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1960 Seamaster automatic value?

D
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I’m very new to all this, what would you guys value this at? Considering purchasing my first omega watch. I usually wear Gshock as I’m a blue collar worker (HVAC/R Service Mechanic) and my wrists/hands can take a beating at times. I’m looking for something fairly stout, and not too bulky as I’m a fairly small guy that needs to squeeze into some small spaces. Something a little more valuable and vintage worth passing down to my very young sons one day, but not $1k+ as I’ll actually be wearing it.
I found this on eBay, and was wondering if it’s worth the $600ish asking? Or if you guys have one for sale in same price range/vintage, (I’m aiming for 1958 as it’s the year my father was born) in same stainless combo I’d be open to buying private party!
Thanks for any help/suggestions. Here’s an exerpt from the listing that’ll make more sense to you all than it does me. Based on the pics and a chart I found on here, I think it’s 1960? Can’t tell what’s original and what’s not or what impacts value, or if any of that matters since I just want a daily wearer. Thanks again!


OMEGA Seamaster men's wristwatch from the 1960s, measures approx. 34 mm in a stainless steel case.
Reference 14704 SC-61.
Omega automatic movement Caliber 591 works inside.
The movement working , Was recently Serviss @
Cal. 591 Ref. 14704-SC61 wristwatch.
 
IMG_3443.jpeg IMG_3445.jpeg IMG_3446.jpeg IMG_3447.jpeg IMG_3448.jpeg IMG_3449.jpeg
Donn Chambers
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Others here will remark on whether this is a good buy, original, etc, but I wanted to say that I would not wear it at work for the type of work you do. Wear it when you get home, on the weekends, or on vacation, but not at work. It would be too easy to damage it, and then you would need to spend even more money to fix it.
 
Dan S
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I'm feeling that the hands may have been changed out. Maybe wait for some other opinions. The rotor and inside of the case-back are showing significant wear from rubbing, which often means repairs will be needed.
 
D
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Donn Chambers Donn Chambers
Others here will remark on whether this is a good buy, original, etc, but I wanted to say that I would not wear it at work for the type of work you do. Wear it when you get home, on the weekends, or on vacation, but not at work. It would be too easy to damage it, and then you would need to spend even more money to fix it.

I wanted to think this way, but I work so much I’d never wear it otherwise 🙁. I figure if I’m getting into the shit I can take it off and slip it into a pocket real easily, it’s not like I’m an auto mechanic and wrenching 24/7. What I do is a healthy mix of beating my brain/back with a lot of windshield time in-between.
 
Dan S
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Dan S Dan S
I'm feeling that the hands may have been changed out. Maybe wait for some other opinions. The rotor and inside of the case-back are showing significant wear from rubbing, which often means repairs will be needed.
After a little poking around, I think the hands are ok. Probably there were originally small dots of luminous material at the ends of the dial markers, but they have fallen out or been removed. If there is luminous in the hands, there is usually luminous material on the dial, which was what originally captured my attention.

Also, I just noticed that you said the listing mentioned a recent service. If so, it's possible that the issue leading to the rotor rub was addressed, but that usually requires replacing some parts. Not just a service.
 
D
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Dan S Dan S
I'm feeling that the hands may have been changed out. Maybe wait for some other opinions. The rotor and inside of the case-back are showing significant wear from rubbing, which often means repairs will be needed.
Dan S Dan S
After a little poking around, I think the hands are ok. Probably there were originally small dots of luminous material at the ends of the dial markers, but they have fallen out or been removed. If there is luminous in the hands, there is usually luminous material on the dial, which was what originally captured my attention.

Also, I just noticed that you said the listing mentioned a recent service. If so, it's possible that the issue leading to the rotor rub was addressed, but that usually requires replacing some parts. Not just a service.

I could see the hand thing too, glad to clear that up. Fingers crossed, I could only find one watch repair place within a couple hours of me that even touches automatics, and his English wasn’t the best. He said $250 for a service and $30 to look it over. Hoping this doesn’t turn into another hobby I end up tinkering with, my wife would not appreciate another lol
 
apsm100
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I am not a huge fan of the case finishing or the build-up around the markers.
It wouldn't be bad as a first vintage watch, but know that you could probably find a nicer one if you wait.
 
