6 Vintage Watches That Are Worth More Than You Think

Over the decades of collecting, I’ve dabbled in watches and encountered many experts on the subject. One thing I’ve noticed is that, whenever anyone first looks into vintage watch prices, it always surprises. 

What often leaves people open-mouthed is how plain-looking and dated watches often have big valuations, mostly because collectors know there’s real history inside the case. The right name, reference, condition, and story can turn an old drawer find into a four-figure watch.

Vulcain Cricket (circa 1960)

Vulcain’s Cricket has one of those stories collectors love. It’s known as a “President’s watch,” and that’s not just collector folklore. According to Vulcain, the brand’s alarm wristwatch became popular with American presidents starting with Harry S. Truman, helping earn its “Watch for Presidents” reputation. 

Chrono24 shows dozens of vintage Cricket listings, including early 1960s examples priced around the low four figures, with some running much higher depending on condition. That’s the surprise here: a casual owner may see a quirky old alarm watch. Collectors see a piece of political and watchmaking history. 

Omega Seamaster CK 14759 (early 1960s)

Everyone knows the Omega Seamaster brand, but when it comes to brands, it’s easy to get swept up and pay high prices for more affordable models. For example, the CK 14759 is a clean, early-1960s dress watch that doesn’t shout for attention but constantly hits north of four figures. 

Omega lists the CK 14759 as a 1960 Seamaster with a 33.5mm stainless steel case, manual-wind movement, and 30 meters of water resistance. Information from Chrono24 shows current 14759 listings around $1,132 to $1,714, with several examples sitting in that low-to-mid four-figure zone. 

Over the years, I’ve owned several Seamaster watches; they continue to feel wearable, have that classic look, and, for collectors of vintage watches, get the thumbs up. 

Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133 (late 1960s-1970s)

Released in 1969, the Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133 was not your typical watch. Square case. Automatic chronograph, and it had a Steve McQueen connection. 

Heuer Price Guide states that the first Monaco was unveiled on March 3, 1969, and was one of the world’s first automatic chronographs. EveryWatch shows a Monaco 1133 auction estimate of $8,084 to $16,168, with recent 1133 and 1133B auction results ranging from high four figures to five figures. 

Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox (1960s)

Mechanical alarm watches have a certain spy-movie appeal, and the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox fits that lane nicely. Hodinkee reported that the Memovox was introduced in 1950/51, with later automatic alarm versions helping define the line. The Caliber 825 version added a date module and used a hammer-based alarm system, which gives the watch its old-school charm. 

EveryWatch shows 2026 Memovox auction results from about $1,290 to $5,718, while one 1960s gold example was listed at $5,499 before being sold or removed. If you’ve got one of these vintage watches lying around in a drawer, consider it a collector’s item. 

Universal Genève Polerouter (1960s)

Gérald Genta designed the Universal Genève Polerouter when he was very young, which gives this watch a serious collector’s hook. Universal Genève states that Genta created the Polerouter in 1954 at age 23, long before his later fame as one of watch design’s biggest names. 

EveryWatch recorded a 1960 Polerouter listing at $1,771, while Chrono24 shows many Polerouter examples in the four-figure range, including listings around $1,750 to $3,900. I’ve always had a soft spot for collectibles that hide in plain sight, and this one does exactly that. 

TAG Heuer / Heuer 1000 Professional (1980s)

Once sold as a tough watch for divers, the Heuer 1000 Professional watches now carry a different kind of appeal. They’re vintage, sporty, and tied to the early TAG Heuer era, which makes them more interesting than some owners may realize. DC Vintage Watches listed a mid-1980s TAG Heuer 1000 Professional 980.006N “Jumbo” diver at $1,749.99. BO Watches shows several 1000-series pieces around €899.95 to €1,999.95, depending on the reference, year, and condition. Not every 1980s quartz watch is just old tech. Some have aged very well (price-wise) in terms of vintage watches.