who are the best vintage omega dealers in your opinion? I’m looking to acquire a Mark 2 and I have some trepidation of purchasing on ebay. Willing to spend extra for the real deal.

 

There are a few good, trusted dealers in most countries...and a hell of a lot of cowboys. Where are you based?

 

USA

 

USA. Its a very big place. You really narrowed it down for recommendations.

 

Pacific Northwest

 

Hi Cosmo - welcome to OF

It might be a good idea to explain why you are interested in buying from a dealer - is it only a authenticity issue?

 

mostly a trust issue, yes. perhaps you can convince me otherwise.

 

Well do you have a minute

 

yes!

 

IMHO the only thing a dealer adds to the experience of buying a vintage watch is a fat percentage. Having said that I'm an experienced buyer so can see through all the smoke, mirrors and BS that the majority employ to relieve the unwary of their watch funds.

However, when I was new to the game I first took my time to at least build up some knowledge of 1. what I want to buy and 2. an acceptable price range for said article. After that it's easy, just scour the forums/Ebay/your local internet classified listings.....where do you think the dealers get their watches from?

 

do you use chrono24?

 

I'll try to be brief:

With MK IIs, the issues you will face when finding a good one will not be fakes, but pieces with incorrect parts (ie. hands) and very worn or poorly refinished cases. Not a lot of dealers will have the knowledge to evaluate these details as it isn't a very widely marketable watch, so even though a dealer will say that everything is authentic Omega etc, you will still have to do your own verification if you want to be certain.

I would recommend reading up on the subject here on OF and then go hunting for a good one - you might end up with one from a dealer, but at least you will have made certain that you weren't taken for a ride by anyone...

 

thanks! Do you have any recs for reading material? I know to look for a sunburst pattern on the case, matching patina of indexes and hands, nicely preserved dial

 

You will also need to know how the correct hands look like and how to spot a case that has been extensively refinished - looking correct at first examination, but further study will show that a lot of metal has been removed.

https://www.google.com/search?q=spe...msung-gs-rev1&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

 

I look at this watch and the first thing that strikes me (aside from the price tag) is how the hands look brand new and have zero patina that you see on the indices. they have to be replacements?

forgot to attach link: http://www.secondtimearoundwatchco.com/watches-for-sale/a/a/11718

 

No

 

where do you look? watch recon?

 

That's a good start. Set up a search and wait.

 

I do find it interesting how I really have not been able to find anyone who specializes in Omega like Eric Ku from Ten past 10 with Rolex.
Perhaps I am not looking in the right places but when it comes to Omega I see a few online shops/guys selling things from the 50's and earlier or guys who have a LOT of stuff from the 90's - current mixed with several other brands.
I have not found that one website which you go to and drool over the overpriced (overpriced compared to regular examples) grail quality pieces like TenPast10 does when I need a Rolex fix.
I may be missing something as my Omega obsession is pretty new.

 

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/search?q=omega