Watches made in 1969.
1969 is the pivot. Seiko launched the Astron on Christmas Day, the world's first quartz wristwatch, accurate to within five seconds a month. In the same year Zenith produced the El Primero, still one of the finest automatic chronograph movements ever made, and Seiko released the 6139 automatic chronograph.
Everything about modern watchmaking traces back to this year in one direction or another. A 1969 watch, whichever side of the line it falls on, sits at the hinge.
Made in 1969
2 watches
More from the 1960s
44 watchesSee all 46 from the 1960s
Longines 7271
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Seiko 1520-367A
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Seiko 1520-367A
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Certina Certidate
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Seiko 21-0030
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Seiko 11-3520
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Marin-Star 17jw
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Junghans 17 Jewels Manual Wind
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Frequently asked questions
Why is 1969 an important year for watches?
Seiko released the Astron in December 1969, the first quartz wristwatch, which changed the industry permanently. The same year produced Zenith's El Primero high frequency automatic chronograph and Seiko's 6139 automatic chronograph, making 1969 both the peak of mechanical watchmaking and the start of what replaced it.