1948 Seamaster - What's it worth?

rjrcorreia · Oct 31, 2023

Hello all,

I recently purchased this Omega Seamaster, and the former owner reached out, expressing a desire to buy it back.

I'm reluctant to sell it back because I really like the watch, but some other factors have come into play, and I'm considering it.

I told the owner that I might consider selling it back at the market price. However, after some online research, I couldn't find a price for it. So, I'm counting on the OF (Omega Forums) members for a ballpark valuation on this.

The serial number places the watch as being made in 1948, if I'm not mistaken. It has a solid 18kt gold case, "beefy" lugs, a 36mm width, and the 342 calibre movement is running and keeping time nicely (only -12 seconds per day). Although a service and a new gasket are recommended.

Thank you very much!

Spruce · Oct 31, 2023

My personal view, and I may or may not be in a minority, is that the right thing to do would be to offer it back to the seller for the price you paid.

It would be reasonable to recoup any postage charges on both the original sale and the resale and, if whilst it’s been in your ownership, any charges you incurred having it serviced or repaired.

Of course, if you decide to keep it because you like it, that’s also, arguably, reasonable.

BlackTalon · Oct 31, 2023

Don't sell it back, but as a goodwill gesture you could offer to meet him somewhere i the middle between the purchase price and the 'market value'. How much did you pay them for it?

Canuck · Oct 31, 2023

There’s lots of similar watches currently listed for sale on line. Perhaps suggest he might consider the prices asked for these similar watches. Then, if he still wants your watch more than anything he sees on line, he will be better able to make a reasonable offer for yours. Then, counter with a higher price that you’re comfortable with.

redpcar · Oct 31, 2023

If it's a good friend or family member = sell it back
If you paid $100 = Don't sell it back 😉

MtV · Oct 31, 2023

12.7m serial and the word Seamaster on the dial point to early 50s, not 1948, but that’s not really relevant for pricing. Basically I agree with @Spruce here.

rjrcorreia · Oct 31, 2023

Thank you all for the input and enlightment.

After reading some of your replies, i quickly came to a conclusion and reached an agreement with the other person.

Respecting the other party's request, I will delete the photographs of the movement and caseback.

Dan S · Oct 31, 2023

I don't know the story behind this, but I don't think you have any ethical responsibility to give a former owner a bargain price. If someone sells a watch and wants to buy it back later, market price is fair, but only if you want to sell it. Frankly, he might have to pay more than market price to pry it out of your hands, and that's fair too.

There are many watches I've sold that I regret selling, but it would be absurd for me to ask the owners to sell them back to me at their cost, if the price has risen in the meantime.

Incidentally, although the photos have been removed, the OP posted a gold 2657, which is a "jumbo" bumper Seamaster reference. I only got a quick look, but the dial looked nice overall, with some signs of age. It's quite a desirable watch.

rjrcorreia · Oct 31, 2023

@Dan S My bad! I've uploaded a photo of the watch again 😀

nanjingcigaretes · Oct 31, 2023

If this is my watch and unless the other party is a friend/family member, I won't sell it back to the seller. This is a desirable model and (assuming) you got it at an okay price, so what's the point of doing so, mate?

Gav1967 · Nov 1, 2023

I think all the options you have been given above are reasonable and if you followed any of then there could be no real complaints from the original seller. However its your own conscience you have to live with so you should do whatever feels comfortable and right to yourself.

Fallout Boy · Nov 1, 2023

When did you buy ? 😁 (This watch is beautiful!)

cristos71 · Nov 1, 2023

I'm with @Dan S here, he has approached you to buy it back not the other way around, so therefore if it was me I'd let him do the research and make me an offer. If it's a fair offer I'd consider it, otherwise....

MtV · Nov 1, 2023

Gotta revise my statement a little, my tired mind transformed “former owner” to “friend” or something along those lines yesterday night. That would make a big difference to me. If the person is very close to me and there hasn’t been too much time before the first transaction (not a decade) I’d be ok - or I’d insist - on the same amount, provided I’m interested in returning it.
If it’s a watch I bought from a random seller on eBay a few years back not so much.

1948 Seamaster - What's it worth?

rjrcorreia

Spruce

BlackTalon

Canuck

redpcar

MtV

rjrcorreia

Dan S

rjrcorreia

nanjingcigaretes

Gav1967

Fallout Boy

cristos71

MtV

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