Dreaming in Time

We all like to imagine what we’d do with a sudden windfall of fun money. For me, it has been a frustrating couple of years with permanent sold-out signs and long wait lists, and if those two were not enough, there were the dreaded discontinued models. As I result, I often scroll through the luxury watches available on eBay, dreaming of getting my hands on the growing number of grail watches on my list. Collectors have come across incredible finds via the online marketplace, allowing favorite watches to be passed on to new owners who share the same passion for quality watchmaking. Here are five sub-$10,000 collectable watches that I’ve found on eBay that are worthy of consideration in the event of an unexpected windfall…

The Exit Watch: Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39

Ref 114300 (Discontinued in 2020)

In 2018, the entry-level Rolex Oyster Perpetual line received two new variations with more conservative white or black dials. The 39mm case was the largest available size for the collection and was crafted from the Rolex proprietary 904L steel they called “Oystersteel”. The polished bezel and side profile was paired with a brushed steel bracelet for a dynamic look and feel.

The white dial of this reference had lume-filled baton markers and straight hands for a modern, clean look that was less sporty and more versatile. The clean look of the central hands with no other complication was another selling point of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39.

Powered by the in-house caliber 3132 with 48 hours of power reserve and priced lower than some of their more high-end models, this watch was a great choice for an everyday wear option. The model was only made for two years and then discontinued in 2020. It has become a favorite for collectors.

This is a gorgeous, no-frills kind of timepiece that would look at home on any wrist and give that boost of Rolex confidence. It was a thrill to see one in mint condition, complete with box and papers, ready to find its way to a new home.

Shop similar: Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 (Ref 114300)

The Sleeper: TAG Heuer Monaco Edition

Ref CAW218B.FC6496 (Sold Out)

I’m always impressed when a watchmaker is able to create something that seems new and innovative, and TAG Heuer did it with their Monaco Chronograph Special Edition featuring a square case and dial with square subdials for a watch that was unique and eye-catching.

Limited to only 500 pieces, this Monaco model was sporty and bold with a retrofuture modernity that was a treat after seeing so many round watches — and it is now a sought-after collector’s item. The silver dial really complemented the 39mm gray titanium case. With the black subdials and the splash of the one red hand, even the color scheme was a bit unexpected. The square date window at six o’clock added another layer to the design that really appealed to the watch nerd in me.

Shop Similar: TAG Heuer Monaco (Ref CAW218B.FC6496)

The Practical Moonwatch: Omega Speedmaster FOiS

Ref 311.32.40.30.01.001 (Discontinued in 2021)

Any watch collector knows that the Speedmaster is the defining Omega model. Used in space flight missions as early as 1962 when Walter Schirra wore his own personal Omega Speedmaster on the Mercury Sigma 7 mission, the brand and the model are inextricably linked to the fascinating business of exploring the stars.

To pay homage to this pioneering watch, Omega released a numbered non-limited-edition timepiece they named First Omega in Space (FOiS) and it included a special engraving on the caseback to memorialize the mission. It had a black dial with silver alpha hands and chronograph subdials that blended very well into the overall design for a complex watch that doesn’t feel too complicated or cluttered. The black-and-white color scheme gave the piece a more formal impression with a vintage vibe. With its 39.7mm case dimension, it is also the most wearable Speedy. For self-proclaimed “deskronauts”, this model is a chance to own a little piece of this historical moment.

Shop Similar: Omega Speedmaster FOIS (Ref. 311.32.40.30.01.001)

The Classic: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute

Ref 214.8.62 Q3978480 (Long wait list)

There is nothing like adding an iconic and historically important watch to your collection, especially when the piece is a breathtaking example of high-end watchmaking. The Reverso model is an important part of the Jaeger-LeCoultre story, and the Reverso Tribute Steel Men’s Watch was created to acknowledge its significance.

The watch is stunning with its ultra-thin rectangular case and gorgeous deep-blue dial. The watch harkens back to the height of the Art Deco period with its Cubist design cues and elegant applied indexes. Paired with a dark-blue leather strap, this is one timepiece that will not fail to attract attention in any setting.

Sliding out the case and flipping it over to the reverse side reveals the interior of the caseback that is ready to be engraved with anything you desire. Personally, I would like to engrave Bender from Futurama smoking a Cuban cigar. This little secret is just another part of the charm for this vintage-inspired tribute watch that brings a bit of sport watch history to life on your wrist.

Shop Similar: Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Tribute (Ref 214.8.62 Q3978480)

Bang for Your Buck: Frederique Constant Slimline Monolithic

Ref FC-810MC3S6 (Long wait list)

I would be remiss if I didn’t include some of the more ornate options in my search for the perfect collector’s wish list. Frederique Constant makes incredible timepieces for which the intricate designs are as important to the piece as the high-quality timekeeping. The Slimline Monolithic model was a leap forward in high-oscillation timepieces with its single-piece silicon component that replaced the regulation system. The architecture change allowed Frederique Constant to achieve a highly stable 40Hz frequency with a power-efficient design that moved the needle in this space.

It’s also quite beautiful. The dial is a complex affair featuring a band with bold Roman numeral indexes, a subsidiary date display at 12 o’clock, a very special view of the optimized regulation system on display at six o’clock, and a gorgeous 3D quilted pattern decoration at the center of the dial and date subdial.

Shop Similar: Frederique Constant Slimline Monolithic (Ref FC-810MC3S6)

Sharing History

Collectors of any type know that the best finds aren’t always new and hot off the line, but steeped in history and with a story to tell. eBay offers a forum for sellers and buyers to meet and share their appreciation of hard-to-find timepieces, and eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee service ensures that watches sold for over $2,000 are genuine. There is something for everyone looking for their next interesting collectable watch on eBay, but keep a close eye on the watches you want most as the most desirable watches sell quickly.