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Anniversary Gift Help: OPTIONS 6-7 - Vintage Seamaster for a Novice

GreyTime
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Here we go again! ROUND 6-7: My wife is "surprising" me with a wonderful 5th anniversary gift of a vintage Omega Seamaster. This is our first foray into what we would consider a more serious watch, and want to make sure we do well. This is my fourth thread on the matter, and wanted to gather your thoughts on 2 additional pieces. I realize the condition is imperfect, but these have some of the characteristics we are in search of for this piece.



#6 1959 Omega Seamaster 14733 61 SC (Steel/14k Gold)
#7 1959 Omega Seamaster 14384 2 SC (Steel)



#6) 1959 OMEGA SEAMASTER 14733 61 SC
Circa: 1959
Model: Seamaster
Caliber: 570
Jewel count: 17 jewels
Movement type: Automatic
Case model: 14733 61
Case material: Solid stainless steel and Gold
Case gasket: O-Ring rubber gasket
Crystal: Original Acrylic Crystal
Crown: Signed
Case Diameter excluding crown: 34mm
Dial: Factory original finish
Hand type: Dauphine (original)
Strap material: Handmade vintage style genuine leather
Strap width in between lugs: 18mm

Stainless steel, screw-in case, 14k yellow gold bezel, 34mm diameter, "Seamaster" Hippocampus medallion, downturned lugs. Case maintains the original factory finish. Original matte white dial with applied gold arrow indexes and luminous plots, in excellent condition. Applied gold "Ω" logo with printed "Omega Automatic" below 12 o'clock and "Seamaster" print above 6 o'clock. Original gold toned dauphine hands. Original Ω signed naiad crown. Original Hesalite crystal. Omega Caliber Ω 570 automatic winding movement, unserviced and in running order. Brand new leather band with chrome buckle.

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#7 1959 OMEGA SEAMASTER 14384 2 SC (Steel)
Circa: 1959
Model: Seamaster
Caliber: 610
Jewel count: 17 jewels
Movement type: Automatic
Case model: 14384 2
Case material: Solid stainless steel
Crystal: Original Acrylic Crystal
Crown:Original Signed
Case Diameter excluding crown: 33.5mm
Dial: Factory original finish
Hand type: Dauphine (original)
Strap material: Handmade vintage style genuine leather
Strap width in between lugs: 18mm

Stainless steel, notched twist back case, Seamaster Hippocampus medallion, waterproof, 33.50mm diameter, faceted downturned lugs. Case maintains the original polished finish. Original white dial with applied gold arrow batons and luminous plots, in very good condition. Original gold toned dauphine hands with luminous infill. Original Ω signed crown. Original Hesalite crystal. Omega Caliber Ω 610 manual winding movement, unserviced and in good running order. Brand New Leather band with chrome buckle.

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iamvr
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I'm not an expert, but I noticed in all your posts so far that the only thing all the watches have in common is "Seamaster" on the dial. Other than that a mix of case shapes and materials, all types of movements from manual, bumper to full rotor automatic. Do you have any preference at all, or is just "Seamaster" on the dial good enough?
 
GreyTime
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Dan S Dan S
What are your questions exactly?
Legitimacy, critiques, comments, guidance on quality? Help from people who know more than I do about these on whether these are worthy of consideration.
 
GreyTime
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iamvr iamvr
I'm not an expert, but I noticed in all your posts so far that the only thing all the watches have in common is "Seamaster" on the dial. Other than that a mix of case shapes and materials, all types of movements from manual, bumper to full rotor automatic. Do you have any preference at all, or is just "Seamaster" on the dial good enough?
Sorry if you can’t see the similarities in what I’ve posted thus far. Definitely a different experience with this forum with today’s responses.

Being a self admitted newcomer, perhaps the intricacies you search for are different than where I am currently. At the moment we’re looking for a general era and general style for our initial purchase. That’s why I’m seeking guidance.
 
Dan S
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GreyTime GreyTime
Legitimacy, critiques, comments, guidance on quality? Help from people who know more than I do about these on whether these are worthy of consideration.

At first glance, they both look legit to me. Given the circumstances, I'm hesitant to comment too much on condition. If we tear the watches apart from a collector's perspective, you might get less joy from whichever one you ultimately receive as a gift. If you like the way they look, then I don't think you should worry too much about our opinions.

I will just say that I worry a little about the condition of the movement in the first one, and if you find them equally appealing, my recommendation would be for the second.
 
