Buying advice for a Seamaster

STANDY

Welcome Adam

Linen dial front loader, looks OK

price ?

Davidt

What do you think of it? Have you done any research?

Prices vary by location. For instance they are slightly higher in the UK. I'd say around £400 max, but ideally more like £300. Don't forget there will likely be auction fees to take into account.

T Thaman

Unfornetly there is no pictures from the inside but accordingly to the seller the watch does work with a good time reserve.

Edward53

You won't see internal pictures because this is a monocoque (= front loader) case that is not easy for a non-specialist to get into, so that's not a sign they're trying to hide anything. Externally the case and dial appear in excellent original condition, which is a strong indicator that the watch has been well cared-for so that the movement is probably also in good shape. As stated above, allow for auction fees of anything up to 25% plus around £150-200 for a service.

This watch is as nice an example of a gold cap linen dial De Ville as you are likely to find. They are not common in this condition. Personally I would be prepared to go that extra mile to secure it.

STANDY

Always better to overpay for something in good condition, the overpay will catch up in a few years.
See so many newbies buying something mediocre to save money or to fit a budget in their head.
If you like it buy, don’t think £400 max quoted above would be where I would stop for a nice piece like above ( maybe a bit over but not a lot over )

DaveK

I’ve bought just two things at auction, perhaps your level of experience is similar.

The first lot, two pocket watches, arrived in a box, both together in one ziplock bag with a scrap of bubble wrap tossed into the box. That’s it. The watches survived, but I was insulted. I asked for my shipping fee returned, and the auction house countered with the option to return both watches for a full refund.

The next lot, a week later (My dad was in the hospital, and I was distracting myself with retail therapy) arrived from another auction house. These were expertly, almost lovingly packaged. But... and I wasn’t home when the package was delivered, my wife told me the story. The letter carrier said, “wow, I’d love to see what’s in this box”. The box was very clearly labeled “lot of Antique pocket watches”. Labelling that isn’t great for avoiding theft or domestic arguments.

All that to say, please grab a coffee and read this thread before your auction closes.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/best-packing-and-shipping-practices.94229/

Jonathan40

Good look securing it, I think you’ve had a great insight from some experienced members whom have passed judgement and given the green light to proceed at a price limit.
Looks fantastic but I know nothing of vintage speedmaster’s
Let us know how you get on.

Jonathan40

Good look securing it, I think you’ve had a great insight from some experienced members whom have passed judgement and given the green light to proceed at a price limit.
Looks fantastic but I know nothing of vintage speedmaster’s
Let us know how you get on.