I was digging through some old boxes a few days ago and came across this watch again. I've found it here and there over the years, but never put much thought into it.
My father used to show this to me when I was a kid (I'm 35 now) and he said that he bought it in a store in Sweden when he was overseas during the Vietnam War. And that's all I know about it.
I did some research and it looks like it's a 1969 Omega Seamaster Bullhead. All I can really find out about it is that everyone keeps saying that they're rare and everyone wants one....and that's it.
Does anyone know what this is really worth? I'm not even sure if I want to sell it, so how do you store an old valuable watch?

 

Great looking watch.

I'll call dibs. Let me know if you decide to sell it

 

This model is currently quite popular, but far from everyone's cup of tea. It was first produced in the early 60s but was never really a hit with buyers. This is one reason why it is quite uncommon, but it is not what you would call "rare" It was a relatively cheap watch when it was first released. In 2013 Omega reissued the watch and reminded people of the original which has pushed the price up. Sellers are asking anything from 6 to 10k usd for these but having looked on various sites it seems they are not necessarily getting the upper prices as some of them have been there for quite some time. (I want to own this particular model one day, so I check regularly to see what kind of prices are being asked)
Yours would need a service having sat in a draw for so long, no matter if it works or not. It seems to be in good original condition,which adds to its attractiveness for collectors. I know that not everyone is sentimental about these things but if this watch had belonged to my father I would get it serviced, keep it and wear it, its a nice reminder of your dad.

 

+1 on keeping it and wearing it! when you give it to your son you have a very cool story to tell him about his gramps.

 

What you have there is a "barn find" Bullhead in original, untouched and excellent vintage condition. Even the original strap is still present. Present the paperworks and box from when the watch was sold, and you have an unique piece!

If I was in the market for one of these, I would really do my very, very best to get this one. Sellers are asking silly money for them, but this one can be one of very, very few specimen that can be worth near those levels IMO

If this watch don't mean a great sentimental value to you, you should consider to sell it, because it's mainly a collector's piece, and if you're not interested in vintage watches, I would take the money and buy something I'm really interested in! Or take the family on a fantastic vacation.

 

Great advice here!

I'll only add if you do decide to have it serviced let us know your location and I'm sure there will be somebody here who can point you in the right direction of a good watchmaker who is sympathetic to the needs of a classic vintage piece.

 

Yes if you do decide to have it serviced make sure you find the right person as @cristos71 suggests. You'll want to make that the repair person has an appreciation for vintage pieces. You'll want to make sure they keep this piece in original condition - same hands, dial etc. You'll also want to make sure that they do NOT polish the case.

You have a really cool piece. GL

 

Mine says hello

 

You've got a valuable watch. I would personally keep it, that's a heck of a keepsake from your father. If it's only ever going to sit in a box and you're not interested in it for sentimental value, then sell it. You'll have no trouble getting a good price for it.

If you do keep it, then take others advice and have it serviced. You can damage the movement if you run it without a service. The general advice is not to send it to Omega as they will replace parts to make it look new, and as a result will reduce the value of the watch as collectors prefer the original state this watch is in.

Keep us posted with what you end up doing.

 

Good advice, great watch.

 

So, it sounds like it's worth around $6K-$8K. I think I'll just pack it away in its' own box and keep it for now.

And does anyone know of a good servicer in the Rhode Island / Southeastern Massachusetts area?

 

Is it allowed to call dibs on this one? I might sell a kidney to pay for it

 

I think you would be looking at between 8 and 10k as it is a nice example. I hope you keep it and get it serviced, but if you are going to sell it then now is a good time to do so, they may actually be sold for a lot less in future years because tastes change and this one is not to everyones taste. As I said earlier, its a nice keepsake and memento from your father, that, can not be measured in monetry terms.

 

Please see the first reply to this thread... I already called dibs, and as far as I'm aware that's legally binding

 

I know you beat me to it, but I was calling dibs on Christos71 's watch,unless someone has already done so. Dibs is dibs and all good gentlemen respect that

 

Beautiful watch. Best place to store this is in a safe, if you have one. Wear it when you can and enjoy the uniqueness. Very desirable. [emoji106]

 

Mine says hello too
Im about to sell mine....

 

Did you have yours serviced? I don't know how everyone's looks brand new and shiny.

 

i had mine serviced in swiss. 540 euro for service on the movement and 650 euro for restoration of the dial. The dial was completely fucked. The case is a NOS. I got new strap with buckle and hands from omega for maybe 50 euro

 

Mine is in really good shape (but not NOS) and all original. I might consider selling.