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A good first vintage?

Bobie
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Hello Everyone,

I'm new to the forum, with plenty of experience with 'newer' watches, but I was hoping for some advice on this that up for grabs at a small jewellers. Anything obvious that look wrong, and what should I be trying to get it for (in UK pounds).
any help will be greatly appreciated (apologies this isn't the usual way to ask things here!)
Thanks,
Bobie

IMG_3610.webp IMG_3611.webp IMG_3612.webp IMG_3613.webp IMG_3614.webp IMG_3615.webp IMG_3616.webp IMG_3617.webp
 
Dan S
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I have some concerns about that watch at first glance, since the dial looks a little wonky (I'm not sure that the font is correct) and I'm not sure that the cal 283 is even chronometer-grade. Maybe you can post better photos of the dial.
Edited:
 
Bobie
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Thanks Dan, it sounds like I should spend some more time doing 'the knowledge'. I've added the only other pics I have, they aren't super quality.
IMG_3621.webp IMG_3620.webp IMG_3619.webp
 
Winston_Smith
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If I understand the pictures correctly, the dial has developed some patina on it, which is typically a no-go for most vintage watch collectors, although some may like the pattern and this one is quite evenly distributed. But it might also signal some issues in the mechanism (corrosion or water contact etc which might have caused the patina). The case looks shiny and attractive, which is usually a treat to inexperienced eyes. But if you look at it closely and compare it to other examples of the same reference, you'll notice that it is thanks to polishing, which made it lose its sharp, crisp edges. This is usually the case with golden cases, which are prone to damage due to gold being a soft metal (relative to stainless steel and lower grade gold, which might have their own issues but that's off topic here). Honestly, I'm sorry but I wouldn't consider it a great first find. Keep looking but also restraining yourself from a pulse-purchase and good luck with hunting!
 
Bobie
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Winston_Smith Winston_Smith
If I understand the pictures correctly, the dial has developed some patina on it, which is typically a no-go for most vintage watch collectors, although some may like the pattern and this one is quite evenly distributed. But it might also signal some issues in the mechanism (corrosion or water contact etc which might have caused the patina). The case looks shiny and attractive, which is usually a treat to inexperienced eyes. But if you look at it closely and compare it to other examples of the same reference, you'll notice that it is thanks to polishing, which made it lose its sharp, crisp edges. This is usually the case with golden cases, which are prone to damage due to gold being a soft metal (relative to stainless steel and lower grade gold, which might have their own issues but that's off topic here). Honestly, I'm sorry but I wouldn't consider it a great first find. Keep looking but also restraining yourself from a pulse-purchase and good luck with hunting!
Thanks for taking the time to reply. It is patina (which in general I’m ok with), but as you mention, I understand it can be a red flag. I did also wonder about the polishing, but I’m particularly after a gold watch as my collection is all steel. I’ll do my best to avoid impulse buying, but it difficult!
Thanks again, I appreciate the advice. I’ll pass on this one and keep looking.
 
Bobie
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stormysky10 stormysky10
This watch looks legitimate. It has many of the same characteristics (18k Dennison case, cal 283 which is non-chronometer grade but a chronometre dial, close in serial #, etc.) as the examples from this thread: https://omegaforums.net/threads/incoming-later-today.91972/
Interesting, so it could be something a little unusual. You’re right about the info in the other thread, it sounds very similar. Now I’m intrigued!
 
STANDY
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Keep saving and buy the nicest one you can buy. Condition Condition Condition

https://omegaforums.net/threads/condition-condition-condition-and-other-pieces-of-advice.1716/ MSNWatch
Thread 'Condition Condition Condition And Other Pieces Of Advice' ·
If there is one thing to remember forever in collecting vintage omegas, it is that condition is first and foremost. Of course the piece has to be original in the first place but if there is one...
MSNWatch ·
 
Dan S
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stormysky10 stormysky10
This watch looks legitimate. It has many of the same characteristics (18k Dennison case, cal 283 which is non-chronometer grade but a chronometre dial, close in serial #, etc.) as the examples from this thread: https://omegaforums.net/threads/incoming-later-today.91972/
Interesting thread. I would prefer to have a chronometer with an actual chronometer-grade movement, but it seems like these watches were probably put together this way, perhaps in the UK.

Also, as noted by others, the watch has significant condition issues. For me, it would not be a buy because neither the dial nor the case would give me joy. Given the high price of gold at the moment, an 18k Omega is going to be a significant purchase, and I would want to buy a good one.
 
Larry S
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Dan S Dan S
Interesting thread. I would prefer to have a chronometer with an actual chronometer-grade movement, but it seems like these watches were probably put together this way, perhaps in the UK.

Also, as noted by others, the watch has significant condition issues. For me, it would not be a buy because neither the dial nor the case would give me joy. Given the high price of gold at the moment, an 18k Omega is going to be a significant purchase, and I would want to buy a good one.
+1 … While the patina is nice and even, what I could live with in a SS field watch is not the same as a 18k dresser. Keep shopping.
 
Bobie
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Davidt Davidt
What is the jewellers asking price?
Well, he started at £1750, but there was room for negotiation...
 
TexOmega
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Bobie Bobie
Well, he started at £1750, but there was room for negotiation...

About 3-4 x too much, but dealers have boat payments to make.
 
Davidt
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Bobie Bobie
Well, he started at £1750, but there was room for negotiation...

Yeah that’s far too much. A generic Omega like this with very average dial is worth slightly above gold scrap price imo. Not that it’s a terrible wqtxh, it’s simply not in the condition most collectors would go for and gold is simply so high at the minute the intrinsic value of solid gold watches has met or overtaken the value of the watch
 
Fallout Boy
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Don t buy - as it is a dress-watch. Wait for a better one. And (always) do some "photo-shop " with the pictures ....and look at the watch carefully (seconds-hand e.g.)

omega of.webp
 
Bobie
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TexOmega TexOmega
About 3-4 x too much, but dealers have boat payments to make.
Ain't that the truth!
 
Pvt-Public
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Definatly not a chronometer. A chronometer would have a regulator like this.
IMG_1362.webp
 
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