Newbie here. God save me. I'm coming to watches from vintage bamboo fly rods--as if I need another expensive vice. I've been into bamboo for over 30 years. A lot of the issues that relate to vintage watches seem (from my lurking) to apply to vintage bamboo rods--how there are so many ways originality is compromised over time--and how in many instances it was part of the routine maintenance--. Rods often have the varnish touched up, wraps replaced, and sometimes the entire rod stripped, rewrapped, and revarnished--sometimes by the original maker, sometimes by others. Rods made in the 50s and restored in the 70s or 80s and fished since then can be hard to distinguish from originals, especially when original wraps and guides were saved--but it can be done with a lot of experience. That's what scares me a little about watches--it takes the same painstaking time to learn all this stuff. The difference between watches and bamboo fly rods is the market: fiy fishermen who use bamboo are a dying demographic. Not a big resale market right now--and prices have been flat, even declining, over the past 20 years. Watches? Well, you know that story.... Right now, I'm tip-toeing in, looking at Seamasters and Constellations from the 1960s, and trying to learn the nuanced art of detecting redials. Some seem to be done awfully well--. So we will see how this plays out. mm
Welcome to the forum! You're doomed, of course. Vintage watch collecting is quite addicting. I've seen the same disease in those who collect fishing lures. But, as with any hobby, much of the fun can be found in the research and the history of watches as well as the hunt for whatever tickles your fancy. Before you part with any cash for a vintage watch, take some time to read these threads before buying anything: https://omegaforums.net/threads/for-the-new-members-read.23288/ https://omegaforums.net/threads/condition-condition-condition-and-other-pieces-of-advice.1716/ https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/ https://omegaforums.net/threads/horology-101-understanding-your-watch.76731/ https://omegaforums.net/threads/hor...luential-automatic-wristwatch-calibers.76549/ https://omegaforums.net/threads/basic-watchmaking-tips-oiling-part-1.62310/ Then take some time to review this thread to see what other collectors collect: https://omegaforums.net/threads/wruw-today.567/ Buy a book or three. And don't be afraid to ask questions about watches you are interested in!
Yes, run away, run away--those were my wife's very words. I appreciate all those links, thanks--many caveats feel familiar. As in the watch world, in the bamboo world we face trepidation when buying on eBay and from unknown sellers--and tend to 'buy the dealer'. Dealers, especially those with reputations built with time, typically offer a three-day return privilege too--. Is there a page somewhere that lists vintage watch dealers? As a starting point? Also--regarding books--any suggestions? Many thanks, mm
A few threads on this topic: https://omegaforums.net/threads/watch-books.13606/ https://omegaforums.net/threads/how-to-build-a-watch-book-collection.24335/ https://omegaforums.net/threads/watch-reference-books.22161/ https://omegaforums.net/threads/literature-on-watches.63826/
Constellations you say? Got to take an obligate look here: http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com/ Welcome, by the way
Oh, thanks for the links, and the....envy. Just what I need today! Two questions about your Constellation, Tiny: 1) Several Constellations I've seen are stamped "Automatic / Chronometer" but lack the "Officially Certified" stamping. What would this indicate? If they are different, how so? And 2) I've also seen a number of Constellations where the hands seem somewhat oxidized, which looks a little odd against a pristine dial. Am I missing something? Many thanks, I think I am in trouble though--I showed my wife a Constellation, and she said "Oh, is that for me?" mm
Welcome to the rabbit hole @Muddlerminnow. The ‘missing text’ was a bit of an experiment by Omega within a certain time frame from the late 50s to the early 60s and generally on a particular case style. 14381/14393 However it did creep onto other references produced at the time too, like the dogleg cases. There was no difference in the quality of the movements. Likewise, for some reason hands on some references suffer corrosion while the dials remain pristine. 14381
Thanks, Peemacgee--superhelpful annotations. I'm a little worried this rabbit hole is more of a rabbit....warren. Many thanks again, mm
There are many references of Constellations. You may also like to read this https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-constellations-show-and-tell.19186/ Members Constellations.
Good Lord, that thread is absolutely dizzying! And very useful as a reference--thanks! I need to poke around more... mm