Hi All, Let me apologize right off the bat if this should be part of a sub-thread. This is my first time posting and I apologize if I posted in the wrong location. I am hoping you can help me out. This is my first time purchasing a vintage watch and I was hoping you could let me know if I found a steal or should count this as part of the learning curve of buying vintage watches. Additionally, I read some negative reviews about Antiquorum and it is making me nervous that the description does not match what I purchased. The watch: OMEGA REF. 135020 SEAMASTER DE VILLE YELLOW GOLD Omega, "Seamaster De Ville" movement No. 2200883, Ref. 135020. Made in the 1960s. Fine, water resistant, center seconds, 14K yellow gold wristwatch. See link below: http://mycatalog.antiquorum.com/catalog.html?action=load&lotid=244&auctionid=279 The estimated range was $1,200 - $2,200 and I got it for $813 ($650 + 25% premium). I don't plan to resell it, but I want to at least learn from the experience. Any insight you could provide would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Hi Bryce, nice to see you here. It looks like a generally good watch with the exception of a strap that was too large squeezed in between the lugs. AQ's description was wrong in only one aspect - that should be powered by a caliber 601, not an 801. Might have been a typo, might have been a mistake. Anyway, the watch might not be in stellar condition and I'd like to see the inside and outside of the case back plus a movement shot, but I'd call $813 for a solid gold SMDV like that a win.
This was my favourite item from the sale: http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/lot-279-249?brand_facet=Omega&page=2 Wonder which lucky gent picked that one up, nice crooked Omega logo and all
The dial looks original. The case is decent. Serial no corresponds with year production 1965 which fits description. No gold hallmark picture, but I guess Antiquorum would check on that basic, so you shouldn't be too worried. Movement condition is probably the biggest gamble here since no picture to assess. Assume it is fine , I think you do well on that price......
Watch looks all correct to me from the front (which is all they show you). The movement it likely a cal. 601, not "801" as listed. Shows you how much care AQ puts in their auction descriptions. Price is reasonable at $650 for a solid 14K Omega. Add in the buyers' premium and it's a bit on the high side, but not ridiculous. Hope this helps, gatorcpa EDIT - Here is the closes comparible I can find. These watches are uncommon in manual wind versions: http://www.ebay.com/itm/14k-Omega-S...ue&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557#ht_360wt_1133Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Here it is: http://mycatalog.antiquorum.com/catalog.html?action=load&lotid=249&auctionid=279 $1,875 for a dog with fleas. And people want to know why I don't look at these auctions? Something is very wrong here... gatorcpa
AQ didn't bother pointing out the dial... may not be 100% mint and original even though anyone with a ruler can tell by looking at it
Well regardless of all this - it appears the majority of Omegas hit the valuation. Not that it means much, but at least we are not seeing the typical pattern of previous years with the estimated value rarely being met.
Thank you all for your insight. I feel a lot more knowledgeable and less nervous now. When I receive the actual watch I will take some pictures and let you see how it looks on the inside. Thanks again!