First Omega condition

Gridis · Fri. 7:15am

Hi!
I impulsively bought my first vintage Omega for the Christmas for myself, and unfortunately in person, it looks a bit too polished but I'm not sure. According to the seller, the dial, crown, and bracelet are original.
I won the auction and got it for 750 euros.
It is 168.017 with cal. 561.
What do you think? Is it overpolished? Did I overpay?

Dan S · Fri. 7:23am

Hello and welcome to OF. Everyone has their own balance of price vs. condition that they are looking for. I would say that the watch and bracelet has been noticeably polished, probably using a buffing wheel or Dremel, as can be seen from the rounded edges. It looks like there has been an attempt to reapply the brushed finish by hand. The Observatory was spared. The dial also appears to have some spotting.

It's a good idea to spend some time look at really top-notch examples of the reference to learn what to look for, that way you can decide intentionally what compromises you're willing to make.

JimInOz · Fri. 7:39am

I have to agree with Dan. It's not a perfect example by any means, but on your wrist and from 30 cm away who'se going to notice?

Nobody but us pedantic pecksniffs who only seek out the most pristine examples for our collections.

Forget about what it cost (I have many times) and just wear your watch and enjoy it.

redpcar · Fri. 7:47am

Not perfect but still will wear very nice on the wrist. I would wear this one all day.
BUT, you need to address one thing first. The bracelet is up-side-down on the 12:00 side. Compare the two sides. Take it to a watchmaker and have them flip it back 😀

SOG53 · Fri. 9:36am

For your reference here are couple of examples with unpolished cases. You need the magnified photos of sides and lugs to see the sharp case lines.
On the wrist it is hard to see those details, even with a good case.
Your watch looks good and has original bracelet and will wear well. And price not unreasonable.
So I agree wear and enjoy it! If you tumble down the rabbit hole with us “pedantic pecksniffs” you can watch out for a sharper case later!