I have a fine diamond Omega watch that I NEVER wear. I would like to know the value and set it up for sale. I contacted the Omega people but they were unable to give me any direction where to get a good appraisal or what a value range might be. The watch is exactly like the BA 511.0153 listed on the Omega database except the caliber is 640 not 650. It is 18 carat gold, Jeux d'Or Sapphette with 20 diamonds. Anybody got any ideas or advice?
My husband just took it to the jeweler in our town, when he gets back I will take a photo and post it.
I was wrong... My watch is not exactly like the BA 511.0153 on the omega database, that one does not have diamonds. I can't find mine on the database but I did find its exact match on heirloom2.com/ladies auction website that sold in October 2008. Unfortunately, the website doesn't give the sale price. I am happy with their description though: 'Extremely rare...18k solid gold....Jeux d'Or Collection......from famous Genevan Gilbert Albert......circa 1960s'. The pictures of the one at auction makes me realize how much mine needs a good cleaning, theirs is stunning!
Hi Tami, Unfortunately, ladies watches aren't highly valued by collectors and wil only attract interest from a small range of people. Your best bet would be to check eBay out to see if any similar watches are going. That may give you an idea of starting price. I suspect most of the value would be in the gold content and the stones so if you can get a local jeweller to do an insurance appraisal that would also give you somewhere to start, but be aware that most insurance appraisals are on the high side. If you put on eBay, you will need two at least people who want the watch for their lady and are willing to bid for it (sorry, there may even be lady bidders ). On the other side of the coin, there will be other bidders who will only be interested in grabbing it to break up. That's the risk with eBay. I don't know where you're located but you could place it with a reputable auction house on consignment. All the best with whatever you do. Cheers Jim
I agree with Jim about your best bet being an auction house but I would go for a specialist watch auction rather than a general one. That way you will have people bidding who know what they are buying and not just after a bargain to melt down.
Sad to say but as the others have said, even a nice ladies piece like this just isn't worth much more than the value of the melted gold and stones. The same reason you don't wear it is the same reason other's won't buy it as a watch, its just a bit too dated.