Black Dial Dress Watch - End Of The Story

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I am considering buying a black dial, stainless steel, vintage dress watch to wear once or twice a year with a tuxedo. I am new to the Forum, to Omega and to watch wear in general. I read the "How to Fish" thread and have been watching the Seamasters come and go on eBay for a few months. I recently saw a black dial Geneve come up on eBay. (see photos below). Here are my thoughts. I would like to learn what more experienced members think.

1- I am looking at this as a nice watch to have and use a couple times a year, not as an investment.
2- The listing says the watch has been serviced within the past month, the case has been cleaned and the dial "restored."
3- From what I learned on How to Fish, while the case has been polished, the edges and lugs still appear fairly crisp.
4- A shiny black dial on an old watch is almost certainly a redial. The listing clearly states that it is, which means the seller is not trying to pull a fast one. (Also, the lettering of the word "Omega" seems a bit thick and all the second lines don't line up perfectly with the hour markers.)
5- Still, the simple black dial without a date and with minimal lettering and simple markers appeals to me.
6- Geneve is apparently a more entry level watch than DeVille or Seamaster. That's ok with me. it's still an Omega.
7- I like the fact that it is manual wind. This makes the case thinner so it will fit under my tux shirt more easily. Also, I find the raised back on my dad's vintage, automatic 1950's Omega (see photo 4) rather uncomfortable against my wrist. I think the flat back of the manual wind watch will probably be more comfortable.
8- From what I understand a 601 movement is dependable and desirable, assuming the movement looks OK to you folks.
9- While the seller is from South Korea and has multiple items up for auction, all of which have goofy looking dials, they have a long history on eBay and 100% positive reviews.

So ... while not something any of the true collectors on the Forum would be interested in, if the price is right I could have a tasteful Omega dress watch to wear a couple times a year. What do folks think?

 
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I think it all comes down to your preferences. I, like many, will never touch these redials that come out of Korea.
 
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I agree with everything you wrote. It's not a watch for me, but it sounds like you know what you'd be getting.
 
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For what it’s worth I wouldn’t consider these later Geneves dress watches. More everyday watches.

A true Omega dress watch would be a Constellation, an early 50’s Geneve or some Seamaster references
 
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you could get a recent De Ville for a good budget. and at least she would be intact
 
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If you want it to run with any semblance of accuracy, I'd get it serviced and factor that into your budget.

Personally, I don't spend more than $500 on a fashion piece.
 
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Easy to understand why you like that watch. I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with purchasing a redialed watch if you know what you are doing. However, these are almost always way overpriced so that's something to keep in mind.
 
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As long as you know what you’re getting — and it sounds like you’ve done your research — there’s nothing wrong with buying what you like/speaks to you. I’d factor in the cost of a service, as others have said, when deciding if the price is really worth it. Congratulations on doing your homework and knowing what you’re looking for.
 
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I bought a redialed Omega from a member on this forum for similar reasons as you except I don’t wear a tux with it. I didn’t buy it for investment reasons or anything other than having a ranchero case really. I like that I can throw it on for a casual or business casual day at work. Runs well and comfortable. As long as your happy with the finish of the redial is all that matters.

 
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Thanks everyone for your advice. The problem is that, as has been stated other places on the Forum, "real" black dial Omega dress watches are few and far between. I agree that the South Korea redials (and there are tons of them) sell for way more than I would consider paying. Connieseamaster suggested $500 as a maximum price. I think even that is too much.

If I decide to skip the black dial part I will wear my dad's early 1950's automatic which is currently off in Switzerland being brought back to life by Omega. While it lacks a black dial (although parts of it are heading in that direction! LOL) it has great sentimental value for me.




The other option, I suppose, would be to buy this black dial watch I saw on eBay the other day, but it's not an Omega so I don't know if it's any good.



Joking aside, the bottom line is that, because it is a redial, I kind of look at this purchase more as a step up from a black dial Walmart watch, not an investment by any means. If I can get it for $200, fine. If it ends up going for more than that it won't break my heart.

Thanks again to everyone who participated in this thread!
 
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Last Omega I bought was in 2018 for $250, a ladies Geneve Dynamic. I have good examples of all of the Omegas I care to own, so I haven't felt the need to buy any since.

That being said, a fashion piece, for me, is one that I buy for looks only - without regard to anything but cosmetic condition and whether it will run reliability (most vintage watches don't fall into that category anyway 😁)
 
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D DocJ
Thanks everyone for your advice. The problem is that, as has been stated other places on the Forum, "real" black dial Omega dress watches are few and far between. I agree that the South Korea redials (and there are tons of them) sell for way more than I would consider paying. Connieseamaster suggested $500 as a maximum price. I think even that is too much.

If I decide to skip the black dial part I will wear my dad's early 1950's automatic which is currently off in Switzerland being brought back to life by Omega. While it lacks a black dial (although parts of it are heading in that direction! LOL) it has great sentimental value for me.




The other option, I suppose, would be to buy this black dial watch I saw on eBay the other day, but it's not an Omega so I don't know if it's any good.



Joking aside, the bottom line is that, because it is a redial, I kind of look at this purchase more as a step up from a black dial Walmart watch, not an investment by any means. If I can get it for $200, fine. If it ends up going for more than that it won't break my heart.

Thanks again to everyone who participated in this thread!
Have you considered other brands from the same era with black dials?
 
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Indeed. There are some (IMO) criminally underpriced Bulova microrotors with black dials out there. Automatic watch, but not much thicker than a manual caseback.
 
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@DocJ

I commend your thoughtful analysis and vision of your needs and thoroughness of your research.

Run a few by us for help on the esthetics, if you wish, but it seems you have a clear idea of what you want.

I wouldn't sweat the $$$, if you are only planning to wear a time or two on very special occasions every year.....I would want a very nice example you would look forward to wearing.
 
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How about Constellation?


If you want to part with them for the budget of a redialed Genève please count me in. 😁