Community Stories

2 Omega Vintage Watches, Considering buying, please help. Thank You

S
Posts
5
Likes
0
Hi, I have 2 watches that I want to buy but I only have photos atm. I was wondering if they are authentic and worth the price point according to these photos. I'm considering buying one of these. Sorry about the quality of photos these are from the dealers.
Edit: I've added clearer photos of the second watch.

The first one is from a seller who received his Omega Seamaster in 1978 for his birthday. He isn't sure about the model type etc.. but it seems like the man is legit, he is an old man on a legit site (spoke to him over the phone). This one is going for $500 USD

IMG_2858.jpg IMG_2860.jpg IMG_2859.jpg omega wat.jpg IMG_2856(1).jpg


The second one is a Omega Seamasters 600 featuring the 17 jewel Cal. 611 manual wind movement. They want to sell it for $545 USD, it's from a charity second hand store.
ad_1_1615466690614.jpg ad_3_1615466690616 (1).jpg ad_2_1615466690615 (1).jpg ad_0_1615466690612 (1).jpg 20210312_094846.jpg 20210312_094925.jpg

Thank You
Edited:
 
Yomega
Posts
79
Likes
96
Prsonally i would pass on the first one as the case is in a very rough shape(rounded from overpolish and beaten up).

But the second one looks legit to me: the case is still sharp, the dial looks to be original although you should definetly ask for better quality photos if you plan on purchaising it. Not sure about the hands and the movement is a manual wind workhorse.
 
R
Posts
2
Likes
1
Agree. Both watches are original, for what I can tell on these pictures, but have seen better days.
First has been over polished badly, just look at the rounding on all sides of the case. Would pass on that one.
Second one is difficult to grade based on these pictures. $545 seems a little high, but charity is always a good way to spend your money 😉

PS not a Seamaster expert by any means
 
S
Posts
5
Likes
0
Yomega Yomega
Prsonally i would pass on the first one as the case is in a very rough shape(rounded from overpolish and beaten up).

But the second one looks legit to me: the case is still sharp, the dial looks to be original although you should definetly ask for better quality photos if you plan on purchaising it. Not sure about the hands and the movement is a manual wind workhorse.

Really appreciate your reply! I've added 2 new photos which shows the watch dial clearer and also the side view.
 
S
Posts
5
Likes
0
R R_Fox98
Agree. Both watches are original, for what I can tell on these pictures, but have seen better days.
First has been over polished badly, just look at the rounding on all sides of the case. Would pass on that one.
Second one is difficult to grade based on these pictures. $545 seems a little high, but charity is always a good way to spend your money 😉

PS not a Seamaster expert by any means
.
Thanks for your response, really appreciate it.
 
S
Posts
5
Likes
0
Thank you for your responses guys!

I was also wondering are the vintage omega watches mechanically on par or superior to the modern watches such as seiko, citizen etc.
 
gbesq
Posts
8,999
Likes
46,202
I agree with the general assessment: pass on watch #1 and watch #2 is a good example. If you decide to buy watch #2, be prepared to spend several hundred dollars to get it into serviceable condition. If you can tell us where you’re located, we may be able to recommend a watchmaker in your area who specializes in servicing vintage watches. Regarding your second question, many of Omega’s vintage calibers are excellent movements, particularly the 30 mm calibers (eg, the 200 series) and the 500 series chronometer certified calibers (eg, 551, 561). I have several vintage Omegas from the 1950s and early 1960s that keep time within 5 seconds per day. The key is regular servicing every 5 years or so by a qualified watchmaker.
 
S
Posts
5
Likes
0
gbesq gbesq
I agree with the general assessment: pass on watch #1 and watch #2 is a good example. If you decide to buy watch #2, be prepared to spend several hundred dollars to get it into serviceable condition. If you can tell us where you’re located, we may be able to recommend a watchmaker in your area who specializes in servicing vintage watches. Regarding your second question, many of Omega’s vintage calibers are excellent movements, particularly the 30 mm calibers (eg, the 200 series) and the 500 series chronometer certified calibers (eg, 551, 561). I have several vintage Omegas from the 1950s and early 1960s that keep time within 5 seconds per day. The key is regular servicing every 5 years or so by a qualified watchmaker.

Thanks so much for the response! I live in Sydney, if there are any reputable watch service shops, I'm willing to go there. Several hundred on servicing every 5 years doesn't sound too bad.

Thanks again
 
gbesq
Posts
8,999
Likes
46,202
I’m in the US and am not familiar with watchmakers in your area, but we have many members from Australia and I’m sure that some of them will chime in with recommendations.
 
Sign up or log in to reply...