OVERVIEW

There was a time in the not so distant past that a nice vintage watch was considerably cheaper than a comparable modern one. While there are certainly cheap vintage and modern watches still out there, the truly collectible vintage ones in superb condition have skyrocketed in value. The funny thing for me is the reason I eschewed my modern collection for vintage pieces around 2010 is because I saw the value in some of the more unknown ones and was stunned by how inexpensive some of these amazing watches were. Very rarely do I find examples like that today.

Enter this stunning Keystone Automatic Triple Date Calendar Moonphase. This is a watch that has no business being worth under $3k other than the brand being relatively unknown today. The Keystone Watch Case Co of Philadelphia was once the largest maker of pocket watch cases in the world in the late 1800s but finally went defunct in the late 1950s. Maybe this watch was their last ditch effort at staying alive. Valiant effort I must say.

At a very modern and wearable 38mm, I can’t think of many stainless steel triple date moonphase watches that are nearly as good for the money. And even besides its exterior beauty, mechanically every function is still extremely smooth and precise. It’s damn near the perfect watch.

CONDITION NOTES

CASE: Near NOS condition and barely worn, never polished.

DIAL & HANDS: Untouched silver dial. Hands are excellent with mild patina.

MOVEMENT: Recently serviced and running optimally.