Chronographs and dive watches are two of our favorite tool watch types, but for two different reasons. The former are great for their functionality and precision, while the latter are loved for their bold looks and chunky build quality. Still, one does not need to pick between the two; the diving chronograph brings the best of both worlds. And when you go vintage you can get the look for much less than their modern counterparts. Maybe just don’t actually go diving with them, though.
Tissot Seastar Navigator
What we like: Tissot’s Seastar is a great vintage value, especially in chronograph form. It comes packing a Valjoux 7733 chronograph movement and vibrant blue dial with a light blue and red accents.
From the seller: All working and original condition; keeps time. The dial is getting a bit rustic. Ready to be worn and comes with nato and vintage leather straps
Tradition Chronodiver
What we like: Tradition was a brand of private-label watches made specifically for Sears in the mid 20th century, but its products were up there with other big players in the watch industry at the time. Consider this diver uses a Valjoux hand-winding chronograph used in tons of other watches from brands like Breitlong and Heuer. This particular example looks damn-near perfect.
From the seller: Chrome-plated cushion case is in pristine, almost unworn condition with sharp bevels on the lugs. Black rotating bezel is in excellent condition. Silver dial is in very good condition with crisp printing and no signs of major discoloration or hand drag.
Croton Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver
What we like: This Croton (which was a U.S. distributor for Nivada watches) feels like a mashup of a Submarner and a Speedmaster in the best way imagineable. It features a Valjoux 92 chronograph movement inside and a black dial with a red regatta countdown subdial.
From the seller: Exceptional condition. Original matte black dial with matching black registers, red accent minutes register, arrowhead hour hand and with beautifully patina’d luminous on the dial and hands. Offered with our one-year warrantee of accurate time keeping and operation.
