I've been looking for a quartz Omega aqua terra for a while now and one has been listed by a private seller on chrono24 and I have no idea if it's safe to purchase.
Its listed as never before worn but I'm skeptical considering it's a private seller and it's my first watch purchase ever.
Id appreciate any guidance or if you know somewhere else I can get a quartz aqua terra 36mm with black or silver dial for up to 2000 USD in excellent condition I'd really appreciate it. https://www.chrono24.ca/watch/ONJIR4
Is there a reason that you specifically want a quartz watch instead of a mechanical watch?
I'm not a watch collector or much of an enthusiast at all so the inner workings are not too high on my list of priortires to warrant the extra price tag( I just want a nice looking everyday watch with the prestige of Omega). A black or silver dial aqua terra is the only watch I want so the quartz one would be good enough for me!
Ok, understood. There are not very many comps for this model, but $2,000 doesn't seem to be unreasonable. What you need to understand is this: when you purchase a watch from a C24 private seller, he has no legal obligation to accept a return of the watch if you're not pleased with it.
Ok, understood. There are not very many comps for this model, but $2,000 doesn't seem to be unreasonable. What you need to understand is this: when you purchase a watch from a C24 private seller, he has no legal obligation to accept a return of the watch if you're not pleased with it.
I see, thanks for the answer.
Is it far fetched to believe this watch from 2009 has never been worn? And is it possible that something may be wrong with the watch if it hasnt been maintained in so long?
Sorry for all the questions, having no legal obligation to return it is putting me off now. Even C24 wouldn't do anything to help if something were to be wrong?
As for the pictures for that specific Aqua Terra does it seem alright in your eyes ?
Is it far fetched to believe this watch from 2009 has never been worn? And is it possible that something may be wrong with the watch if it hasnt been maintained in so long?
Sorry for all the questions, having no legal obligation to return it is putting me off now. Even C24 wouldn't do anything to help if something were to be wrong?
As for the pictures for that specific Aqua Terra does it seem alright in your eyes ?
Anything is possible, but I would certainly ask more about the condition from the seller. As for whether C24 will help if there's a problem -- maybe. I can't give you any advise on whether the watch "looks" correct. I simply don't know enough information about that particular watch to give you any advise.
Anything is possible, but I would certainly ask more about the condition from the seller. As for whether C24 will help if there's a problem -- maybe. I can't give you any advise on whether the watch "looks" correct. I simply don't know enough information about that particular watch to give you any advise.
Do you think I would get more value purchasing the watch in "fair" condition for half of that price and then having a complete service done with Omega? Would the watch be in almost new condition?
I'd be skeptical about the unworn claim too.
I have had a few pieces serviced by Omega. Not cheap and can take time, but they refinish the case and generally come back like new.
Also, you will be able to depend on its water rating.
Worth considering.
Do you think I would get more value purchasing the watch in "fair" condition for half of that price and then having a complete service done with Omega? Would the watch be in almost new condition?
In the US, Omega charges $500 for a full service of a quartz watch. It will probably take 6-8 weeks, but they will restore the watch to as close to "brand new" condition as possible. They can't fix major gouges in the case, but all scratches and such will be polished out. For quartz, they replace the movement and hands, as well as installing new seals and gaskets. They'll also replace pins and collars in the bracelet. As long as the watch is in reasonable condition, you'll get a brand new watch back. They also have a 2-year warranty on their service. For a mechanical watch, I generally consider using an independent watchmaker for service, but I think it's practically a no-brainer to have Omega service their quartz watches.
Get in touch with the seller and ask any lingering questions you may have. See if this is a responsive seller and seem honest in their communications. Buying the seller is extremely important pretty much across any marketplace for watches.
I think nearly 2000€ is a lot for a quartz. Omega or not. Start with a watch in the 200-500€ range if it’s your first watch.
I think this is worth emphasizing. This watch may get listed routinely for 2k, but it is not worth that much—not even close. I wouldn’t want to pay a penny more than half that for a 36mm quartz Omega. If you buy this and then try to resell it, you will quickly see what I mean.
I’d urge you—strongly—to find a mechanical one. It won’t cost much more, if anything at all. I’d think you’d be able to find a decent one for the same price or even less, and it will retain value far better.
In the US, Omega charges $500 for a full service of a quartz watch. It will probably take 6-8 weeks, but they will restore the watch to as close to "brand new" condition as possible. They can't fix major gouges in the case, but all scratches and such will be polished out. For quartz, they replace the movement and hands, as well as installing new seals and gaskets. They'll also replace pins and collars in the bracelet. As long as the watch is in reasonable condition, you'll get a brand new watch back. They also have a 2-year warranty on their service. For a mechanical watch, I generally consider using an independent watchmaker for service, but I think it's practically a no-brainer to have Omega service their quartz watches.
