Advice on Authenticity - 17 jewel 601 cal?

rlj204 · Jan 12, 2021

Hey everyone,
New to forum so I am not sure if there is a better place to post this, but I’ve been eyeing a vintage Omega. Been looking for decent deals and found the attached watch. Seller says it is early 60’s, 14k solid gold and was bought new by her father. It doesn’t have a model name on face. I don’t know enough to know if it is a good purchase but she is asking $650. Didn’t provide pictures of inside of case. Attached is the watch. Anyone able to identify what it is and what year it is from? Is it real and if so is it worth purchase?

rlj204 · Jan 12, 2021

Also to note the owner of the watch says from her own research she believes it is a 17 jewel 601 cal. I looked up the Omega database and did see a few watches that did not fall under a specific model just named “other” that appeared to have the same face but the pic was just black and white so it was hard to compare with my low experience.

Spruce · Jan 12, 2021

I suggest you politely pass on this.

The gold content is probably the only real value and, at 14ct, that’s limited scrap value.

Otherwise, it doesn’t look in great shape from the outside, you’ve no real idea what the movement is or it’s condition, and you’re going to have real trouble finding the correct bracelet to fit those lugs and the bracelet will cost much more than the watch and even if you do do all of that, at the end of it, it’s not IMO, a particularly collectible watch.

rlj204 · Jan 12, 2021

Spruce
I suggest you politely pass on this.

The gold content is probably the only real value and, at 14ct, that’s limited scrap value.

Otherwise, it doesn’t look in great shape from the outside, you’ve no real idea what the movement is or it’s condition, and you’re going to have real trouble finding the correct bracelet to fit those lugs and the bracelet will cost much more than the watch and even if you do do all of that, at the end of it, it’s not IMO, a particularly collectible watch.

I appreciate the quick reply. Thanks for the help I’ll give it a pass.

rlj204 · Jan 12, 2021

Spruce
I suggest you politely pass on this.

The gold content is probably the only real value and, at 14ct, that’s limited scrap value.

Otherwise, it doesn’t look in great shape from the outside, you’ve no real idea what the movement is or it’s condition, and you’re going to have real trouble finding the correct bracelet to fit those lugs and the bracelet will cost much more than the watch and even if you do do all of that, at the end of it, it’s not IMO, a particularly collectible watch.

Out of curiosity, do you think it looks authentic from the limited pictures? And do you recommend staying away from anything unnamed or not Seamaster, De Ville, Constellation, etc?

Spruce · Jan 12, 2021

I’ve no reason to suppose that it’s not authentic.

And I think that you have to judge each watch on it’s merit.

In very general terms, genuine watches that just say 'Omega' tend to pre-date the models you mention.

Nepomuceño · Jan 12, 2021

I'd consider looking at the private sales here OP. What specifically are you looking for in your desired watch?

amcclell · Jan 12, 2021

It does look authentic and the hands and markers are early 60’s design, which would be consistent with a 601. It is hard to say without seeing the movement. The generic Omega watches were their most economical time pieces but are not that collectible from this era. It does have a unique case shape that I have not seen before and would probably look nice with a new crystal. If you like it, it is not a bargain, considering the cost of a service. If there is flexibility on the price, it would make a nice watch but not one that is easy to flip, if you grow tired of it.

Different case, movement and shape, but the same era with generic branding - 1958. I still wear it from tome to time.

Here is a 1963 Century with similar hands and markers.

Zapatta · Jan 12, 2021

Dial looks original and just needs new crystal. Case is unusual and I like it a lot. If the price was lower, I would go for it.

rlj204 · Jan 13, 2021

Nepomuceño
I'd consider looking at the private sales here OP. What specifically are you looking for in your desired watch?

Thanks for the advice Nepomuceño, I’m going through those private sales now. Hopefully something will come come up. Honestly, I’ve always liked then more classic looking watches and decided to start putting some time and money into it. Right now I’m just looking to start with a classic watch to wear daily and hopefully build a collection over time. I like the styles of the 50s-70’s a lot, but still trying to determine the models I should and shouldn’t be looking to invest in. Had no idea it the vintage watch world would be so involved. But everyone’s input on here is helping a lot.

rlj204 · Jan 13, 2021

amcclell
It does look authentic and the hands and markers are early 60’s design, which would be consistent with a 601. It is hard to say without seeing the movement. The generic Omega watches were their most economical time pieces but are not that collectible from this era. It does have a unique case shape that I have not seen before and would probably look nice with a new crystal. If you like it, it is not a bargain, considering the cost of a service. If there is flexibility on the price, it would make a nice watch but not one that is easy to flip, if you grow tired of it.

Different case, movement and shape, but the same era with generic branding - 1958. I still wear it from tome to time.

Here is a 1963 Century with similar hands and markers.

Thanks amcclell! That makes a lot of sense and is really helpful. Both of those watches you shared are really beautiful.

Advice on Authenticity - 17 jewel 601 cal?

rlj204

rlj204

Spruce

rlj204

rlj204

Spruce

Nepomuceño

amcclell

Zapatta

rlj204

rlj204

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