I'm looking at buying this watch online, but seller has posted only one very low res small photo (not a great sign, I know). I realize it’s almost impossible to tell the authenticity from this picture, but if anybody could tell from this if it is an obvious fake I would appreciate the help. If it is possibly a genuine Omega, does anybody have a guess at what it might be? Thanks
It looks like a seamaster but I’m no expert . the photo is very poor quality ,it wouldn’t be for me to say but save your money .
Thanks ilrocco, I appreciate the advice. Is the watch an obvious fake, or is the dodgy low res photo that is the red flag? The reason I ask is that the seller has offered to meet in person to show me the watch.
I can't say if it's a fake or not, but I can say that I wouldn't buy anything with just that picture. Meet the guy, take some good pictures of the watch (outside and inside) and then show them here: you'll get some good advices!
My gut says it's a genuine Omega. But what condition? Hard to say from the crap photo. Unless the seller provides better pics (movement as well) then I'd suggest walking............
It's not a fake. Despite the really crap photo, we can see enough to make a guess that this is an automatic Seamaster, probably a 'bumper' cal 351 or 354 from the early 1950s, possibly case reference 2577. The crown is completely wrong, the dial looks to be in a bad way. If the seller can't be bothered to make an effort, why should you be interested?
Low res photos don't necessarily scare me off. You can do some research on the seller if this is an ebay auction. Low res photos = low price. Watch looks authentic but rough.........errrr.......nice patina. Crown looks wrong. If you are looking for an entry into the vintage watch arena on the cheap, this might be a good way in. If you are looking at a nice Omega, it looks more like a long shot. This will not be museum quality but might be a neat watch to wear. I generally look for sellers who don't care. I then know that there is no emotional attachment. Crappy pics usually mean no interest or low technology. Both work to your advantage. I would prefer a pic that isn't cropped.
Thanks @redpcar, I am going to meet the seller in person today. So will take some proper photos and post them here. I'm hoping it's just a poor camera and the watch isn't in the shape it looks in the photos. Perhaps wishful thinking on my part... BTW, any thoughts on a fair price? The seller is asking for $220.
Make sure it is keeping time. Highlight the condition issues and what it will take to make presentable to the seller. If it is a screw back, see if it is tight. If you can get it off with your fingers, chances are somebody else has peeked in there and passed. Red flag! $100 is a good place to start. If it doesn't run, $100 would be the max price......unless it is solid gold.
Highly doubt it's fake, but pretty hard to tell the condition of the dial from that picture. Could be refinished. If it's cheap I'd take my chances with it, it could be a nice find.
Met with the seller and the condition is obviously not great. And as everyone pointed our from the original photo the crown is obviously not right. Is it worth making a low offer and trying to get it restored or is it beyond saving?
With vintage watches like these, cosmetic condition is everything. Mechanical problems can usually be fixed, but the condition of the case and dial is crucial. You could replace the hands, the crystal, and the crown. But that still leaves you with a very poor dial and a beat-up case. As Steve says, this watch is just not worth the money you would have to put into it. Save your pennies and buy a really nice steel Seamaster for around $400, if that is the watch you want.
Is that mold? Somebody tried to open it with a hatchet? Still don't what is going on with that bottlecap crown. I can't tell if the 3:00 marker is actually there. If you needed a parts watch, this is it. If you saw this watch in a pawn shop, they would have $125 on it.
How did it look in person? Sometimes these closeups really make conditions look much worse IMO. I would not bother restoring it. But if it's really cheap and wearable enough, it does appear original (other than crown) and the crosshairs are cool.
I am afraid it didn't look much better in person. But the mechanics all seem to be working fine. I still might see if I can get it for around a $100. Anybody know what Seamaster this is exactly?