Thanks for the answer. Would something like this be something the servicing would fully restore or are these dings too deep to be fully restored? Im not sure how to tell exactly.
I think nearly 2000€ is a lot for a quartz. Omega or not. Start with a watch in the 200-500€ range if it’s your first watch.
I tend to agree. Why spend so much money on a quartz watch? I guess it's all relative, but I don't see Omega as that prestigious. Nobody will notice you wearing it. You can get a nice watch for under $1k to get you started.
That AT is quite ‘classic’ looks wise.
I would echo what others say about not dropping 2k on this just for the prestige factor. But you are asking on a watch forum, so opinions come from those who generally favor mechanical watches and attach value to the movement as well.
I’m sure there are plenty who may pay that amount for the looks and brand… I just wouldn’t
- Many watch nerds have a bias against quartz movements, and you're likely to find quite a few folks on this forum that don't think much of them. But that's just their opinion. I, for example, think quartz movements are great. (To be fair, I think all kinds of watches are cool, from Apple Watches - I own three - to pocket watches, which I also own and occasionally "wear.") They're considerably more accurate than mechanical, much less fussy to wear (no need to wind or worry about power reserve), and, as OP noted, significantly less expensive to purchase and to maintain.
- $2000 is pretty much spot on for that watch; it's not overpriced. A quick search of eBay shows that the average selling price of the last ten 39mm (like the watch in question) quartz Aqua Terras sold on that platform was $1956. Note, though, that the lowest sold price among those ten was $1598, so it is possible to find one for quite a bit less. Note 2, though, that the lower prices are often from Japanese sellers, so US purchasers would likely pay additional tariffs.
- Chrono24 does have some buyer protection if the seller agrees to use the escrow service. That's optional, though, and from reports that I've seen, is pretty limited. It will protect you if the watch is never delivered, but not much else. Having said that, I've purchased several watches from private sellers on Chrono24 and have had absolutely no problems. In fact, the only watch purchase I've made that was the least bit problematic was from a private seller on this forum, notwithstanding that many members will tell you it's the safest option. In my opinion the safest place to purchase, honestly, is probably eBay. That may sound strange, but eBay is very protective of buyers and will almost always side with the buyer in the case of any dispute. Of course, regardless of the platform, if you purchase with a credit card in the US, you also have the option of disputing any charges with your card issuer.
- If the first generation Aqua Terra is the watch of choice, it will probably be difficult to find one in truly brand new condition; that's a ~15 year old watch. But honestly, worrying about that is probably a fool's errand anyway. Even were you to find such a watch, you're presumably going to wear it, and that will inevitably lead to scratches and dings. Acquiring a watch with a few existing signs of wear can even be liberating since there's no need to worry about marring its pristine condition.
Thanks for the answer. Would something like this be something the servicing would fully restore or are these dings too deep to be fully restored? Im not sure how to tell exactly.
Thank you.
Looks to me like the watch has already been polished to minimize existing dings. The polishing all by itself makes it a turn off to me. I would rather have a well used watch with the original crisp lines of the case still intact, vs a case thats been heavily polished and the edges softened.
Just to be clear, I have no bias against quartz watches and have owned many over the years, including one or two from Omega. Great pieces.
I do have a bias against overpaying for things and am just trying to help the op avoid what could be a costly mistake.
Sold prices are indeed useful, and I was basing my initial skepticism about pricing on his “36mm” remark.
But another way to gauge pricing is to see what a major preowned dealer would offer a seller for the watch. (Say, Joma or SwissWatchExpo.) In my experience trying to sell an Omega quartz watch—even offering it to a major dealer that has many of them listed for sale!—few dealers will even make an offer, and the ones that do will lowball like crazy. You might get offered $800 for that Aqua Terra in pristine condition with box and papers.
eBay and C24 might do better, but then you’re dealing with fees and scammers and tire kickers who back out or try to return.
Anyway, some thread drift here. It’s a beautiful watch, quartz is lovely—just don’t overpay. You’re unlikely ever to recoup what you’ve paid, and that’s less of a concern with a mechanical piece. And don’t believe yourself if you’re thinking “well, it doesn’t matter because this is the watch I really want, and I’m never going to sell it.” This forum is entirely comprised of people who have said that over and over again and just look at us now.
The watch pictured is nice. But I would not pay more than $1200, as it has been worn, polished, and refinished a bit it looks like.
I might look for different things than the OP, but I'd prefer one of the vintage Constellations or Seamasters in the private seller forum. With a budget of $2k, you have some really nice options.
