1962 Seamaster... authenticity and pricing.

edpop · Jun 22, 2021

I'm after a bit of advice on a 1962 Omega Seamaster. The listed specs are:

Case reference: 14759
Serial number: 19263727
Movement: Hand wind mechanical, cal 600
In full working order and covered under Omega warranty

A couple of things that caught my eye in the images are...

1. The 'Seamaster' writing looks different to other early 60's models i can see online, the 'm' and 'a' are not joined up for example.
2. Searching the case reference number suggests this model came with a leather strap. Nowhere in the listing does it mention the strap having been replaced yet it comes with a stainless steel strap (which i actually prefer if it's genuine).

Any thoughts on the watches authenticity?

Finally it's listed at £1750, is this overpriced for a 60's hand wind seamaster?

Thanks

edpop · Jun 22, 2021

EDIT: On closer inspection the 'Seamaster' lettering issue could be down to a blemish on the screen perhaps.

JimInOz · Jun 22, 2021

E edpop
.........

Finally it's listed at £1750, is this overpriced for a 60's hand wind seamaster?

Thanks

Yes.

In addition.

It's highly tarted up (polished) to look nice and the photography has been enhanced/tweaked to make it look nice and hide stuff. Based on what I see, it's also a re-dial.

JohnWoo · Jun 22, 2021

JimInOz
Yes.

In addition.

It's highly tarted up (polished) to look nice and the photography has been enhanced/tweaked to make it look nice and hide stuff. Based on what I see, it's also a re-dial.

Yes I agree, but looks quite nice as a daily wear. Price for me should be around £450/500.

Dr.Sascha · Jun 22, 2021

Yes, redial, over-polished, and way overpriced (x3 fair), especially for a hand-winder.

edpop · Jun 22, 2021

Thanks for the feedback and i'll take a pass then.

A shame as I'm particularly fond of the black inlays on the numerals (not sure if this was a particular feature on certain models?) And also keen on the strap, the links look flatter than some of the more rounded links i've seen on other steel Seamaster straps... but again i'm not sure if this strap is original or not.

So, any suggestions on best place to look for something similar but better priced? I'm based in London.

ps:I don't want to spend months searching for a bargain just to save a couple hundred, but equally don't want to spend x3 over what it's worth.

JohnWoo · Jun 22, 2021

Does it have to be a Seamaster?
Does it have to be mechanical?
I maybe have some ideas, send me a pm with your preferences.
John.

jeppe888 · Jun 22, 2021

E edpop
Thanks for the feedback and i'll take a pass then.

A shame as I'm particularly fond of the black inlays on the numerals (not sure if this was a particular feature on certain models?) And also keen on the strap, the links look flatter than some of the more rounded links i've seen on other steel Seamaster straps... but again i'm not sure if this strap is original or not.

So, any suggestions on best place to look for something similar but better priced? I'm based in London.

ps:I don't want to spend months searching for a bargain just to save a couple hundred, but equally don't want to spend x3 over what it's worth.

ill suggest the sales section here on OF, there you can probably find a very nice watch if you have some patience

Dr.Sascha · Jun 22, 2021

Avoid professional jewellers and most "re-sellers" who hoover up good watches and sell them at a 50% mark-up to "premium clientele." The Private Sales section of OF is, hands down, the best source of good watches at fair prices from honest sellers. You might try reddit r/watchexchange as well. Lastly, Chrono24 isn't bad, and offers escrow and guarantees. Sellers are often private owners willing to negotiate. Avoid Ebay, it's a minefield and requires a lot of expertise and experience to navigate effectively. But you need to do your research and due diligence to determine what a good baseline is, what makes a good piece, what to watch out for, etc. In this sense, buying a good vintage watch is much like buying a good vintage car!

edpop · Jun 23, 2021

Out of interest... does the fact this watch has just been serviced (April 2021) not justify the cost a bit more?

I’m not sure how much a Seamaster service costs at the Swatch Company, Southampton or how long it will be before it needs another service... but it should account for something perhaps?

A lot of the slightly cheaper deals on Chrono24 etc. don’t mention having been serviced so I assume I’d have to add that cost on?

edpop · Jun 23, 2021

... to get a like-for-like cost I mean.

Dr.Sascha · Jun 23, 2021

E edpop
Out of interest... does the fact this watch has just been serviced (April 2021) not justify the cost a bit more?

I’m not sure how much a Seamaster service costs at the Swatch Company, Southampton or how long it will be before it needs another service... but it should account for something perhaps?

A lot of the slightly cheaper deals on Chrono24 etc. don’t mention having been serviced so I assume I’d have to add that cost on?

Not really, b/c you don't know who serviced it and how good a job they did. More than a few times, I've bought a watch advertised as "recently serviced" that was anything but. It's always best to assume that a new purchase will need a service promptly. Cost for this for a non-chrono vintage should be between £120-180 from a reputable watchman. I would recommend Brendan Hoey (webwatchmaker.co.uk). He's not the cheapest, but he's among the best.

1962 Seamaster... authenticity and pricing.

edpop

edpop

JimInOz

JohnWoo

Dr.Sascha

edpop

JohnWoo

jeppe888

Dr.Sascha

edpop

edpop

Dr.Sascha

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