Justin Vrakas

An Early Universal Genève Polerouter Sub, With Asymmetrical Crowns HODINKEE, Inc. Aug 2017 Bring A Loupe (August 11, 2017):"The SuperCompressor case holds a special place within the history of dive watches. Developed and patented by the case manufacturer Ervin Piquerez S.A. they turned the challenge of increased water pressure during a dive into an asset to further seal the case. This innovation was widely adopted by a large number of brands, including Longines, Universal Genève and Enicar, which all show the characteristic dual crowns with the top one allowing to set the… Show more Bring A Loupe (August 11, 2017):"The SuperCompressor case holds a special place within the history of dive watches. Developed and patented by the case manufacturer Ervin Piquerez S.A. they turned the challenge of increased water pressure during a dive into an asset to further seal the case. This innovation was widely adopted by a large number of brands, including Longines, Universal Genève and Enicar, which all show the characteristic dual crowns with the top one allowing to set the rotating inner bezel.The Polerouter Sub here demonstrates all the characteristics of a first execution, starting with the small dots inside the painted indexes. It also features mismatched crowns, which is actually thought to be a feature of the very first examples produced in 1961. The logic would be that the bigger size of the "regular" top crown with the cross-hatched pattern, has to do with the fact that the bezel would be frequently adjusted, while the smaller one with UG logo for hand-setting and winding would be less used given the in-house automatic caliber (with a micro-rotor to boot). The watch comes with a period-correct box, while the seller indicates that the hands might have been previously relumed (and they indeed appear so in the pictures).Watchsteez priced this Universal Genève Polerouter Sub at $9,500."-Louis Westphalen, HODINKEE Show less

8 Awesome Places To Safely Buy Vintage Watches Online WahaWatches Jan 2017 "Watchsteez is an online shop with its focus on chronographs and tool watches. The website is minimalistic and modern with orange accents.The pictures of the watches for sale are larger than you might be used to and really draw the eye.You won’t find any ridiculously expensive watches here. The main goal is to offer a selection of honest vintage watches without breaking the bank."

An Eterna Date, With Stunning Blue Dial HODINKEE, Inc. Dec 2016 Bring A Loupe (December 23, 2016):"Eterna is often overlooked when considering vintage watches, despite the iconic KonTiki toolwatches. The model here has a more civilian look, but the blue dial really took me away. The deep color and sun-ray finish reminds me of great 1970s Pateks, while the 35mm case size is absolutely perfect, in my books at least. The case even seems unpolished, judging from the sharp lugs, and deep engravings on the caseback. The fact that this Eterna comes with… Show more Bring A Loupe (December 23, 2016):"Eterna is often overlooked when considering vintage watches, despite the iconic KonTiki toolwatches. The model here has a more civilian look, but the blue dial really took me away. The deep color and sun-ray finish reminds me of great 1970s Pateks, while the 35mm case size is absolutely perfect, in my books at least. The case even seems unpolished, judging from the sharp lugs, and deep engravings on the caseback. The fact that this Eterna comes with the original crown, strap and buckle doesn't hurt either; note that all are signed with the characteristic 5-dots Eterna logo. While the hand-wound ETA caliber 2804 might not be the most elaborate movement, it more than does the job, and offers a quick-set date.The dealer Watchsteez prices this Eterna Date at $635; to me that it is a no-brainer for a good-looking piece at an attractive price point."-Louis Westphalen, HODINKEE Show less

5 Best Places to Buy Vintage Watches Online AIROWS.com Nov 2015 "Skip the eBay hassle. You can snag some serious vintage watches in excellent condition from these awesome retailers we recommend. Unlike eBay, these are all 100% legit and certified by the pros, so you can purchase without worry or stress."

Every Watch Fan Needs To Follow Justin Vrakas On Instagram AIROWS.com Nov 2015 "Simply put, if you love watches, following friend-of-the-site Justin Vrakas on Instagram is a no brainer. It's nothing but a daily dose of beautiful pieces, interesting strap combos, and killer wrist style. We dig."

10 Instagram Accounts All Watch Lovers Should Follow AIROWS.com Aug 2015 "The owner/operator of watchsteez.com, this stylish Milwaukee-living watch enthusiast is constantly posting beautiful timepieces, with a good lot of them for sale via his website."

Up-and-Coming Vintage (Watch) Dealers WoundForLife.com Jul 2015 "Based out of Milwaukee, WatchSteez is run by Justin Vrakas, a passionate watch lover and regular at Commonwealth Crew meetups. His goal is to provide a safe and easy place to buy rare-yet-affordable vintage watches. Justin has some basic watchmaking skills under his belt, which should give you a little more confidence buying that wild looking ‘70s Yema chronograph from him, rather than from eBay."

Dean's List University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee