(Loses points for 19mm lug width; gains for comfort.) How It Compares to Contemporaries | Watch | Price Then (1970) | Now (Good Condition) | Pros vs. Crawford 100 SE | |-------|------------------|----------------------|---------------------------| | Crawford 100 SE | ~$80 | $200–350 | Unique dial, cushion case | | Seiko 6105-8000 | ~$75 | $800–1500 | Better lume, water resistance | | Bulova Oceanographer | ~$90 | $400–700 | More brand recognition | | Hamilton Automatic | ~$100 | $300–500 | Finer movement finishing | | Timex Automatic | ~$45 | $100–150 | Cheaper, but far rougher |
No. Hand-winding? Yes (on ETA 2452 – caution: older automatics can strip easily; wind gently). Quickset date? No. You’ll need to roll past midnight repeatedly. Annoying, but period-correct. crawford automatic 100 se
The acrylic crystal is a scratch magnet (Polywatch fixes it). The crown gaskets are likely shot – do not get this watch wet , even if it claims “water-resistant” on the case back. That guarantee expired 50 years ago. (Loses points for 19mm lug width; gains for comfort
(Reliable workhorse, but lacks decoration and modern convenience.) The Strap & Wearability Original Crawford straps are extinct. Mine came with a generic black genuine leather strap (19mm lug width – annoying non-standard size). SE versions originally had either a beads-of-rice bracelet or a dark brown calfskin with contrast stitching. Yes (on ETA 2452 – caution: older automatics
Wear it on a slim brown leather strap. Ignore the dead lume. Enjoy the whirr of the rotor. And when someone asks, “Is that a vintage Heuer?” just smile and say, “No – something better. Something they forgot.” Recommended strap pairing: Fluco suede in taupe or a Forstner Komfit bracelet. Avoid thick NATOs – they lift the thin case too high off the wrist.