I fully understand watches are a luxury item. The community seems completely out-of-touch with what constitutes ‘reasonable money’ or ‘low-end.’

That’s generally my opinion on most collectible markets anymore, though. So, what the fuck do I know?

Oldest I can confirm is an Elgin from 1944/1945 based on serial. Sadly doesn’t run. I need to service it.

Potentially the oldest is my Jaeger DuoPlan, advertised as a 1931. Jeager wants close to what I paid for the watch to pull the records, so I can’t confirm the year. It does run, though. I wear it occasionally.