Gadgets + Tech

Todd Snyder on Vintage Watches

One of our favorite men’s designers, the man who just can’t seem to get it wrong—and if anything, seems to be getting better and better with each passing season—also just happens to be an avid vintage watch enthusiast and collector. Besides his own ongoing, coveted, vintage-inspired and affordable collab with Timex, Todd Snyder is a lover of all things Rolex, probably hasn’t met too many Speedmasters he didn’t like, and knows a thing or two about where to nab a rare, vintage find and where to go when it’s time for repairs. Here, he shares the wealth.

MY FIRST VINTAGE WATCH

“My first watch was a Tudor. In the late ’80’s I really wanted a Rolex Sub 16610 that I’d seen in a J.Crew catalog, but opted for a Submariner 76100 by Tudor that was a bit more affordable.”

Tudor Submariner 76100

tudor submariner 76100 on LEO edit
Photo Courtesy of Hodinkee

GO-TO VINTAGE WATCH DEALER

“That’s a tough one these days… demand is so high that quality vintage watches can be hard to come by, so I tend to look at many dealers. Wanna Buy A Watch in LA is always a stop, and Hodinkee does an amazing job with sourcing and storytelling. I also love what Alan Bedwell of Foundwell is doing. We’ve worked with both him and Hodinkee over the years to source excellent vintage timepieces for our Madison Park flagship store.”

wanna buy a watch on LEO edit
Photo Courtesy of Wanna Buy A Watch

Wanna Buy A Watch / 323.653.0467 / [email protected]

FAVORITE WATCH I OWN

“In the late ’90s, I traded my Submariner for an 80’s Rolex GMT 16750. Investment-wise, that may or may not have been the right move, but I do love that GMT.”

Rolex GMT 16750

rolex gmt 16750 on LEO edit

DREAM VINTAGE WATCH

“It’s kind of impossible to pick just one, but I would love a Rolex Explorer II 1655 from the ’70s.”

Rolex Explorer II 1655

rolex explorer II 1655 on LEO edit
Photo Courtesy of Hodinkee

GO-TO REPAIR SPOT

“It’s important to find someone you trust, and for me, that’s Central Watch in Grand Central. They’ve been in business for decades and definitely know what they are doing.”

grand central watch on LEO edit
Photo Courtesy of Grand Central Watch

45th Street Passageway / New York / 212.685.1689

FAVORITE FOR DRESSING UP

“A classic Cartier Tank is perfect for any occasion.”

Cartier Tank

cartier tank watch on LEO edit

FAVORITE FOR DRESSING DOWN

“An Omega Speedmaster. I like it with a distressed leather NATO strap.”

Omega Speedmaster Distressed Leather NATO Strap

omega speedmaster with distressed leather nato strap on LEO edit
Photo Courtesy of Hodinkee

FAVORITE SPORTS WATCH

“For a more casual vibe, I love our Timex x Todd Snyder MK1 Bootcamp.”

FAVORITE ICONIC MOVIE WATCH

“Steve McQueen in the Heuer Monaco in 1971’s Le Mans is such a classic.”

Heuer Monaco 1133B

steve mcqueen heuer monaco 1133b on LEO edit
Photo Courtesy of Cinema Center Films
heuer monaco 1133b on LEO edit
Photo Courtesy of Heuer

RECENT SPLURGE

“My wife bought me a 1976 Omega Speedmaster from Hodinkee for my 50th birthday. It’s my new go-to.”

1976 Omega Speedmaster

1976 omega speedmaster on LEO edit
Photo Courtesy of Todd Snyder
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