In summary: Club de la Montre is a French watch retailer that has sold more than 3,000 watches since 1968. Men’s vintage watches can be chosen from one of three categories: faithful reissues of historic models (LIP Nautic 3, Kelton Vietnam 2), neo-retro designs (Casio Vintage, Kelton RC2), and watches with a vintage aesthetic, such as the upcycled eHo models. Our men’s vintage section features 302 models from 10 brands, ranging in price from €19.90 to nearly €2,000.
Vintage men’s watches have never been more popular than in 2026: weathered dials, compact cases, leather or NATO straps—styles from the 1950s through the 1980s dominate both store windows and wrists. Yet this success has a downside: under the “vintage” label, you can find just about anything and everything. A genuine vintage watch, an official reissue, and a simple retro-style creation are not purchased in the same way—nor at the same price.
This guide provides an overview of these three categories, lists the key dates that shaped the style, and then presents a selection of 10 models from our vintage men's watch section—all of which have been verified as available for order at the time of publication.
What is considered a vintage watch in 2026?
The word "vintage" encompasses three very distinct concepts.
A vintage watch is a timepiece manufactured several decades ago, purchased secondhand or inherited. This is the realm of collectors: maximum charm, but worn-out mechanics, compromised water resistance, and costly servicing. Club de la Montre does not sell them: we only carry new watches, backed by a 2-year warranty.
A reissue is a new watch produced by the original brand, which recreates a specific model from its heritage: the same proportions, the same dial design, and modern mechanics. The LIP Nautic 3 and the Kelton Vietnam 2 are typical examples. It offers the best of both worlds: historical authenticity combined with modern reliability.
Neo-retro is a contemporary style that draws on the aesthetic elements of a particular era without copying an existing model. The Casio watches from the Vintage collection, the Kelton RC2, and the upcycled eHo watches fall into this category, often at very affordable prices.
The Milestones That Shaped the Vintage Style
A style never comes out of nowhere. These seven dates explain the essentials of what you see today in the men's French watch section and beyond.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1867 | Emmanuel Lipmann founded LIP in Besançon, the watchmaking capital of France |
| 1951 | The Launch of Kelton, the Popular French Watch Born from the Partnership Between Timex and Lip |
| 1967 | LIP launches the Nautic-Ski, an electronic diver's watch that has become a cult classic |
| 1973 | The LIP Case: Workers in Besançon Make and Sell Their Own Watches |
| 1989 | Casio markets the F-91W, which has been in continuous production since |
| 2015 | Kelton's Renaissance: Back in French Workshops |
| 2026 | Kelton presents the Heritage Collection: 7 models made of Epsom leather in the CDLM catalog |
For the complete history of the Besançon-based brand, our guide to LIP watches details 157 years of history, collection by collection.
Reissue or neo-retro: which should you choose?
The question isn't which one is more legitimate, but which one suits your needs and your budget.
| Criterion | Reprint | Neo-retro |
|---|---|---|
| Historical Link | Accurate Model of Assets | Spirit of the Times, Freehand Drawing |
| Movement | Often mechanical or automatic | Often quartz, reliable and affordable |
| Budget recorded at CDLM | From €175 to nearly €2,000 | From €19.90 to about €200 |
| For whom | The enthusiast who wants the real story on their wrist | For those who want style without the hassle |
If you're drawn to the appeal of mechanical watches, our guide to men's automatic watches explains winding, power reserve, and maintenance. Mechanical reissues are found primarily in the automatic watch section.
The hallmarks of a true vintage climbing set
First, the size. Watches from the 1950s to the 1970s typically ranged in diameter from 34 to 38 mm. Today, a 36- to 40-mm case remains the sweet spot for vintage style: compact enough to look stylish, yet substantial enough for modern wrists. To find the exact diameter that fits your wrist size, follow our watch size guide.
Next, the dial. Cream, champagne, or smoky hues, applied hour markers, and delicate typefaces capture the era far more authentically than a retro logo. Segmented digital displays, on the other hand, embody the shift of the 1980s: that’s the charm of the men’s digital watch section.
Finally, the watch strap. Smooth or textured leather, striped NATO, or Milanese mesh: three reliable options that can be swapped out in five minutes and transform the same watch from office wear to weekend style.
