Over the last several years, Eric Wind has become synonymous with vintage watches. One of the foremost dealers in the US, through his company, Wind Vintage, he not only supplies high-end, rare, and otherwise exotic vintage timepieces to collectors and enthusiasts, but also to celebrities and showbiz. An early contributor to Hodinkee, he quickly ascended the ranks of the watch world reaching the rank of Vice President, Senior Specialist for Christie's auction house before branching out on his own. 

It is with truly great excitement that today we announce that the Windup Watch Shop will now carry on on-going collection of vintage watches curated and sourced by Wind Vintage.

Specifically chosen for the Windup Watch Shop, the Wind Vintage collection will contain unique and intriguing watches that emphasize character and design over hype and namesake. Yes, you’ll find pieces from highly recognizable brands such as Omega, Jaeger LeCoultre, and Rolex, but also some off the beaten path as well. Watches with style and personality that speak to the undefinable charm of things aged, worn, and designed in previous generations.

For our first “drop”, Wind Vintage has put together a collection of over a dozen pieces including a selection of gorgeous watches. Below is a sampling of what’s in store, and you can head here for the full collection.

1960's Omega Constellation Ref. 168.005

This Constellation boasts a pie-pan dial in a satiny silver surmounted by the applied Omega symbol at 12 o’clock. Beneath that are the words signifying that the movement that beats inside it (in this case a Calibre 561, one of the finest automatic movements Omega manufactured in the post-war period) was officially certified by the Geneva Observatory. This is brought home by the engraving on the case back of an observatory surmounted by eight stars, symbolizing Omega’s achievements in chronometer trials from the 1930s to the 1950s. 

1960’s Relide Gents Watch

Relide might not be a name that pops up in collectors’ minds when thinking about vintage watches, but after seeing a watch like this one, it’s really hard to forget. Formed in the 1930s as a subsidiary of Walter Triebold (who also manufactured watches under the marks Leal and Mexa), Relide’s offerings embody the fun and quirky spirit of 1960s design trends. 

When viewed from any angle, this watch is a delight to the eye. The unpolished 36.5mm stainless steel case boasts a beautiful sunburst finishing on the top, culminating in sharp bevels which give way to a flat polished surface on the sides. The sunburst finishing draws the eye to the dial in a deep fumé blue that darkens almost to a black around the outer edges, making the chunky numerals and the hour plots (which have aged to an almost greenish hue) stand out even more. 

1972 Rolex GMT Master Reference 1675

First released in 1954, the Rolex GMT Master is without question one of Rolex’s most iconic models. It’s a study in form as well as functionality, with all of its features focused on one purpose: to make it a reliable and robust tool watch. The watch that we offer here is a Reference 1675. Launched in 1960 and produced for nearly two decades, the Reference 1675 is for many collectors what typifies a Rolex GMT. Dating from 1972, this one features a bezel that’s faded to a stunning patina. 

Also of note is the dial, which also shows signs of the years that it’s seen. Housed in a 39mm stainless steel case (which has been polished sometime in the watch’s 50 years) beats the Calibre 1575, a movement known both for reliability as well as the elegance of its finishing. Tying it all together is a 20mm rivet bracelet made for Rolex by the American manufacturer C&I. 

1970's Universal Genève Reference 842101/06

Although perhaps best known for its chronographs, Universal Genève produced some time-only watches whose quiet elegance is immensely appealing to modern eyes. The watch that we offer here is a Reference 842101/06 from the 1970s. The deep blue dial (lightly speckled with age) is clean and uncluttered, with applied stick markers and long, thin hands. The only testament to 1970s aesthetics is the bold Universal Genève logo at 12 o’clock, which features a “U” in a bubbled typeface reminiscent of graffiti. 

The 31.5mm (37.5 lug to lug) steel case is unpolished and possesses an airy thinness, making it a delight to wear. This is achieved by the 17-jewel Calibre 42 manually-wound movement, one of the finest time-only movements that the manufacturer produced during that period. 

1930’s Tavannes Watersport 

Tavannes first saw life in Le Locle, Switzerland at the tail end of the 19th century, but didn’t reach prominence until its founder Henri Sandoz relocated to the tiny village of Tavannes in 1891. After the Tavannes and Cyma merged in 1903, Sandoz’s knack for production turned Tavannes into one of the horological powerhouses of the pre-war period. 

This watch on offer here is Tavannes’ spin on the Tank style of watch popularized by Cartier in the early 1900s. While many of these Tank style watches had gold cases, this one is crafted in steel. This design featured a two part case (measuring 23mm across and 39mm lug-to-lug) held together by four screws, one on each lug. The watch’s most attractive feature, though, is the dial, with its elegant Art Deco aesthetics.

1960's Benrus Wrist Alarm

Benrus created the Wrist Alarm by using the A. Schild Calibre 1475, which was produced from the mid-1950s to the early 1970s. Like the Memovox and the Cricket, the Calibre 1475 employed a dual-crown design. The crown at 2 o’clock winds and sets the alarm while the crown at 4 o’clock winds and sets the time. However, unlike the Memovox and Cricket, the alarm of the Benrus Wrist Alarm can only be engaged when the crown at 2 o’clock is pulled out. 

This example dates from the 1960s and features an unpolished gold plated case. While measuring in at 35mm in diameter, the 41mm lug to lug width makes it wear well on modern wrists. Its elegant silver dial shows signs of patina throughout, and its applied gold numerals and dauphine hands give it an air of distinction that is hard not to admire. 

Head to the Windup Watch Shop to discover more!