Building real wealth and hitting those multi-millionaire milestones over the next few years means you stop throwing cash at depreciating toys and start parking it in tangible, appreciating assets. The modern watch market is flooded with guys buying the same three modern, shiny stainless-steel pieces just to flex on Instagram. But true style—and smart money—lies in understanding the history.
If you are a genuine car nerd, or you just appreciate the fact that the most fascinating history is written by the guys who actually got their hands dirty on the tracks, you need to look at vintage chronographs.
Here are three legendary, mid-century mechanical chronographs that prove you don’t just have money; you actually know your sh*t.
1. The Zenith El Primero A386 (1969)
Forget the moon landing for a second; 1969 was the year of the greatest mechanical arms race in horological history. Watchmakers were battling to create the world’s very first automatic chronograph movement. It was Zenith squaring off against a secretive Swiss alliance known as “Project 99” (comprised of Heuer, Breitling, Hamilton, and Buren).
Zenith crossed the finish line with the A386, powered by the “El Primero” movement.
- Why it commands respect: It wasn’t just automatic; it was a high-frequency “high-beat” movement ticking at 36,000 vibrations per hour, making it capable of measuring time down to 1/10th of a second.
- The Look: It is instantly recognizable by its overlapping “Tri-colore” sub-registers (sub-dials in three different colors).
- The Investment: With production estimated at only 2,500 to 4,500 pieces between 1969 and 1972, original A386s are incredibly rare, historically vital, and highly sought-after appreciating assets.
2. The Heuer Autavia 1163T “Jo Siffert”
Before TAG bought Heuer, the brand was the undisputed king of the pit lane. The Autavia—a name created by blending the words “automotive” and “aviation”—was the ultimate tool watch for the golden era of motorsport.
While there are many variations, the one you want to hunt down is the 1163T, famously worn by the legendary Swiss Formula 1 driver, Jo Siffert.
- Why it commands respect: Siffert was a pure racer who lived fast and embodied the danger of 1970s F1. Wearing his watch is a direct nod to the era of gasoline, grit, and analog racing. It’s powered by the Calibre 11 movement—the direct rival to Zenith’s El Primero.
- The Look: It features a striking white dial with black sub-dials, complete with distinct blue accents on the dial and hands.
- The Investment: The “Siffert” Autavia is considered one of the most desirable racing chronographs ever produced, instantly signaling to any collector that you understand the deep roots of motorsport timekeeping.
3. The Universal Genève “Nina Rindt” Compax (Ref. 885103/02)
Universal Genève is a brand that went quiet during the quartz crisis, but their mid-century chronographs are considered absolute holy grails today. This specific watch earned its nickname because it was famously worn by Nina Rindt, the incredibly stylish wife of F1 icon Jochen Rindt (who remains the only driver in history to win the Formula 1 World Championship posthumously).
- Why it commands respect: It is powered by the legendary Valjoux Calibre 72 manual-wind movement—the exact same workhorse engine found in the earliest, multi-million dollar Rolex Daytonas.
- The Look: A pristine “panda” dial (a white dial with black sub-registers). Nina Rindt famously wore hers strapped to a wide leather Bundeswehr (military-style) cuff, giving it a rugged, effortless swagger.
- The Investment: These are exceptionally rare—think one for every hundred vintage Daytonas. When one surfaces at auction, the heavy hitters come out to play, making it a serious flex for the guy who knows exactly what he’s looking at.
