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KPIE
·Hello everyone
First time poster here.
Around 6 months or more ago I developed a sudden pang for vintage Omegas, specifically 60s Seamaster/SMDVs. I'm not otherwise a watch guy and have no real desire to become a collector. My taste in nearly all things derives from an appreciation of simple aesthetics and an appreciation of historic craftsmanship (I generally like antiques etc). In particular I've read some odes to the 5xx series on this forum and others which I've found inspiring. The more I read the more I want!
This forum in particular is an amazing repository of knowledge and information. At the same time, as a prospective first (and hopefully one-time) time buyer I can find, not the specific advice and information, but the principles and approach to watch buying confusing. In short, my searches for a watch don't tally with what the experienced posters on this forum teach newbies to expect. Specifically, I struggle to find issue-free/respectable watches at the price and quality often suggested is available by posters here.
To test this theory - and my inexperience - I thought to post an eBay link, provide my commentary and look for your views.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174354767226
Here is ostensibly a 1962 SMDV cal 562 ref presumably a 166.020 for £525. To breakdown my views:
- Listing description is relatively detailed. No mention of refurb, redial or polishing. States "original" condition. Relatively honest about lack of information on the piece ("think original crown" etc) and on condition/functionality. Pictures include face, crown, movement, inside caseback, but no clear case back image. Clear indication would need a service if bought.
- Price - for UK eBay listings this is at the cheap end of what I can find currently online, Inc chrono24
- Dial - is suspiciously "clean" and unblemished to me. Otherwise no obvious issues pointing to a redial I can see eg mismatch in marking colour, wrong font, misalignment of markings, wrong hands etc.
- Movement. Looks fine to my very untrained eye. Would have it serviced.
- Inside caseback. The serial number (?) looks odd but I don't know exactly why.
- Case. Looks too clean to me, possibly has been polished.
- Crystal. Large scratch over the date window. Images not hi res enough to see if it's signed in the middle. Would look at replacing pending higher res images on request/inspection on receipt. Not knowledgeable enough to know how much that would cost.
- Strap. Don't care and would replace anyway.
- Caseback. Generally fine but comments on case apply plus no clear image provided.
- Crown. Plausibly original and checks out when x-reffed to original models.
Verdict. I'd not buy it due to reservations about the dial.
However, looking at more common listing at the £800-1000 mark I often do not feel any more confident in the condition and originality.
Really welcome your views and any learning points to take forward.
KP
First time poster here.
Around 6 months or more ago I developed a sudden pang for vintage Omegas, specifically 60s Seamaster/SMDVs. I'm not otherwise a watch guy and have no real desire to become a collector. My taste in nearly all things derives from an appreciation of simple aesthetics and an appreciation of historic craftsmanship (I generally like antiques etc). In particular I've read some odes to the 5xx series on this forum and others which I've found inspiring. The more I read the more I want!
This forum in particular is an amazing repository of knowledge and information. At the same time, as a prospective first (and hopefully one-time) time buyer I can find, not the specific advice and information, but the principles and approach to watch buying confusing. In short, my searches for a watch don't tally with what the experienced posters on this forum teach newbies to expect. Specifically, I struggle to find issue-free/respectable watches at the price and quality often suggested is available by posters here.
To test this theory - and my inexperience - I thought to post an eBay link, provide my commentary and look for your views.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174354767226
Here is ostensibly a 1962 SMDV cal 562 ref presumably a 166.020 for £525. To breakdown my views:
- Listing description is relatively detailed. No mention of refurb, redial or polishing. States "original" condition. Relatively honest about lack of information on the piece ("think original crown" etc) and on condition/functionality. Pictures include face, crown, movement, inside caseback, but no clear case back image. Clear indication would need a service if bought.
- Price - for UK eBay listings this is at the cheap end of what I can find currently online, Inc chrono24
- Dial - is suspiciously "clean" and unblemished to me. Otherwise no obvious issues pointing to a redial I can see eg mismatch in marking colour, wrong font, misalignment of markings, wrong hands etc.
- Movement. Looks fine to my very untrained eye. Would have it serviced.
- Inside caseback. The serial number (?) looks odd but I don't know exactly why.
- Case. Looks too clean to me, possibly has been polished.
- Crystal. Large scratch over the date window. Images not hi res enough to see if it's signed in the middle. Would look at replacing pending higher res images on request/inspection on receipt. Not knowledgeable enough to know how much that would cost.
- Strap. Don't care and would replace anyway.
- Caseback. Generally fine but comments on case apply plus no clear image provided.
- Crown. Plausibly original and checks out when x-reffed to original models.
Verdict. I'd not buy it due to reservations about the dial.
However, looking at more common listing at the £800-1000 mark I often do not feel any more confident in the condition and originality.
Really welcome your views and any learning points to take forward.
KP
Edited:
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