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Complete newbie, but I want a Seamaster 600

tomkenmag
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Davidt Davidt
Don't worry about the crystal. Scratches can be polished out and even if it's cracked, a new one is about 40 quid.

Definitely focus on a scratch free dial, but also avoid redials.

Personally i do look at scratches on the case but even more I look at the extent of the polishing. Consider that when new an omega case had lovely clean lines, sharp edges (for the most part) and clear distinctions between brushed and polished surfaces. When a watch is polished and over polished it loses these and can end up looking like a melted candle.
Sorry for hijacking this thread with newbie questions (although relevant). Where does one find a new glass for vintage watch? Is that something that a watch maker can figure out? How does it affect the price of the watch? Even better, is there a post that explains this?
 
timecube
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tomkenmag tomkenmag
Sorry for hijacking this thread with newbie questions (although relevant). Where does one find a new glass for vintage watch? Is that something that a watch maker can figure out? How does it affect the price of the watch? Even better, is there a post that explains this?
Yes, finding a new glass is VERY MUCH what watch-makers are there for.
They may have difficulty if your watch is very old (or very obscure) - but if you're taking on a "project" watch for your first vintage, you're likely to see challenges wherever you go.

Having a correct, signed crystal usually affords a small premium over a correct generic.
An incorrect generic (like can be found from a somewhat less-than-qualified watch-maker
(like the one who serviced my stepdad's watch)) is a bad idea for many reasons.

If you are looking to keep your watch and wear it: the options are polishing or replacement at your preference. You probably won't be reducing its value too terribly. Unless the scratches are very deep, you'd be astonished at how much improvement can be made with a little cleanup.

If you're looking to sell, and it's a badly scratched original glass, DON'T polish and DON'T replace.
Doing so will likely reduce its sales value.

If you're looking to sell a watch with a generic crystal, you're probably better off leaving it alone anyway- almost anything you change is not going to improve and may well harm its value. OTOH polishing the crap out of the case will reduce its value but may catch the eye of some fool buyer who doesn't know any better.
Edited:
 
Shabbaz
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For me in the Netherlands the diferrence between a genuine omega plexi (EUR 80) and a generic (EUR 15) is EUR 65. Valuewise it does'nt matter because 99,9% of the people dont know the difference between the two.
 
Archer
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Shabbaz Shabbaz
For me in the Netherlands the diferrence between a genuine omega plexi (EUR 80) and a generic (EUR 15) is EUR 65. Valuewise it does'nt matter because 99,9% of the people dont know the difference between the two.

There are also functional differences. Omega crystals with tension rings are different than most generics, so a genuine crystal is the better option.
 
thelinendial
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The crystal is actually plexi glass which the poly paste with friction heat will fill in as discussed in this thread here with some nice before and after pictures by @Archer (professional watch maker quality).

I found this video good to see the results and have buffed a a plexi crystal myself with great results. * The videos don't because it looks cooler, but strongly recommend taping off the steel of your watch with painters tape before polishing.

 
V
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OK, everyone - I have been contacted by a local seller that has a "similar" watch to offer, this time the price 900USD instead.
I know you're going to say this is still over priced, but it does look like it's in great shape (from what I can see on the pictures). Any input here would be much appreciated!
IMG_4508.jpg IMG_4514.jpg IMG_4515.jpg IMG_4516.jpg
 
Davidt
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You've already said it.

It's in good shape but way overpriced.
 
ConElPueblo
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Are you also considering non-Genève Seamaster 600s? In that case the world is your oyster.
 
Dan S
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ConElPueblo ConElPueblo
Are you also considering non-Genève Seamaster 600s? In that case the world is your oyster.

Not if he's only looking at local sellers. That could make things a little harder, especially these days.
 
OMEGuy
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Looking at the "600", the "SWISS MADE", the "er" in "Seamaster" and the minute track, I believe it's a redial. A good one.

img_4514-jpg.960352
Edited:
 
Shabbaz
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It would be very hard for me to belief that's a redial. The spacing between the swiss made I saw before I think on a 600. The rest seems ok to me.

If I would buy just one watch like the OP seems to want I would'nt really bother paying a couple of hundred more for a good example. In the past I did it as well (sometimes) and I did'nt regret it...
 
Screenshot_20200404-071614_Gallery.jpg
OMEGuy
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Shabbaz Shabbaz
I assume you're trying to say the spacing in swiss made on this one is smaller?

But I had this one in the past. With t's but spacing is also wide. I did not do a internet check but it would'nt surprise me if you would find more of these swiss made's.

Zoom into the picture of the OPs watch.

You'll find the "e" touches the "r" in "Seamaster".

Compare the lines of the minute tracks.

And then look at the "600".

Finally, have a look at the "SWISS MADE" as well.
 
V
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Dan S Dan S
Not if he's only looking at local sellers. That could make things a little harder, especially these days.


Don't mind buying internationally, just find it hard to find good examples of the seamaster 600 but I guess I have to have some patience
 
V
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ConElPueblo ConElPueblo
Are you also considering non-Genève Seamaster 600s? In that case the world is your oyster.
Sure, regular seamaster 600 is fine too! As long as the dial is in excellent condition.

Vol
 
Shabbaz
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OMEGuy OMEGuy
Zoom into the picture of the OPs watch.

You'll find the "e" touches the "r" in "Seamaster".

Compare the lines of the minute tracks.

And then look at the "600".

Finally, have a look at the "SWISS MADE" as well.
Well. Now you've forced me to do a internet search...😡
 
Screenshot_20200404-094336_Chrome.jpg
OMEGuy
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Shabbaz Shabbaz
Well. Now you've forced me to do a internet search...😡
Sorry, I didn't want to bother you. I wanted to discuss about a watch. 🙁

Your example looks like a redial as well (don't name the seller).
 
VetPsychWars
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V Volatyle
I don't think I'll become a collector or so, I just really love the Seamaster 600.

There is a radio talk host named Bruce Williams who is famous for multiple things including good fiscal advice.

He said, don't fall in love with anything that can't love you back.

That your dad had a Seanaster 600 is significant. However, you'll never match it... and it will never be your dad's watch.

So let that go.

For your first Omega? Buy a new one. Or a recent one. Take a look at the DeVille Prestige line.

Don't go chasing vintage at first unless you buy on this forum, because the sellers here (the private ones) generally sell good watches for a decent price.

You can't buy a memory, so stop trying. (I learned that the hard way.)

Tom
 
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