I was recently given this watch by my father who served in the Navy for almost 2 decades. I have done some research on the watch and believe it is quite rare and valuable. I am seeing it around $2,500 (can anyone confirm) - but thats not why I am here. I am wondering about the emblems on the band. Given it was a Navy Divers watch - there are H2O tanks and tools on the band. Does anyone know if this was a common band for the Zodiac's or was that added aftermarket? It makes me think that it may have been in honor or something - whether it be time of service or a task that was accomplished during service.
I cant seem to post pictures - if you think you know about the watch let me know and I can email pics
Here is a link to the watch - but mine has the band described in the intro.
Sounds like an aftermarket band. And the price you are seeing is grossly over inflated. But one in good shape with original band can exceed $1,000.00 easily.
Please read the form rules about posting pictures.
http://www.vintagezodiacs.com/zforums/index.php/topic,1362.0.html (http://www.vintagezodiacs.com/zforums/index.php/topic,1362.0.html)
Post some pics, just click "Attachments and other options and click CHoose File and locate the pic on your computer.
Then click (more attachments) and keep posting pics :woohoo;
It is called an Olongapo band. Not a presentation piece, but a very nice aftermarket band much sought after and custom made in the Philippines by locals. Originally made from liberated US Military issued Stainless Steel spoons. These bands were made with your choice of emblems and were popular from the Vietnam War until Subic Bay Naval Base closed in the early 90's. They look very uncomfortable, but are not, after you get use to it. A lot of them ended up on the wrists of Special Forces and UDT's. Without a doubt, an Olongapo is as close as you get to an indestructible band.
(https://www.vintagezodiacs.com/zforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flh6.googleusercontent.com%2F-IUFrnnMjUkQ%2FUZqJORfebOI%2FAAAAAAAAGxE%2FbWzUqDdE8PM%2Fs640%2FMVC-013S.JPG&hash=97e26af1cf3914253aff5b4967d9f99a069786e0)
(https://www.vintagezodiacs.com/zforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flh6.googleusercontent.com%2F-OONYgHrZF2E%2FUZqJTHQ3_LI%2FAAAAAAAAGxM%2FWuDG_nuOOlc%2Fs640%2FMVC-012S.JPG&hash=0624eaac4aea9b4e44ce25b66937ee9f36202ecf)
(https://www.vintagezodiacs.com/zforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flh4.googleusercontent.com%2F-ApiQdCq-O4o%2FUZqJXqWH_1I%2FAAAAAAAAGxU%2FlpFYY-ttJIY%2Fs640%2FMVC-011S.JPG&hash=ec1a3689f65c1d43bd5ca4675f76caf3fc77d49e)
(https://www.vintagezodiacs.com/zforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2F-w8iCviNzesg%2FUZqJbckbH2I%2FAAAAAAAAGxc%2FTaq-PIhmwMA%2Fs640%2FMVC-010S.JPG&hash=190ada52631fca1f8aef3bae00325f8a5f2e26d7)
Best,
dmh
Very nice and informative dmh! Good job.