The movement is a Unitas 6498. Cheap Swiss pocket watch. I'd guess 1950s.

 

I suspect that it's genuine but can't rule out some marrying of parts (the case and dial look more 1950s, the movement more 1970s with that pattern on it). Nevertheless, Aero watch still make pocket watches with that movement so it is at the very least plausible.

Hartmut Richter

 

Ok, if we say that this is a cheap watch, does this mean that this is a low quality watch?

 

It's an entry-level piece, but there's nothing wrong with it. If you're willing to invest in a movement service, it should work just fine for you for years to come.

 

For one thing Aero could improve on marking the back case as this one looks like as if done as a 'freehand'. Agree with Hartmut about the pattern marking - I have an unadorned UT6498 made in the 1970's which looks just like the OP's although all the other comments about a possible 'marriage' could be well founded.

 

Hmm, I didn't hear here about some good sides of this watch. I heard only words like ''cheap" and ''bad marking on the back case''.

 

Don't be discouraged by our opinions - if you're happy with the watch disregard all comments but ... at the end of the day it is what it is.

 

I would also say that there is nothing objectively wrong about this watch. For a Swiss watch, it is more of an entry level watch. There are quite a few watches, even from around that time, that are better. However, in the pocket watch world as a whole, there are also plenty that are a little more cheapo and less accurate (all those watches in souvenir shops with chinese movements for a start). As a guide, the modern version of that one will set you back ca. 500 Euros. That is and remains entry level for a modern Swiss watch. You can get more expensive Swiss ones or you could get cheaper made in other places. If it tickles your fancy, go for it.

Hartmut Richter

 

You can get more expensive Swiss ones or you could get cheaper made in other places.

Hartmut Richter

Thank you Mr. Richter for your comparison. If I decide to by more expensive (and presumably better) Swiss pocket watch, then please give me some examples of such watches. And please, exclude from examples brands like Longines, Omega and similar, because these are luxury brands and it is not fair to compare them with an entry level watch.

 

I would agree that it would be wrong to exclude brand names. Omega for example - excluding the top end models, their pocket watches run far below the value of their wristwatches because supply outweighs demand.

 

Thank you all guys for your effort! I really appreciate your replies!

However, I'm afraid you didn't understand me. I know very well that decent pocket Omega, Longines and the like can be bought for about $ 500. But that was not my question. If I use your terminology and call such watches top end models, then give me some examples of pocket watches which are between entry level models and top end models. I just want to know which are, for example, those mid class watches.

 

I think we are understanding you, but there does seem to be a miscommunication somewhere. As noted above, Omega, Longines, etc. are not necessarily top-end PWs. They sold watches of various grades, including mid-range pieces that are a step up from yours. If you use the eBay advanced search to look at SOLD listings, you will see that they often sell for $100-$300, depending on quality and condition.

 

Thanks Dan! I din't know that Omega, Longines etc. also produced mid class pocket watches. Obviously, I was misguided by a Wikipedia article which says that Omega SA is a Swiss luxury watchmaker. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega_SA

 

Swatch Group is certainly trying to position Omega as more of a luxury brand. 50-100 years ago, the brand was independent, and had a diverse catalog ... something for everyone.

 

Wow, this is really interesting! I didn't know this part of Omega history...

 

There are several brands that are absolutely top notch now that were fairly mundane in the old days (we are talking about the fifties and perhaps sixties). Particularly Girard Perregaux, Glashütte Original (or their predecessor, GUB), Ulysse Nardin, Blancpain and others. Zenith and Omega used to be somewehere above these but still not on the same level as these days. Even Rolex made relatively affordable, mundane watches. Longines has actually moved down the ladder. GP, UN and Blancpain used generic movements in those days that were perhaps pimped a little but really, you were not getting much more than from the average Tom, Dick 'n' Harry brand using the same movements. At that time, Enicar, Certina and others made their own movements that were of equal or even better quality and, due to their relative rarity, are or should be more sought after than the brands I initially mentioned.

As for pocket watches, there is precious little to choose these days. Patek Philippe still make pocket watches but their stuff is extremely expensive and may well be made to order only (especially if it has some sort of complication too). You get quartz pocket watches but these are unspectacular and a little small. Among the older stuff from the late sixties and the seventies, you get smaller pocket watches with wrist watch movements. But most of what has been made in Europe since the quartz crisis has been based on one movement alone: ETA/Unitas 6497 (lepine) or 6498 (savonette).

The bottom line is: if you want modern, you don't really get a choice. Go vintage.

Hartmut Richter