Hi folks,

I've been doing a lot of reading for a few days and decided to sign up and post because everyone here seems so knowledgeable and helpful.

Here’s my situation:

I’m ready to make an investment in a vintage Seamaster, but I know based on my research and my experience with other antiques and (nerd alert) movie prop replication how fraught this kind of thing can be. I don’t think I have the wherewithal to avoid land mines on eBay (yet).

I know I’m looking for a Seamaster or close variant from the 1940s-60s. I’d like it to be in the best condition possible, and my budget is up to $2000. I know a great Seamaster can be had for a lot less, and I certainly hope to spend less, but I also want to find a special piece: a really fantastic example that I won’t tire of in a year. Something that someone who (frankly) knows a lot more than me would love to own.

This will be my first vintage watch, and I’d like to wear it and keep it for a very long time.

So, I’m happy to have any advice you can offer, and I’ll also be keeping my eye on the FS sections.

Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forum!
My advice would be: Before you think about parting with cash for a vintage watch, spend lots time reading this forum. Your goal is to learn what vintage watch collectors look for in an authentic vintage watch, as opposed to a watch that has been put together from parts (a "franken" watch) or has had the dial repainted (a "redial") or is an outright fake.

To get you started, take some time to read these threads:
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/

Don't be afraid to ask questions about watches you are interested in. And welcome to the hobby!

 

Thank you so much! I had seen a few of those threads, and I’ll read the rest right away.

There is one watch on eBay I’ve been keeping an eye on... the seller says it’s unpolished and that the dial has not been refinished: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Serviced-Vintage-Omega-Seamaster-Cal-565/323446845209Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

If only to get my bearings, is this a good example of what to look for or future disappointment wrapped in a pretty package?

 

Perhaps a better way to do it would be to post your analysis of the watch here, with pictures.
Lesson #1: Never, ever, rely on what the seller has to say.

 

Got it. I will definitely do that later (mobile at the moment). Thanks.

 

hi and welcome


as "seamaster 40's to 60's is such a huge field with a lot of variations my thougts are

1. give yourself some time to find out which exact one u want to have
2. read the threads here
3. then start hunting

i think the "regular seamaster" pro's here in the forum will support you perfectly

 

You need to figure out what kind of Seamaster you want first. There are soooo many variations.

Personally I like the cosmics.

 

No shot of the dial that has any detail is problematic and raises flags. Also so nice he notes the service warranty expires in June of 2018....

Simply put without a decent picture of the dial and lugs there is no way to tell it’s value, or originality, and polish state.

It’s gold plated BTW.

 

If you’re new, you need to avoid the mistakes of so many others and avoid the fleabay. At least for a while.

 

Yep. No eBay for me. I've seen too many others make that mistake with other antiques. I'm going to bide my time, and I'll either buy something here, through a dealer that more knowledgable friends can connect me to, or perhaps Hodinkee if the right piece surfaces.

 

with that sort of budget there's all sorts of Seamasters you can go for. Perhaps try a few on...the era you're talking about has a lot of small cased (30-33mm) variants and although the modern trend is (finally) moving away from massive watches to smaller, I doubt it'll ever go back to under 33mm for men. You need to see how the different sizes look on your wrist. You might also need to think about what kind of watch you need as an everyday "tool" watch if you're planning it to be used daily. For 2000 I'd be looking for a Seamaster Chronograph of some description....but that's me!

 

If it’s your first purchase and you want some security
I would look at buying from a specialist dealer
If the dealer is reputable it will be serviced
And come with a return period
Just be aware once you own one vintage omega
Others will follow
That’s how we all start

Best

Richard