......Split second is an altogether different game. As a simple Chrono, I can't think of a better one for decades. But then....the question was framed in a way that is perhaps misleading in that for decades they never made a simple manual chrono!!
I think if we look at the true vintage pieces, there are some breath-taking watches. Having said that, they do look quite dated. One of the things that I like in a vintage watch is an ability for its design to stay fresh. Look at Polaris 65....it is 50+ years old, but its design is still fresh. Not many vintage chronos that look fresh today.....Daytona....6239s still look very fresh i think.