Top 5 Iconic Vintage Swiss Watches That Define Timeless Elegance

Explore the top 5 vintage Swiss watches that have shaped horological history. These timeless classics boast exquisite craftsmanship, rich heritage, and enduring appeal, making them must-haves for collectors.

Vijay Thompson

1/25/20253 min read

Legendary Vintage Swiss Timepieces Every Collector Should Know

  1. Perrelet Turbine Collection established in 1777 

  2. Arnold & Son Nebula established in 1764

  3. Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle  established in 1755

  4. Favre-Leuba Bivouac 9000  established in 1737

  5. Graham Chronofighter Vintage  established in 1695

05 || Graham CHRONOFIGHTER VINTAGE PULSOMETER established in 1695

Images Credit: Graham

Unique Features:

  • Features a pulsometer scale, allowing wearers to measure heart rates, originally designed for medical professionals.

  • Left-side trigger system for chronograph activation, enhancing ease of use.

Key Highlights:

  • Bold, aviation-inspired design.

  • 44mm stainless steel case.

  • Automatic chronograph movement.

  • Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.

  • Water-resistant up to 100m.

  • Vintage-style luminescent hands.

  • Limited production for exclusivity.

Fun Fact:
Graham, named after George Graham, the "father of the chronograph," was instrumental in developing modern stopwatch technology in the 18th century!

04 || Favre Leuba Raider Bivouac 9000 established in 1737

Images Credit: Favre-Leuba

Unique Features:

  • The world’s first mechanical wristwatch with an altimeter capable of measuring up to 9,000m—perfect for mountaineers.

  • Barometer function that detects air pressure changes, helping predict weather conditions.

Key Highlights:

  • Titanium case for durability.

  • Red anodized aluminum altimeter scale.

  • Manual-winding FL311 movement.

  • Water-resistant up to 30m.

  • 48mm case size for enhanced readability.

  • Highly legible dial with luminous hands.

  • Special caseback engraving for high-altitude explorers.

Fun Fact:
Favre-Leuba is Switzerland’s second-oldest watch brand, dating back to 1737, with a rich history of adventure-focused timepieces!

03 || Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph established in 1755

Images Credit: Vacheron Constantin

Unique Features:

  • Combines a monopusher chronograph with a tourbillon, a rare complication pairing.

  • Open-worked caseback to showcase the intricate Caliber 3200 movement.

Key Highlights:

  • 42.5mm platinum case.

  • Hand-wound movement with a 65-hour power reserve.

  • Classic yet contemporary skeleton dial.

  • Stunning Maltese cross-shaped tourbillon cage.

  • Tachymeter scale for speed measurement.

  • High horology craftsmanship.

  • Limited production for exclusivity.

Fun Fact:
Vacheron Constantin has never ceased production since its founding in 1755, making it the oldest continuously operating Swiss watch brand!

02 || Arnold & Son TOURBILLON CHRONOMETER 36 GOLD established in 1764

Images Credit: Arnold & Son

Unique Features:

  • Inspired by marine chronometers, ensuring exceptional precision.

  • Large, beautifully decorated tourbillon at 6 o’clock for mesmerizing movement.

Key Highlights:

  • 18k red gold case (36mm).

  • COSC-certified chronometer.

  • Hand-wound A&S8600 movement.

  • 100-hour power reserve.

  • Ultra-thin design for elegance.

  • Transparent sapphire caseback.

  • Limited production model.

Fun Fact:
Arnold & Son’s marine chronometers were used by the British Royal Navy in the 18th century to aid in accurate global navigation!

01 || Perrelet Turbine EVO A4062/B established in 1777

Images Credit:: Perrelet

Treebox Rating

9.7

Unique Features:

  • Features Perrelet’s signature turbine dial, creating a captivating visual effect as it spins with wrist movement.

  • Incorporates a double-rotor system, enhancing automatic winding efficiency.

Key Highlights:

  • 44mm stainless steel case.

  • In-house P-331-MH movement.

  • Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.

  • Water-resistant up to 100m.

  • Sporty yet luxurious design.

  • Available in multiple color variations.

  • Inspired by aeronautical engineering.

Fun Fact:
Perrelet is credited with inventing the first automatic watch in 1777, pioneering self-winding technology still used today!