We’ve joined forces with our friends at 10:25 Vintage, a New York-based operation with a shared enthusiasm for interesting vintage timepieces, to bring you a robust handpicked collection that is both exceptional and affordable. Perfect for the discerning collector on a budget, these pieces provide an excellent entry point to the joys of vintage watches.

One of the most common requests we get are for affordable vintage chronographs, and it's easy to see why. Chronographs are, pretty much by definition, tool watches of the highest order, designed for use by men of action we all wanted to be as children- race car drivers, pilots, and even astronauts.

In the 1960's and 70’s, sporty chronographs were all the rage and there's no doubt Heuer was the brand to beat, with some of the most renowned racers and teams of the day regularly seen sporting Heuer’s iconic Carrera, Monza and Autavia models. Then and now, however, their price points were out of reach of many, giving rise to what we now refer to as the “Poor Man’s Heuers.”

In addition to their own efforts, Heuer manufactured pieces to be sold at a more affordable price through large retailers like Sears & Roebuck and Zales, as well as brands like Zodiac and Clebar. As Heuer-branded variants have continued to rise in value, savvy collectors have flocked to these models, knowing full well that they sport the very same Valjoux movements and iconic looks of their Heuer-branded cousins at a fraction of the price.

This Zodiac-branded variant comes to us with a nicely sized 36mm case, reverse-panda dial, and a beautifully patinated handset. Inside beats a venerable Valjoux 7730 hand-wound chronograph movement, giving this watch reliable guts to back up its good looks.