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[Advice] Omega 14k GF Cal 354

kawuszka007
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Good afternoon everyone,

Hope all are enjoying their Sunday. After recently acquiring an omega seamaster 14701-1sc just a month ago, I’m already on the hunt for another piece. I came across this omega seamaster pictured below. From what I can tell, it’s a caliber 354. After reading up on it I have heard mixed reviews as it’s not “fully auto” so to say or “half rotor” from what I have seen it called. Does that make it a caliber to stay away from?

I also haven’t found much on the reference. From what I can tell it’s probably a G6250 which I have seen one sold on here in way nicer condition. I’m not sure if the crown is original either.

Wondering if this is a safe one to go bid on ($400) with service history unknown, potentially needing a new crown, full service, and not sure if the GF has worn off in some places. Pics provided below.

What do the chaps say?
 
F99ED2BC-24EF-4F90-9CB3-23DE1AB1007E.jpeg F8EF68F2-BCF6-4559-88FE-A1CDE7505685.jpeg 3A93826D-DFCE-4A58-9967-650A83DBBAAD.jpeg
SkunkPrince
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It seems to be mostly original. The crystal might not be.

If they don't want too much for it, you don't mind it's smallish, and the "bumper" movement might cost a bit extra to service, go ahead. The dial damage is a personal taste, you can put up with it or no, your choice.
 
janice&fred
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I'm a big fan of the old survivors like that and the patina makes the watch look honest. However for me the right number for it would be $100 to $175 depending on my mood, and only if I came across the thing in person, in a second hand or antique shop. Oh, and the crown wouldn't concern me one bit. I would leave it as-found.
 
janice&fred
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SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
Dial damage. 😁

I bet you a donut its selling price is a lot more than $175.

No bet. You obviously cheated and read the guy's post 😁
 
kawuszka007
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SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
Dial damage. 😁

I bet you a donut its selling price is a lot more than $175.
What’s a fair price in your honest opinion
 
kawuszka007
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SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
It seems to be mostly original. The crystal might not be.

If they don't want too much for it, you don't mind it's smallish, and the "bumper" movement might cost a bit extra to service, go ahead. The dial damage is a personal taste, you can put up with it or no, your choice.
Smallish? These are the standard 34mm size aren’t they?
 
janice&fred
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kawuszka007 kawuszka007
What’s a fair price in your honest opinion

What you would trust the opinion of some guy with skunk in his name more than mine? 😁
 
kawuszka007
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janice&fred janice&fred
What you would trust the opinion of some guy with skunk in his name more than mine? 😁
I do know that they go way above your “$100-$175” price in your previous comment lol
 
janice&fred
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kawuszka007 kawuszka007
I do know that they go way above your “$100-$175” price in your previous comment lol

In that case do I have a watch for you! I'll even boost the price up just for you. Stay tuned for my next bunch of ads 😁
 
SkunkPrince
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$400 isn't a killer if you really want it and will keep it forever.
 
hoipolloi
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I don't see anything special about it, American gold filled cases are thin and easy worn thru. Don't buy.
 
Spruce
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I have a 354. This one, like mine, is near enough 65-70 years old. If it’s running reasonably well, servicing shouldn’t cost much and the gold capped case looks okay, albeit in need of a clean and light polish. I’d definitely change the crystal and the crown. I think US $400 sounds reasonable.

The watch is fully automatic, albeit with an old fashioned movement. I’d expect the case to measure 34.5.

My watch has the correct crown.
upload_2020-8-16_22-44-59.jpeg
 
kawuszka007
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Spruce Spruce
I have a 354. This one, like mine, is near enough 65-70 years old. If it’s running reasonably well, servicing shouldn’t cost much and the gold capped case looks okay, albeit in need of a clean and light polish. I’d definitely change the crystal and the crown. I think US $400 sounds reasonable.

The watch is fully automatic, albeit with an old fashioned movement. I’d expect the case to measure 34.5.

My watch has the correct crown.
upload_2020-8-16_22-44-59.jpeg
Would you give the same green light if it’s gold filled? The one at question appears to be golf filled, not capped. Which I understand is a much thinner layer of gold.
 
SkunkPrince
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kawuszka007 kawuszka007
Would you give the same green light if it’s gold filled? The one at question appears to be golf filled, not capped. Which I understand is a much thinner layer of gold.
Gold fill is still substantial. If it isn't worn through now, it's not likely to be in your future unless you do something stupid.
 
Spruce
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kawuszka007 kawuszka007
Would you give the same green light if it’s gold filled? The one at question appears to be golf filled, not capped. Which I understand is a much thinner layer of gold.
Two points. First, there is no gold value in a capped, filled or plated case of any age, much less this age. It’s a question of appearance and your taste. A jeweller's polishing cloth will make a significant improvement in the appearance of the case.

The attraction of these watches, particularly in the condition of this one, is that the dauphin hands and dial have an old fashioned 'wealth' appearance and the case has that lovely chunky feel, and wears bigger for it.

upload_2020-8-16_23-14-18.jpeg


Second, if you have it serviced, whether or not you choose to get a new crystal, you watchmaker can give the dial and hands the gentlest dusting.

This watch looks neglected, you can tell that from the decrepit old watch strap. The seller has made no effort to improve the watch's appearance. Generally, that’s a good thing because there is always a risk of a botch job!

So, it should look a lot better after some TLC.
 
kawuszka007
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SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
Gold fill is still substantial. If it isn't worn through now, it's not likely to be in your future unless you do something stupid.
Good! Wasn’t sure how fast it deteriorates
 
kawuszka007
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Spruce Spruce
Two points. First, there is no gold value in a capped, filled or plated case of any age, much less this age. It’s a question of appearance and your taste. A jeweller's polishing cloth will make a significant improvement in the appearance of the case.

The attraction of these watches, particularly in the condition of this one, is that the dauphin hands and dial have an old fashioned 'wealth' appearance and the case has that lovely chunky feel, and wears bigger for it.

upload_2020-8-16_23-14-18.jpeg


Second, if you have it serviced, whether or not you choose to get a new crystal, you watchmaker can give the dial and hands the gentlest dusting.

This watch looks neglected, you can tell that from the decrepit old watch strap. The seller has made no effort to improve the watch's appearance. Generally, that’s a good thing because there is always a risk of a botch job!

So, it should look a lot better after some TLC.

Thank you for the descriptive post ! I’m glad I can have the case looking nice again. I will definitely replace the crystal and crown. You don’t think the watchmaker will have a hard time to source a crown? Or do I have to send it to omega?
 
Spruce
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Any crown, even one that is only similar to the right crown, will be better than the present one.
Personally, I wouldn’t send it to Omega If you’ve looked at advice given on similar threads, you’ll understand why.
If you post the area where you’re based, someone on OF may be able to recommend a local watchmaker with the ability to sort out your watch for a reasonable price.
 
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