Seasons greetings everyone

Some of you may be familiar with the 1960 constellation I was lucky enough to resentment inherit. This watch is currently away having a sensitive restore (many thanks @No Mercy) and in its absence I've found myself spending way too much time exploring the wonderful world of vintage omega's.

One trend I have noticed is birth year watches, which up until now has been an expensive luxury I have been unable to consider. That was until I recently had a small windfall which I am looking to invest.

When I say invest, I'm just looking to put the money into assets that will hold their value, I'm not looking to retire early.

The following watch is currently on eBay and at first glance appears to fulfill the criteria. Birth year 1970 is spot on. I've been offered the watch for a reduced £995.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Superb-V...2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

Before I commit to an expense such as this I would appreciate fellow members advice and expertise with regards to originality and viability considering the price I have been offered.

As always, this time and expertise is greatly appreciated.

Leigh

 

A first point would be that it is an electronic watch. Wonderful it is still running and I also own some vintage electronic / quartz and hummer watches. Mechanical watches have been around a while and we know how they age, plus they can usually be repaired. Electronic watches (even more so specialist vintage electronic watches) are a different ball game and might not be best for your listed criteria.

 

Birth year watches is a funny one because everybody looks at different things. Are you looking for when the watch was made, when it was released, when it was sold?

If when made often the case and the moment would be different times(I have at least 3 gold watches which thanks to hallmarks I can date both case and movement, all are at least a year apart), so then you think when assembled? Bringing military into it helps because you can go for the issued year, but then the watch is often made a year or more earlier than the issued year.

I have both a birth year issued, as well as a birth year first catalogued Omega. Also have one that I'm pretty sure was made in '74 but I'm not paying out for the extract now it's far less attractive to own.

Btw I love hummers but the one you posted is way too high for one imo.

Also please be aware more often than not when people put a year to sell a watch, they really should put C or Circa as the are almost always guessing.

 

Thanks for your response. To be honest I had heard rumblings about the excessive running costs associated with electronic watches, more so than mechanical, so your observation makes a valid point. Should I be wishing I was older?

 

It's already quite quite difficult to find a good vintage watch in fine condition for a fair price. Adding the constraint that it should be from a particular year will just make the search even harder. If you really love watches from the 1970 era, then you will be drawn to them naturally, and eventually you will happen to buy a birth year watch.

The vast majority of vintage watches cannot be counted on to hold their value, certainly not a watch like the one you are considering, and definitely not if you overpay for it initially and consider repair and service expenses. So my suggestion would be to focus on buying a good watch that you will get pleasure from, since it is not likely to be a good investment.

 

Thanks for your considered response. I have to admit, I thought looking for a birth year watch would make the field of potential investment worthy watches somewhat smaller but in hindsight that was maybe a simplistic view to take

 

Reading all posts I would say you now need to decide if you want a vintage watch and if yes then enjoy researching and searching for one that suits you. Many things we buy are transitory and the money is gone. At least a good watch normally holds some value and with inflation many do end up worth more than was paid, but that is not a strong investment strategy. On the flip side you get pleasure and use from it. Of course you also have to factor in some service and repair costs and theft risk. If you pick a watch design with an obsolete or rare component and that fails, then it could loose its value. In that regard ref your initial question, if repair is economic or possible, by the time you replace any critical movement parts is it still then your birth year watch? Some vintage aircraft are only 10% original after so many services, repairs and replacements.
Another option could be to buy a modern watch and start your own tradition. Good luck whatever you decide.

 

If you want a watch from 1970 specifically you need to decide whether you’re talking sold in 1970, or produced (according to the extract) in 1970. These are usually different years.

As above, restricting yourself to a single year will obviously narrow your hits, but it can be done. You just need to accept it will take time to get a good example at a good price. Otherwise you can get a good example quickly but it will cost significantly more.

I’d avoid these hummers. They have their fans but I’m not one of them and their longevity concerns me (albeit from a position of relative ignorance). There are a range of excellent Omega models from 1970 however. For a few hundred quid you have the manual wind Geneves, for a couple hundred more you have nice 60’s style Seamaster autos and Devilles that were certainly still produced in 1970, up to Seamaster divers and Speedmasters for several thousand.

 

I recall that @kov had started a bunch of threads with watches from different years. It seems that the last year was 1969, but I suppose there will be a lot of overlap with 1970.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/watches-from-the-year-1969.132053/

 

Thanks Dan, time to do some more reading

 

Having taken into account members comments I think it's fair to say limiting myself to birth year merely complicates the task at hand. I think I'm hindsight, and agreement with members. I'm better finding a watch I like, within budget, that will bring me enjoyment rather than financial stability.

On that note, I particularly like dark/black faced Connie's. I prefer dress watches to divers, so can anyone offer any buying advice on what to look for with a working budget of £1k?

Thanks on advance

 

Take your time, do plenty of reading on this forum and view any black dials with extreme suspicion. The majority are redialed, however lovely watches can be found in original condition within your budget. Just perhaps not Connies.

These aren’t Constellations but I sold the top one recently on here and recently bought the bottom one, both within your budget.

Keep an eye on the ‘recommended eBay thread as well’.

Given you user name I assume your in North Yorkshire?

 

Black dial Constellations are extremely desirable and probably not in your budget unless you get lucky. Also, since they are in such demand, they are frequently re-dials. You should read this:
https://omegaforums.net/threads/bla...or-advice-you-shouldn’t-be-buying-one.133400/

To some extent, the same can be said of black Seamasters. However, with some patience and careful study, you should be able to find one. Just be aware that the majority of black dials will not be original, certainly on eBay.

 

Thanks David. The Seamaster you sold is a beautiful watch. I love the simple classic elegance of it.

I'll keep my eye out for one similar and keep my fingers crossed. I'm in York

 

Thanks for your input Dan

I feel I should apologise in advance, as I may be seeking yours and David further opinions in future

 

There’s a few of us from Yorkshire on the forum. I’m near Leeds. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice if you’re thinking of pulling the trigger on something. Just be aware a good watch at a good price usually takes time and when one pops up you may need to act fast so it pays to do your research and know what you’re looking at.

 

I am in Yorkshire and have about ten Omega watches from 1970. Seamasters mostly but no black dials.

For some reason 1969 was a very good year for Omega sales.

 

Personally I would not go with a Quartz, there are lots of good Automatic movements out there, you just need to look. If you need any help when you have found something then just let me know.

 

Here is a couple of mine from 1970 to give you an idea of what you can get. Constellation’s will be tough for £995 though if they are good ones.

 

Nice sparkler, @Robbyman ! Please consider posting it here?

Welcome, @Yo32Leigh - you're getting great advice. If I can air a prejudice, c.1970 was a time when mechanical watches were near a peak, and they'll still work one day when your grandson wears yours. I see you have been keeping tabs on "Recommended Vintage OMEGA WATCHES", and I can immediately recall three excellent Connies (but w/o black dials) roughly your date and well within your budget from just the last couple of weeks.

If it doesn't need to be Omega, then your choice really opens up...