GreyTime
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Dan S Dan S
At first glance, they both look legit to me. Given the circumstances, I'm hesitant to comment too much on condition. If we tear the watches apart from a collector's perspective, you might get less joy from whichever one you ultimately receive as a gift.
I am looking for this type of feedback, as it helps me weigh whether they are worth considering. I know these aren’t in mint condition, but the things you guys are able to point out help me tremendously.
 
cristos71
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I recommend you state the asking prices too as it's difficult to really critique watches without knowing if the prices being asked are fair or not
 
GreyTime
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My initial assessment was that these were "just okay", without the capacity to describe them better, so in a way was looking for confirmation. Likely "overpriced" but I'm not as concerned with that as I am finding a nice piece.

It had been suggested on one hand to leave the price out of the discussion and solicit thoughts on the items themselves, so that's why I left it out this time. It seems I have my answer that there's not much special on these, so I appreciate it. We'll continue onward.
 
iamvr
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GreyTime GreyTime
Sorry if you can’t see the similarities in what I’ve posted thus far. Definitely a different experience with this forum with today’s responses.

Being a self admitted newcomer, perhaps the intricacies you search for are different than where I am currently. At the moment we’re looking for a general era and general style for our initial purchase. That’s why I’m seeking guidance.

Apologies if my post came off as rude. I was obviously not living up to my own expectation that the exchange on this forum should held under the premise of mutual respect, and I apologize. I was just confused about what you're actually after but I get it now. I think you and your wife have great project together and I hope you will find your dream watch soon.

With that I leave the floor to the experts, as I have nothing of value to add here 😀.
 
GreyTime
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Dan S Dan S
At first glance, they both look legit to me. Given the circumstances, I'm hesitant to comment too much on condition. If we tear the watches apart from a collector's perspective, you might get less joy from whichever one you ultimately receive as a gift. If you like the way they look, then I don't think you should worry too much about our opinions.

I will just say that I worry a little about the condition of the movement in the first one, and if you find them equally appealing, my recommendation would be for the second.
Thank you for this response. Could you help me learn my elaborating on why you worry about the condition of the movement in the first one? While I have already ruled these out as worth pursuing, I'm hoping it could help me as I search.
 
GreyTime
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iamvr iamvr
Apologies if my post came off as rude. I was obviously not living up to my own expectation that the exchange on this forum should held under the premise of mutual respect, and I apologize. I was just confused about what you're actually after but I get it now. I think you and your wife have great project together and I hope you will find your dream watch soon.

With that I leave the floor to the experts, as I have nothing of value to add here 😀.
@iamvr I appreciate your response. It seems I'm a bit uncertain what I'm after as well. Hoping I'll "know it when I see it". What I've brought to the board is simply the closest of what I've encountered so far. Thanks again, and cheers!😀
 
wagudc
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From a relatively novice point of view here are my thoughts. Neither watch has any major red flags, but there are some lesser issues to consider:

#6
Bezel scratches around 7:00-8:00, dial scratch at edge near 12, hands seem rough with lume loss on minute hand, movement will need service, parts of movement have been replaced from another, overall movement does not look clean, caseback scratched from improper opening.

#7 Some lume loss in hour hand, case shows honest wear from use, due for a service. Might be a faint v shaped mark and dial between center and 9:00.

Other considerations: Handwind vs auto, date vs No-date, lug-shape styling, etc.
 
GreyTime
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Shabbaz Shabbaz
What's your budget?
Getting larger by the day. Depending on the find though, up to and around $2k. But if there’s a nice one for $800 or so, great!
 
Shabbaz
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GreyTime GreyTime
Getting larger by the day. Depending on the find though, up to and around $2k. But if there’s a nice one for $800 or so, great!
Then you wont have any problems finding a fantastic example. You're even in connie country with your budget.
 
wagudc
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GreyTime GreyTime
Getting larger by the day. Depending on the find though, up to and around $2k. But if there’s a nice one for $800 or so, great!

You will surely find a nice watch that you like in that price range. When you do find it, you have to post it on the forum and use lots of this emoji: ::psy::
 
GreyTime
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wagudc wagudc
You will surely find a nice watch that you like in that price range. When you do find it, you have to post it on the forum and use lots of this emoji: ::psy::
Ha! Will do.
 
JwRosenthal
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If I can add, there are a tens of thousands of these watches in circulation, new ones pop up on the market daily. The majority of what we see out there is sub-par, but with your budget there is no reason to settle for overpolished cases, damaged dials and movement issues.
You are on the right path, in the right place. Keep your eyes on the private watch sales here- watches like these pop up regularly and usually in excellent condition.
 
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