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1958 Omega Seamaster 14k gold watch

S
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My father passed away a couple months ago. He left me his omega watch. It’s in need of repairs and attention. I’m trying to figure out if it’s worth repairing or if I should just sell it to an enthusiast for a fair value. From what I found, the fact it’s stamped 14k means other case is solid gold. The crystal glass is scratched, the body has lots of small scratches which I assume a pro could polish out of a solid gold watch without much trouble. Its winder has broken off, so I will need to replace it with a gold one to match I believe?

So I’m hoping I can get some information on this. To better decide what to do. I don’t wear watches, so it wouldn’t be for me really. Obviously being solid gold the gold is worth a fair amount, although I’m not sure how much the solid gold parts weigh, I would like to restore it and sell it, not melt it down. Any help is appreciated.

IMG_3495.webp IMG_2029.webp IMG_2032.webp IMG_2046.webp IMG_7099.webp IMG_7095.webp IMG_7096.webp
 
dsio
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It’s worth repairing, the case at least is 14K solid gold, should be a US production case made for Norman Morris, looks like a watch well worth saving as it should just need a crown, service and crystal polish and it’ll be good to go
 
S
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dsio dsio
It’s worth repairing, the case at least is 14K solid gold, should be a US production case made for Norman Morris, looks like a watch well worth saving as it should just need a crown, service and crystal polish and it’ll be good to go
First let me thank you for your thoughts on this. Sounds like I need not be on the fence on restoring it. Any thoughts on fair market value once repaired? Obviously you can’t give me a legit appraisal, but maybe a ball park? I appreciate any info you feel comfortable sharing 😀
 
peterkirk01
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You need to tell us if the bracelet is also marked gold as that could be a good chunk of the value.
 
peterkirk01
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Unfortunately not solid Gold. Still a nice JB Champion Bracelet. Good luck.
 
Dan S
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I think it is worth restoring, but maybe not by you, if you're still planning to sell it afterwards. A collector would rather buy it as is and handle the restoration to their preferences. For example, you mentioned polishing the case, which would be a disastrous decision. Also, if you purchased the incorrect crown, that would be a waste of money, because a collector would want the correct crown. In attempting to restore the watch, you would almost inevitably spend more money than the increase in value, and you could actually devalue the watch.

I will also note that if you do choose to sell it to a collector, you will need to be realistic about condition. In particular, the damage to the dial is going to have an impact and the fact that time and money will be required to source a crown. On the other hand, you obviously want to make sure that you sell it for more than the value in gold. You could have a watchmaker remove the movement and weigh the case. Keep in mind that it is 14k gold, and that you cannot sell scrap gold for full bullion price. My local buyer is currently paying about $44/gm for 14k jewelry, which is 85% of the spot price of gold, multiplied by 0.583 (14/24). So do that calculation and add at least a few hundred dollars, to make sure the buyer isn't motivated to scrap it.
Edited:
 
S
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Dan S Dan S
I think it is worth restoring, but maybe not by you, if you're still planning to sell it afterwards. A collector would rather buy it as is and handle the restoration to their preferences. For example, you mentioned polishing the case, which would be a disastrous decision. Also, if you purchased the incorrect crown, that would be a waste of money, because a collector would want the correct crown. In attempting to restore the watch, you would almost inevitably spend more money than the increase in value, and you could actually devalue the watch.

I will also note that if you do choose to sell it to a collector, you will need to be realistic about condition. In particular, the damage to the dial is going to have an impact and the fact that time and money will be required to source a crown. On the other hand, you obviously want to make sure that you sell it for more than the value in gold. You could have a watchmaker remove the movement and weigh the case. Keep in mind that it is 14k gold, and that you cannot sell scrap gold for full bullion price. My local buyer is currently paying about $44/gm for 14k jewelry, which is 85% of the spot price of gold, multiplied by 0.583 (14/24). So do that calculation and add at least a few hundred dollars, to make sure the buyer isn't motivated to scrap it.
Fantastic reply. I would not try to restore it myself but I do appreciate the honesty telling me why that’s a bad idea. So my question is this, if it was yours, what would you seek to sell it for? Would you sell thru eBay or is there a better place to find a collector?

Again, you have all been incredible and I appreciate you taking time to educate this noob 😀. I would love to know it found a new home that would appreciate it.
 
S
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Dan S Dan S
I think it is worth restoring, but maybe not by you, if you're still planning to sell it afterwards. A collector would rather buy it as is and handle the restoration to their preferences. For example, you mentioned polishing the case, which would be a disastrous decision. Also, if you purchased the incorrect crown, that would be a waste of money, because a collector would want the correct crown. In attempting to restore the watch, you would almost inevitably spend more money than the increase in value, and you could actually devalue the watch.

I will also note that if you do choose to sell it to a collector, you will need to be realistic about condition. In particular, the damage to the dial is going to have an impact and the fact that time and money will be required to source a crown. On the other hand, you obviously want to make sure that you sell it for more than the value in gold. You could have a watchmaker remove the movement and weigh the case. Keep in mind that it is 14k gold, and that you cannot sell scrap gold for full bullion price. My local buyer is currently paying about $44/gm for 14k jewelry, which is 85% of the spot price of gold, multiplied by 0.583 (14/24). So do that calculation and add at least a few hundred dollars, to make sure the buyer isn't motivated to scrap it.
I thought I replied earlier but I guess it didn’t go thru. Thank you for the very well thought out response. I will not attempt to restore based on all of the comments here by those whom love these watches. I want it to have a rebirth and be appreciated. So, I think your suggestion of selling as is, is the right choice to make here.