Our 2026 selection, verified in stock
Ten models from our catalog, selected to suit every budget. We have verified that each item was available for order on August 9, 2026, with the price listed as of the date of publication.
Under €100: Vintage that speaks for itself
Casio
F-91W-1YEG
In production since 1989
The digital legend, virtually unchanged for 37 years.
19,90 €
Casio
Vintage Iconic A168WA
The Iconic Steel of the 1980s
Rectangular case, steel mesh, backlight.
38 €
Casio
Vintage Iconic Premium A1000D
The top-of-the-line items in the collection
Meticulous craftsmanship, gold-tone indices—a retro vibe with a premium touch.
99,90 €
From €100 to €200: the French retro touch
Kelton
RC2 NATO Blue and Orange
The paddock spirit of the 1970s
That's the one on the wrist in our opening photo.
115,24 €
Pierre Lannier
Vintage Blue Dial Aviator
The Spirit of Pilot's Watches
A blue, easy-to-read dial and brown leather strap, from the Alsatian brand.
118,89 €
Nixon
Time Teller Black
'70s Minimalism
The minimalist design of the 1970s, as seen from California.
140 €
eHo
Vintage Collection, Ostrich Green
Upcycled, assembled in France
Recycled materials for a truly vintage look.
149 €
Kelton
Vietnam 2: Mechanics
Manual winding
Kelton's most faithful mechanical reissue.
175 €
Kelton
Navy Heritage, Brown Epsom
Heritage Collection 2026
Navy dial and Epsom leather: Kelton's new vintage showcase.
185,37 €
The Exceptional Piece
Want to explore the purely digital side of the retro trend? Our comprehensive Casio Vintage guide compares the 6 lines in the collection, 22 of which are available in our store.
FAQ: Your Questions About Vintage Men's Watches
What is a vintage men's watch?
The term encompasses three categories: vintage watches manufactured several decades ago, new reissues of historic models by their original brands, and neo-retro designs that draw on the aesthetic styles of a particular era. In the new watch market, customers purchase reissues and neo-retro models, which come with a 2-year warranty.
What is the difference between a reissue and a neo-retro watch?
A reissue is based on a specific model from a brand’s heritage, such as the LIP Nautic 3, which is based on the 1967 Nautic-Ski. The neo-retro style is loosely inspired by a particular era without copying an existing model, such as the Kelton RC2. Reissues are more expensive, while neo-retro styles start at less than €20.
What case diameter is best for a vintage style?
Between 36 and 40 mm. Watches from the 1950s through the 1970s featured cases ranging from 34 to 38 mm in diameter, which were more compact than today's standards. A modest diameter is the most obvious sign of a vintage watch, even more so than the dial design.
Are brand-new vintage watches reliable for everyday use?
Yes. Reissues and neo-retro watches feature contemporary movements—whether quartz or mechanical—that meet modern reliability standards. You get the vintage look without the breakdowns, the questionable water resistance, and the hard-to-find parts of a genuine vintage watch.
Which vintage watch can you get for less than 50 €?
The Casio F-91W, priced at €19.90 and in continuous production since 1989, is the gold standard. The Casio A168WA, priced at €38, with its rectangular case and steel mesh band, offers the same spirit with a more dressy look.
Which French brands offer vintage watches?
LIP, founded in Besançon in 1867, is reissuing its historic Nautic, Churchill, and Himalaya models. Kelton, founded in 1951, offers the Vietnam 2 reissues and the Héritage 2026 collection. eHo assembles watches in France using upcycled materials.
Does a vintage mechanical watch require special maintenance?
Regular winding for hand-wound models, and a service by a watchmaker approximately every 4 to 6 years. That’s the price of mechanical charm. A neo-retro quartz watch only requires a battery change every 2 to 5 years.
Can you go swimming while wearing a vintage-style watch?
Only if its water resistance allows it: 30 m means it can withstand splashes, but not swimming. Reissued diver's watches, such as the LIP Nautic 3, are designed for use in water. Always check the water resistance rating in meters on the product page before taking a dip.
A Final Word
Vintage isn't just a passing trend—it's a heritage that's making a comeback. Whether it's a reissue steeped in history or a clever neo-retro design, the key is knowing what you're buying: that's the difference between wearing a style and wearing a story. The 302 models in our men's vintage watch collection await you, ranging from budget-friendly options to exceptional pieces.
