Considering purchasing this as gift. Any red flags? Thank you.

tbarrows112 · Sep 13, 2020

Good morning everyone

I am by no means a watch expert, simply somebody that appreciates a nice watch when I see one. I've been looking for a vintage Omega for some time to purchase as a gift to a relative but never found the right one.

I recently saw one I like aesthetically and would really appreciate if you could give these images a quick look over to see if anything looks out of place/redialed/unoriginal. I wouldn't want to make a mistake purely because I didn't know what to look for, so wanted to ask for some advice.

I've found the following details from the vendor:
Cal. 265
Made between 1950-1952.
Original dial with nice preserved patina.
80 microns gold plated case and back.
Breguet hairspring.

Many thanks in advance for your time.

Fubar · Sep 13, 2020

Nice watch with plenty of service history inscribed on case back.

Davidt · Sep 13, 2020

A bit too much ageing on the dial for my liking.

If you're going to buy from a dealer I'd prefer to make them work for their money and source watches in very good condition.

TimeODanaos · Sep 13, 2020

tbarrows112
I am by no means a watch expert, simply somebody that appreciates a nice watch when I see one. I've been looking for a vintage Omega for some time to purchase as a gift to a relative but never found the right one.

I recently saw one I like aesthetically...

Will your relative appreciate the patina? I can see why you like it! But it's a very individual matter of taste, so try to be sure on that aspect. Good luck with a very nice idea (hope my rellies are reading this).

Spruce · Sep 13, 2020

Like @Davidt, I’m not a big fan of patina/aging dials, but quite a few OF members don’t mind it and some positively like it.

So, the movement and case look good. The crown and hands look okay to me, although I’m no expert on these old handwinders, and if the price is okay and your relative will like it - then go for it.

tbarrows112 · Sep 13, 2020

Spruce
Like @Davidt, I’m not a big fan of patina/aging dials, but quite a few OF members don’t mind it and some positively like it.

So, the movement and case look good. The crown and hands look okay to me, although I’m no expert on these old handwinders, and if the price is okay and your relative will like it - then go for it.

Thank you for your feedback. I did just notice that the crown isn't stamped - does this look like it has been replaced? I know the watch is dated back to the 1950's so I'm not even sure if they did stamp then this early on?

Many Thanks,

Sam

janice&fred · Sep 13, 2020

The crown looks ok to me. I'm not one to really fuss over crowns all that much since they are considered a replaceable item when servicing and if they look consistent with the watch then I'm happy. The dial should be your interest. I love nice honest patina but you gotta figure out if the person getting the gift feels the same.

Davidt · Sep 13, 2020

I also think patina depends on the type of watch in question.

If I'm looking at a vintage diver or sport/casual time only, a nicely developed patina can add chartacter.

On a solid gold dress watch which is meant to be worn for Sunday best, I'd want a dial in good condition or at the very least an even patina. This just looks like tobacco stains to me.

Winston_Smith · Sep 13, 2020

I'd be really happy to receive such gift from a relative tbh just wondering if this beaut from earlily 50s is expected to bear "swiss made" sign on the dial?

tbarrows112 · Sep 13, 2020

Winston_Smith
I'd be really happy to receive such gift from a relative tbh just wondering if this beaut from earlily 50s is expected to bear "swiss made" sign on the dial?

It does say SWISS MADE along the bottom, but I think the domed acrylic makes it hard to read! Thank you for the comments, I personally love patina and believe my relative would too.

Larry S · Sep 13, 2020

Nice piece. Were this case 18k, the dial would put me off, but gold capped, it’s ok. Bigger concern...Vintage watches require a higher standard of care. Is your relative aware of this? Otherwise this is a waste of time and money.

Davidt · Sep 13, 2020

Apologies, I got mixed up with another thread and thought this was solid gold. I agree if the OP watch is plated and so you aren't paying the gold price, the dial condition is less critical.

That said, from a dealer I'd still want better quality. That's what they're there for.

tbarrows112 · Sep 13, 2020

Davidt
Apologies, I got mixed up with another thread and thought this was solid gold. I agree if the OP watch is plated and so you aren't paying the gold price, the dial condition is less critical.

That said, from a dealer I'd still want better quality. That's what they're there for.

Thank you for your comment. I'm one of the ones who actually likes the patina look and something a bit aged - but I completely get that condition is what most people look form.

amcclell · Sep 13, 2020

I have mostly vintage watches in my collection. some are pristine and some have patina. I can say the same thing about my fountain pen collection as well as the furniture in my home.

Many collectors value untouched cases and clean dials but with a watch that is 70 years old you will pay a very hefty premium for one of these rarities in a highly sought brand. I agree that patina is a matter of taste but if the person appreciates quality and doesn't mind a vintage watch that looks its age, this is a lovely example with a classic, workhorse movement.

Rudi99 · Sep 13, 2020

I am also only starting in the vintage thing, but I gotta say I find this watch really nice.

Like other members, I don't mind even patina at all and I find this particular combination with the gold capped case and the reddish leather strap very charming.

I personally would very much like receiving this watch for a gift and wearing it. Cheers.

Dan S · Sep 13, 2020

I have only given one vintage watch as a gift (not including my wife), and I was quite nervous about maintenance issues and robustness. I obviously had it serviced, but then also tested it carefully for a couple of weeks to make sure it was running well and easy to use. I decided to buy a water-resistant vintage watch, and had the seals replaced so that it was reasonably water-resistant in practice.

A very old watch like the OP example not only will need service at regular intervals, but is rather delicate in some ways. Fortunately, it is shock protected, but it is still best to handle it carefully when winding and setting, and it can't tolerate any exposure to water. So aside from the aesthetics of the patinated dial, you need to be sure that the person receiving the watch will be ok with the other aspects of owning an old watch.

Considering purchasing this as gift. Any red flags? Thank you.

tbarrows112

Fubar

Davidt

TimeODanaos

Spruce

tbarrows112

janice&fred

Davidt

Winston_Smith

tbarrows112

Larry S

Davidt

tbarrows112

amcclell

Rudi99

Dan S

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