Pre-Owned Picks — What’s On Ben’s Watch Wishlist?
Typically, I bring a specific theme to Pre-Owned Picks to focus my choices to a brand, era or watch type. A theme can be a healthy challenge that uncovers some interesting watch listings that would otherwise pass me by. Luckily, the search and favorites functions of Chrono24 make sifting through the vast library an absolute breeze. Even after a year of covering Pre-Owned Picks, many watches fell off my lists. Either by disqualification from the theme or not demonstrating the traits of appealing to a mass audience. These watches did remain on my wishlist, however, for a rainy day.
As luck would have it on this day, at least in my area of Ol’ Blighty, it’s raining hammers and nails. Of course, I also favorite watches for my consideration, either in the short-term or for long-term collection aspirations. As my tastes can be quite eccentric, today’s Pre-Owned Picks will be an episode of “what’s on Ben’s wishlist?”. I have no doubt, the weird and wonderful selections may not have the mainstream appeal, but there are some real gems in here. It may also be an insight into my psyche as I endeavor to understand why I may have added these watches to my list.
All these watches were selected carefully by me without any influence from Chrono24. I set the theme of wristwatch “favorites” and only chose from my existing list. I only request the high-resolution photos from Chrono24 without the watermark. As these are only my suggestions, it is worth always carrying out your research on the watch details and the seller. Ask as many relevant questions you feel are necessary for the watch, and a good seller should answer with accuracy and honesty.
Ebel 1911
I worry about the current state of Ebel. It hardly registers in the pantheon of prestigious watch brands as it once did decades ago. Just going by the effort on its “About Us” page, Ebel’s heart is not really in it anymore. Instead of pages of sumptuous scribing on the brand’s history, innovations, and ethics, its story relegates to a one-minute video. Have a look for yourself and see if it confuses you as much as it did me.
Why is it on my watch wishlist?
Yet I cannot deny that one of its most well-known creations is not at least worth your time. The 1911 has a sporty yet classic layout exuding luxury and adaptability. Its name refers to the year of the company’s inception, but these watches were truly hot in the ’90s. Looking at the design, I can see why. But then, I also notice a resurgence of ’90s designs that are finding their way back to fashion. Kappa bucket hats, burgundy Doc Martens — the gold and steel 1911 might be the perfect watch for a throwback look.
The fact this watch hails from Florida only ties it further to the feeling of nostalgia. No box and papers on this one, but the condition looks excellent with a reliable quartz ticker inside.
Check the listing here on Chrono24 for more.
Price: €1,657
Rodania Geometer Ref. 5621H
This one I know exactly how it found its way to my wishlist. It was Fratello’s own Tomas that brought it to my attention to this watch. Tomas posed the question if the Rodania Geometer inspired the Omega Speedmaster in his #TBT article here. I know, sacrilege for the pages of Fratello. But we endeavor to explore all history of the beloved Speedmaster. For me, the Speedmaster’s truly defining innovation was the external bezel Tachymeter. A feature lacking on the Geometer. Therefore, the Speedmaster stands its ground and breaks it.
Why is it on my watch wishlist?
But I find the possible connotation of another chronograph fit for space travel fascinating enough to seek out examples for my Chrono24 favorites. And I am convinced others have done the same considering the value of this particular example from 1965. These Rodania Geometer’s are heating up hotter than the Speedmaster’s of the same era. The listing on Chrono24 is missing papers but still has a stylish and intact box.
Check the listing here on Chrono24 for more.
Price: €21,233
Fiona Krüger Petit Skull Eternity
I am keeping the value high, but like Willard’s journey in a PBR up the Cambodian river, we are descending into madness. Artist extraordinaire, Fiona Krüger, employs a stylistic approach that puts time-telling at the lowest priority. And why not? The resulting creations are a feast for the eyes. The Petit Skull line of watches has a glorious suite of colorful dials with alternating gemstone and diamond patterns rounding the circumference. Turn out the lights, and the skull pattern remains visible with ample use of lume.
Why is it on my watch wishlist?
I was lining up the Petit Skull Eternity for my Halloween special. But, as I said in the article, skulls are not necessarily scary. And the design by Fiona Krüger is inherently inspired by Dia de Los Muertas — a beautiful Mexican celebration of lost loved ones. Therefore, it had no relation to Halloween. But this fantastic example with orange strap and original box from 2017 is too good to not include on Pre-Owned Picks.
Check the listing here on Chrono24 for more.
Price: €16,140
Breitling Aerospace Ref. E75362
To bring things down again, my next pick comes purely from where my interests lie. If you’re new to my articles, I am a big fan of the Aerospace. From my Avantage to the EVO that I spent considerable effort to obtain via the Prague boutique. So, revealing this pick to readers of Fratello is certainly risking my opportunity to swipe it from Chrono24. But the full titanium with grey dial and insignia is too good not to share.
Why is it on my watch wishlist?
For obvious reasons, I am keeping a close eye on this one. The only thing that deters me is the early Aerospace bracelets that look quite jarring against the case design. The later slanted bracelets had more of that Breitling DNA that makes it an enticing prospect. For me, the standout of this example is the insignia dial for the aero “Flying Monsters” squadron. Often, the emblems are only meaningful to those who are part of the squadron that it relates to. But I feel this dragon design and “Flying Monsters” name is open to anyone’s interpretation. Full set, box, and papers of a limited edition of 80 timepieces.
Check the listing here on Chrono24 for more.
Price: €2,800
Good hunting!