Canuck
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This watch is probably 60 years old, and is likely more than half used up. From here to end of life doing the kind of work you do would use up what’s left in a few short years! And cost you a lot of money in maintaining it. There won’t be much left to pass on to your young sons! Stick with disposable watches (G-Shock) for work. You can’t have a $500.00 accident with a $100.00:watch!
 
Rogerg
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Canuck Canuck
This watch is probably 60 years old, and is likely more than half used up. From here to end of life doing the kind of work you do would use up what’s left in a few short years! And cost you a lot of money in maintaining it. There won’t be much left to pass on to your young sons! Stick with disposable watches (G-Shock) for work. You can’t have a $500.00 accident with a $100.00:watch!
Keep in mind the crystal isn't like modern watches. A tap against any of the edges that you'll be working around will scratch it as it is plastic not sapphire or even mineral glass. Wear it on the weekends and evenings as suggested before and you'll be able to enjoy it for many years particularly if as I have done you enlarge your collection and increase your rotation as you do. By the way this is a voice of experience as I'm in the building trades and my work piece is a 20 year old Eco-Drive Cal 2100.
 
D
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Ok I’m probably less wise and less old compared to you guys… I suppose I’ll keep it for the weekends. regardless, I want one. I will scour on here for a better one by the sound of it! Thanks guys
 
Dan S
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FWIW, I think you found a pretty decent example for a reasonable price for someone starting out. Typically, a new member's first post is a total piece of junk for a ridiculous price.

Still, if you follow the eBay thread and the sales listings, you will probably find something a little better.

And once you buy the watch, it's yours to wear however you choose. 👍
 
Canuck
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D Drewbogdanovich
Ok I’m probably less wise and less old compared to you guys… I suppose I’ll keep it for the weekends. regardless, I want one. I will scour on here for a better one by the sound of it! Thanks guys

You’re in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning business. I’ll wager you’re not driving a 30, 40, 50, or 60 year old truck and expecting it to do what a current vehicle would do for you. That is, unless you DO drive a vintage truck, and keep it on the road by doing your own maintenance and repairs! If you wear any kind of a vintage watch doing what you do, maybe you plan on doing your own maintenance and repairs on it? 🤨
 
Rogerg
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Whatever you do welcome to the hobby but be careful it's addictive! Watches seem to be like rabbits they multiply without you noticing lol...
 
D
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Canuck Canuck
You’re in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning business. I’ll wager you’re not driving a 30, 40, 50, or 60 year old truck and expecting it to do what a current vehicle would do for you. That is, unless you DO drive a vintage truck, and keep it on the road by doing your own maintenance and repairs! If you wear any kind of a vintage watch doing what you do, maybe you plan on doing your own maintenance and repairs on it? 🤨
Is that a challenge? I’m as stubborn as I am handy lol
 
Canuck
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D Drewbogdanovich
Is that a challenge? I’m as stubborn as I am handy lol


It would be much easier to learn from the advice you’ve been given here, than it would be for you to spend years trying to learn how to maintain a vintage or antique watch!
 
D
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D Drewbogdanovich
Is that a challenge? I’m as stubborn as I am handy lol

Canuck Canuck
It would be much easier to learn from the advice you’ve been given here, than it would be for you to spend years trying to learn how to maintain a vintage or antique watch!
I conceded to the fact that it would be wise to keep my couple beaters in the rotation for my day job. Relax. I do have a whole lifetime ahead of me to pick up more hobbies, so learning to maintain a vintage watch isn’t out of the realm of possibilities. I’d heard of old timers with antique Rolex's working blue collar jobs and wearing them daily for decades, thought that wouldn’t be outlandish for these omegas either. At any rate, I was just looking for suggestions about where to start for my specific needs and if what I’d found was a fair price or not. I appreciate your ample advice
 
Shabbaz
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I think it's a attractive watch. And I dont see any reasons why you could'nt work with it. You're a adult so I would say you're perfectly fit to know when you can wear it or when you should take it off.
 
Davidt
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Another option is buy two!

One great example for evenings, weekends etc and one beater that’s already got a scratched case, maybe a bit of patina already on the dial etc.

I’d second keeping an eye on the private sales forum here and the recommended eBay thread.
Edited:
 
hen
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If you insist wearing a vintage watch to work, maybe a bund strap with cover is for you?
IMG_3792.jpg


Good luck with your first Omega
 
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