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Buying Vintage Seamaster -Need Advice

mychel53
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I’m on a hunt for an Omega Seamaster 14k or 18k for my husband birthday. Unfortunately, his watch collection was stolen several years ago. I’ve been reading and looking at photos to educate myself Before I buy. This forum has been great.
Here’s one I’ve been considering.
Dealer says its 18k, new crystal. Claims dial is original.
It was just cleaned and that dealer doesn’t want to open it again. He says it’s difficult and only his watchmaker can do it. Too buy or not? t
Thanks
C1EB8610-23A0-467B-8378-95398B66C2AE.png
 
C83E0757-2C51-4909-8387-A8D6203DBAD2.png
omegastar
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N°1 :
Swiss case, there are 2 hallmarks under the lugs. Better than N°2 which has an American case and is 14k.
Dial looks refinished.
N°2 :
Has a nice original dial with cross hair.
How much does the dealer ask ? He is right in saying those watches are difficult to open.
 
Dan S
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I'm not seeing any obvious concerns based on those photos. Whether to buy depends on price.
 
mychel53
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Dan S Dan S
I'm not seeing any obvious concerns based on those photos. Whether to buy depends on price.
The one with the black strap is $2100. Located in Europe. The other one is $1500 but it may have sold already.
 
mychel53
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omegastar omegastar
N°1 :
Swiss case, there are 2 hallmarks under the lugs. Better than N°2 which has an American case and is 14k.
Dial looks refinished.
N°2 :
Has a nice original dial with cross hair.
How much does the dealer ask ? He is right in saying those watches are difficult to open.
Dial looks refinished on the first one with the black strap? What’s the different between an American case and European case? If the dial is refinished does that mean I shouldn’t buy it? Thanks
 
Dan S
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mychel53 mychel53
Dial looks refinished on the first one with the black strap? What’s the different between an American case and European case? If the dial is refinished does that mean I shouldn’t buy it? Thanks

If the dial is refinished (and I'm not sure I agree in this case), then probably you shouldn't buy it. Collectors avoid watches with refinished dials. It would be good if a few more people gave their opinions on that first watch. The photo looks small, but if you click on it, the photo opens in a new window and can be viewed in higher resolution.

Omega watches entirely made in Switzerland are a bit more desirable than watches that were shipped as loose movements and cased locally in various countries (this was done to save on tariffs or duties). The automatic movements imported into the US often had fewer jewels for the same reason. US-cased watches were also often 14K instead of 18K.

I will insert a better version of your first photo here to make it easier for people to view and hopefully give opinions. If you happen to have more photos of the dial, e.g. from a straight on view, please post them.

C83E0757-2C51-4909-8387-A8D6203DBAD2.png
Edited:
 
mychel53
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Dan S Dan S
If the dial is refinished (and I'm not sure I agree in this case), then probably you shouldn't buy it. Collectors avoid watches with refinished dials. It would be good if a few more people gave their opinions on that first watch. The photo looks small, but if you click on it, the photo opens in a new window and can be viewed in higher resolution.

Omega watches entirely made in Switzerland are a bit more desirable than watches that were shipped as loose movements and cased locally in various countries (this was done to save on tariffs or duties). The automatic movements imported into the US often had fewer jewels for the same reason. US-cased watches were also often 14K instead of 18K.

I will insert a better version of your first photo here to make it easier for people to view and hopefully give opinions. If you happen to have more photos of the dial, e.g. from a straight on view, please post them.

C83E0757-2C51-4909-8387-A8D6203DBAD2.png
 
CE413D73-71AD-4059-839B-71ED995533D9.png 1EB19D8C-5E2C-4ED0-9E57-75A14F53AE12.png 829C5D34-5795-41AF-BBC3-20F923C6D368.png A6478D65-3B19-41BE-9CBF-4EB0155AEDBC.png C67949BA-E857-4F56-AEAF-935F557AB4EA.png
mychel53
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The dealer says the dial is looks original but that he doesn’t know what the history of the watch. His watchmaker did not touch the dial.
Thanks for your help. There are so many watches to look at - it’s confusing. Having the original box would of course be nice but I know they are scarce.
 
mychel53
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Hi,
I’m also wondering why some Seamaster vintage watches have a sold back rather than the seahorse? Is it based on model and jewels? Do watches with the seahorse sell for more? Thanks.
 
Sherbie
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Great intentions to buy a watch for your hubby, by the way

I would also look at stainless steel Omega watches - these are more versatile, normally cheaper, and can be worn on many more occasions than would a 18K solid gold dress watch, which is quite limited IMO
 
Dan S
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mychel53 mychel53
Hi,
I’m also wondering why some Seamaster vintage watches have a sold back rather than the seahorse? Is it based on model and jewels? Do watches with the seahorse sell for more? Thanks.

Well, I suppose that people like those hippocampus case-backs all things being equal. But there are so many different variations and a lot of subtleties, I wouldn't over-think it. Condition is most important. So if you can find one that you like, and it's in good condition, everything else is secondary.
 
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