are just a few of the reasons that vintage wristwear has been growing more and more popular in recent years. So, where can you find these exquisite (and sometimes elusive) pieces?

An important fact about vintage watches is that their original manufacturers do not make them anymore. This is part of what gives them that vintage appeal: They are difficult to find and sometimes even harder to obtain.

The best place to shop for vintage watches is on the secondary market, where buyers and sellers are constantly exchanging elite timepieces from every era. Here at Avi & Co., we tend to have a selection of vintage timepieces in stock at all times. If you do not see what you are looking for, we would be happy to help source it for you, leaning into our worldwide network of watch collector connections.

For now, take a look at some of our favorite vintage timepieces that we currently have in stock.

One of the most iconic and collectible vintage chronographs ever produced, the Rolex Daytona “Big Red” edition is a must-have timepiece for any serious collector. The Reference #6263 is one that actor-turned-racing-driver Paul Newman had in his own personal collection, a gift from his wife, Joanne Woodward. It showcases the magnificence of the early Daytona models with its sleek stainless steel bracelet, black acrylic face, and black tachymeter bezel. The chronograph subdials stand out in a creamy white, but the bright red Daytona lettering positioned right about the 6 o’clock dial is the defining feature of the watch’s face. With a 37 mm case, both the size and aesthetics of this watch are deeply retro. Powered by the manually wound Valjoux 727 movement, this gorgeous watch is truly a treasure.

This 35 mm Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch might seem like a women’s watch by today’s size standards. However, the 35 mm diameter is actually quite characteristic of men’s watches in the 1970s, when this line was originally born. In fact, the 39 mm edition of the Royal Oak that was released in 1972 was nicknamed the “Jumbo,” as the case was considered large for the time. Here, we see a more moderately sized example of this classic sports watch. The 18K yellow gold bracelet and case are glamorous yet reserved, with no gems or adornments to distract from the captivating geometry of the watch itself. The octagonal bezel, exposed lugs, and integrated bracelet take center stage around a beautiful ivory dial with applied hour markers. The date window at the 3 o’clock position is a welcome innovation, too. This exquisite example of vintage Audemars Piguet craftsmanship exemplifies the history and commitment to excellence that the brand has embodied throughout its tenure.

This well-kept Rolex GMT-Master watch hails from 1984 and sports the collection’s iconic “Pepsi” dial, which has become revered by collectors and everyday watch enthusiasts alike. It is a Reference #16750, which marked a significant improvement in the history of GMT-Master watches, introducing the quick-set date function and the much-loved 3075 movement. Rolex officially stopped producing GMT-Master watches in 1999, replacing the line entirely with the newer GMT-Master II design. However, original GMT-Master timepieces remain coveted in the horological world. This example shows off the prized “spider dial” effect, a result of minor hairline scratches on the watch’s face. Furthermore, its sleek Jubilee bracelet adds interest to the classic timepiece. Wherever you wear this pilot’s watch, it is certain to become a staple of your vintage watch collection for years to come.

What exactly makes a watch vintage? It is hard to define the specifics, even for the experts, but certainly the line being discontinued is a step in the right direction. Patek Philippe discontinued the Nautilus 3800 line in 2006, after 25 years of production. The Reference 3800 was the midsize alternative to the original 42 mm Nautilus watch, also dubbed the “Jumbo” edition. Later, the 3800 line would be replaced with modern legends like the 5711. As such, the Nautilus 3800 represents an important chapter in the history of one of the most iconic sports watches of all time. This example offers a 36 mm case size crafted from yellow gold and stainless steel. Chic and retro Roman numeral hour markers adorn the white dial, which has a date window at the 3 o’clock position and decorative trim surrounding the face. This watch captures the essence of Patek Philippe is a versatile size that is appropriate for wearers of any gender.

Yet another Rolex Daytona makes this list: the Reference #6262 with an “exotic” white dial. The dial earns this nickname due to its Art Deco-style lettering, which was considered more whimsical and unusual than other typefaces of its day. Here, the chronograph watch features a stainless steel bezel, which is less common on today’s Daytona releases. Pump pushers power the chronograph function, which can be read through the three black subdials. These three dark circles are the perfect contrast to the watch’s creamy white face, giving it a wholly vintage character altogether. Like the other vintage Daytona watch we showcased earlier in this article, this timepiece measures a classic 37 mm, which was considered standard for a men’s watch in that time period. Modern-day trends have pushed men’s watches larger and larger, but this versatile timepiece is a flexible and attractive size for virtually any wrist. It is one of the most collectible Daytona watches of all time, and has become something of a legend on the secondary market and beyond.

Here at Avi & Co., we specialize in renowned luxury watch brands from around the globe, including Rolex, Richard Mille, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe. Our three showrooms are stocked with glamorous accessories and collectible timepieces that you will be thrilled to fasten around your wrist. Do not forget to explore our own Avi & Co. watch lines as well as our decadent Diamonds by Avi & Co. jewelry line, perfect for the sophisticated modern woman, when you visit. No matter the occasion, we have the accessories you need.

Make an appointment today to shop with us in person today. We cannot wait to offer you a warm welcome into our Avi & Co. family.