Advice on buying my first Vintage Omega

Hi Nathan,

Welcome. I like Geneve’s (up to late 1960’s anyway) and see decent value in them. I love my Seamaster Geneve (more on it here). I’m no expert in these particular watches but there would seem evidence of water ingress in the second one. Images of the movement would help immensely.

Don’t rush this purchase or you risk paying the dreaded ‘noob tax’, ie getting burned before knowing exactly what you’re buying. It happens. Often.

eBay is a minefield for the uninitiated. I’ve lurked here for almost 2 years and learn new stuff every day. Yet the ‘bay still spooks me. I sell musical gear and other stuff on eBay and am very transparent in my descriptions, yet when it comes to watches, I view much of what eBay sellers say with skepticism. I simply don’t have the eye, expertise and risk tolerance. But I’ve had excellent luck here on OF and am the proud owner of 3 vintage Omegas I’m extremely pleased with.

I advise you to be as patient as you can, watch the Private Sale forum here as these watches come up periodically - and pay close attention to the Vintage Omega and Open Discussion forums as well. WRUW offers glimpses of watches in usually fine shape and you can judge from the loved and well kept pieces worn in the field.

As well read this. Then read it again. And again.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/

Enjoy!

Welcome Nathan,

Not being long to this group I have learned much in a short time-lots of information and generous memebers here- information is power- and money considering how much I have saved on not buying potential disasters thanks to the advise I have received here. I did pay my noob taxes early on- specifically becuase I was impatient.
The classified’s here are a great place to get quality watches. It is group monitored and if a questionable watch come up, it quickly gets scrutinized.
If you like the case shape as above, the Cosmics are a great bargain as they are still undervalued.

Here is a great example of the cosmic shape with a very rare black technical dial. This would be an incredible first Omega

https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-seamaster-cosmic-with-technical-dial.100144/