So my last question is, if this was yours, what would you sell it for? Where would you sell it? eBay? Is there a better and more enthusiastic place to sell it? I watched a few videos and it would seem it has about an ounce of gold, spot price (I invest in gold and silver) obviously is for processed material, and this not only is not that but also I don’t want it to become that. I want it to become a glorious watch once again. Spot price of gold now is $2731.63. If we are talking 85% then we are talking at best price $2300 for gold value. I imagine it would be a bit lower unless I actually broke it down to weight the solid gold parts, which I’m not inclined to do for fear of anything going wrong and causing damage. So, if I could get your very knowledgeable opinion, I would be most inclined to follow that recommendation for price, as well as where to sell it. 😀.
 
Dan S
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I think your calculation of gold value is not right. Maybe you are forgetting to account for the fact that it is 14k gold. In excellent condition, these watches really don't sell for much more than $2k. I have a feeling that the scrap value of the gold is in the $1000 to $1500 range. It's probably somewhere in the range of 20-30 gm of 14k gold.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/reduced-omega-seamaster-2657-14k-gold-case-chf-1590.154681/ Cover Image
Thread '(reduced) Omega Seamaster 2657 - 14k gold case - CHF 1590' ·
Hi OF

I have the first major incoming of the new year and will have to let go of some watches that don't get enough wrist time. Up for sale is this nice jumbo Seamaster with an automatic bumper...
SOLD
iamvr ·
https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-gold-seamaster-2200-dropped-to-1-850-now-1695-free-us-shipping.171068/ Cover Image
Thread 'vintage gold Seamaster $2200 dropped to $1,850 - now $1695 + free US shipping!' ·
asking $2200 - dropped to $1850 - now $1695 + free US shipping!
pay: wire/pp/Zelle
ship: FedEx 2day/overnight
14k yellow gold.
34mm w/o crown
watch runs a little fast, +20/30 sec per 24h...
SOLD
OmegaLover ·
https://omegaforums.net/threads/14k-solid-gold-1950-omega-seamaster-date-6-reference-2627-signed-five-times.169545/ Cover Image
Thread '14K Solid Gold 1950 Omega Seamaster Date @ 6 - Reference 2627 - Signed Five Times' ·
Original matte silver no lume dial featuring desirable date at six o'clock, applied gold dagger and multi-faceted figures at the quarter hours similar to Constellations of the period. Not perfect...
SOLD
X350 XJR ·
Edited:
 
Davidt
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Due to the high value of gold at the minute, the value of the watch is likely just above scrap. No one can give you a terribly accurate valuation as it will depend on the weight of the watch which people can’t accurately guess from a photo.
Weigh the watch without bracelet and then you can do some research as to the estimated weight of the movement, dial etc to estimate the weight of the case.
 
S
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Davidt Davidt
Due to the high value of gold at the minute, the value of the watch is likely just above scrap. No one can give you a terribly accurate valuation as it will depend on the weight of the watch which people can’t accurately guess from a photo.
Weigh the watch without bracelet and then you can do some research as to the estimated weight of the movement, dial etc to estimate the weight of the case.
I can do that. Thanks. You are correct on the spot value, neglected to recognize 14k is not pure enough for that. I have an offer of $950 on eBay? Should I take that and is eBay trustworthy?
 
S
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Dan S Dan S
I think your calculation of gold value is not right. Maybe you are forgetting to account for the fact that it is 14k gold. In excellent condition, these watches really don't sell for much more than $2k. I have a feeling that the scrap value of the gold is in the $1000 to $1500 range. It's probably somewhere in the range of 20-30 gm of 14k gold.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/reduced-omega-seamaster-2657-14k-gold-case-chf-1590.154681/ Cover Image
Thread '(reduced) Omega Seamaster 2657 - 14k gold case - CHF 1590' ·
Hi OF

I have the first major incoming of the new year and will have to let go of some watches that don't get enough wrist time. Up for sale is this nice jumbo Seamaster with an automatic bumper...
SOLD
iamvr ·
https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-gold-seamaster-2200-dropped-to-1-850-now-1695-free-us-shipping.171068/ Cover Image
Thread 'vintage gold Seamaster $2200 dropped to $1,850 - now $1695 + free US shipping!' ·
asking $2200 - dropped to $1850 - now $1695 + free US shipping!
pay: wire/pp/Zelle
ship: FedEx 2day/overnight
14k yellow gold.
34mm w/o crown
watch runs a little fast, +20/30 sec per 24h...
SOLD
OmegaLover ·
https://omegaforums.net/threads/14k-solid-gold-1950-omega-seamaster-date-6-reference-2627-signed-five-times.169545/ Cover Image
Thread '14K Solid Gold 1950 Omega Seamaster Date @ 6 - Reference 2627 - Signed Five Times' ·
Original matte silver no lume dial featuring desirable date at six o'clock, applied gold dagger and multi-faceted figures at the quarter hours similar to Constellations of the period. Not perfect...
SOLD
X350 XJR ·
Thanks so much for your advise. It has gone a long way to helping me find a new home for this watch. You have made things much easier on me, and for that I am utterly grateful. I wish you the best 😀.
 
padders
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I agree with the rough estimate of gold content of circa 20g, it may even be slightly higher since these fat lugs have heavy built cases. Since you can expect to get maybe 90% of spot, that has at present a melt value of ~$900-$1000. As such, an offer of $950 sounds pretty fair to me, though you could maybe hold out for a round grand.
 
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