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First time buy

newboyintown
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Screwbacks Screwbacks
oh yes, i mean 2&3 for under 3k only. that's a good price for £1k for all? or each? what interests me is the no-date c-case cosmic and tv dial shape with 6 o'clock applied omega logo chronometer. both looks still in good condition. the other 2 might be considered gimmies already.
Screwbacks Screwbacks
oh yes, i mean 2&3 for under 3k only. that's a good price for £1k for all? or each? what interests me is the no-date c-case cosmic and tv dial shape with 6 o'clock applied omega logo chronometer. both looks still in good condition. the other 2 might be considered gimmies already.

sorry forgive my lack of information.

yes ,each one is under £1000.

Ok so the cosmic is definitely my favourite overall, I’m planning on going to view them anything I should be looking at in particular?
Is it considered bad manners to take photos and get back to the seller?? Or would this be an issue.
 
Gav1967
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newboyintown newboyintown
the motivation for starting is really not I’ve got spare cash and want to invest.

By the way, I know what you mean but be careful, in the main watches are definitely not an investment
 
newboyintown
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Gav1967 Gav1967
No issues.
You should also consider the private sales forum on here. As a new member you can still send messages to sellers and purchase. Whilst it is not completely foolproof and it is still your own risk you will be at least buying from another OF member, can vet their references, ask advice from other members and in all probability the watch sale will have been seen by the experienced members to ensure it is not outrageously incorrect.
That’s good to know, I guess the best place to buy would be from experience on a dedicated forum.
 
wilderbeast
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Welcome to the forum. I would echo the advice already received here. I’m a relative newbie myself, but I will share my experiences having dipped my toes into the minefield of vintage watches.

1. You will always pay a premium by going through a dealer. I’ve had two experiences - one massively overpriced redial and one overpriced Cosmic that broke twice despite “being serviced” before purchase - In the end I just got a refund. That led me to buy my first watch from this forum (the Dynamic in my avatar) and I haven’t looked back since.

2. working out which watch suits you best should be a first step, then you can research around the reference, work out what the watch is supposed to look like, discover the dial variants etc. Once you know what it is you are after, the experts on here can give much better advice.

3. Try to have patience and have a look at the watches available in the Private Watch Sales here. You will almost certainly get a good vintage piece for less money.

Like you, the Cosmic would be my choice of the ones you posted. The movements are solid, there’s a good range of dial choices (though the one you posted is my favourite). They make good vintage everyday watches to wear, if that’s you’re looking for.

good luck!
 
STANDY
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I wouldn’t look at any of those watches at the prices if the cosmic is over $500 😉

Homework will save you $$ in this game.
 
ewand
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STANDY STANDY
I wouldn’t look at any of those watches at the prices if the cosmic is over $500 😉

Homework will save you $$ in this game.

Just like looking on eBay, it's worth checking out what other stuff the dealers are trying to sell, and how much it checks out.

This dealer in question has a Speedmaster - which is heavily documented as a reference - that is described as 1968, step dial. It's for sale at a little under £5K on their site, and also listed on eBay for nearly £6K.

https://www.finewatchclub.co.uk/listing/727546850/omega-1968-vintage-speedmaster-black

il_fullxfull.2030051264_io0f.jpg

It's got a serial number that appears to correspond to 1968, but the dial is not correct for that reference (it's definitively not a step-dial), and the inner case back says it's a -74. All of these factors would make me run away from this watch, and by association, everything else they had for sale.
 
newboyintown
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ewand ewand
Just like looking on eBay, it's worth checking out what other stuff the dealers are trying to sell, and how much it checks out.

This dealer in question has a Speedmaster - which is heavily documented as a reference - that is described as 1968, step dial. It's for sale at a little under £5K on their site, and also listed on eBay for nearly £6K.

https://www.finewatchclub.co.uk/listing/727546850/omega-1968-vintage-speedmaster-black

il_fullxfull.2030051264_io0f.jpg

It's got a serial number that appears to correspond to 1968, but the dial is not correct for that reference (it's definitively not a step-dial), and the inner case back says it's a -74. All of these factors would make me run away from this watch, and by association, everything else they had for sale.

wow
Ok so it seems like it’s a huge mine field out there regarding vintage watches!
 
newboyintown
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wilderbeast wilderbeast
Welcome to the forum. I would echo the advice already received here. I’m a relative newbie myself, but I will share my experiences having dipped my toes into the minefield of vintage watches.

1. You will always pay a premium by going through a dealer. I’ve had two experiences - one massively overpriced redial and one overpriced Cosmic that broke twice despite “being serviced” before purchase - In the end I just got a refund. That led me to buy my first watch from this forum (the Dynamic in my avatar) and I haven’t looked back since.

2. working out which watch suits you best should be a first step, then you can research around the reference, work out what the watch is supposed to look like, discover the dial variants etc. Once you know what it is you are after, the experts on here can give much better advice.

3. Try to have patience and have a look at the watches available in the Private Watch Sales here. You will almost certainly get a good vintage piece for less money.

Like you, the Cosmic would be my choice of the ones you posted. The movements are solid, there’s a good range of dial choices (though the one you posted is my favourite). They make good vintage everyday watches to wear, if that’s you’re looking for.

good luck!

Thank you for your input wilderbeast

so good to hear from a relatively new boy too.

I’m definitely going to stick to the cosmic/constellation route I think
 
Gav1967
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newboyintown newboyintown
wow
Ok so it seems like it’s a huge mine field out there regarding vintage watches!
More like Alice's Rabbit hole. Lots of fun but fraught with excitement and danger
 
wilderbeast
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newboyintown newboyintown
I’m definitely going to stick to the cosmic/constellation route I think

Good choice. I’ve just bought a C case Connie (due to be with me next week) and I was between that and another Cosmic as a daily wearer for work. The design of late 1960s and early 1970s Omegas really appeals!
 
Screwbacks
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newboyintown newboyintown
sorry forgive my lack of information.

yes ,each one is under £1000.

Ok so the cosmic is definitely my favourite overall, I’m planning on going to view them anything I should be looking at in particular?
Is it considered bad manners to take photos and get back to the seller?? Or would this be an issue.


as our colleagues here so advised, you should exercise reasonable diligence considering that this will be your first purchase of vintage omega. it is a contagious hobby in the near future.

it is advisable to share pictures of your interest watch to seek advices from the OF you before any purchase is done and, rightly you have done so.

I defer to your particular taste and choice among the 4 watches since it is your personal decision. Consider however that you are getting old watches which may not tell you exact time already, so you should be prepared to compromise as most vintage collectors are known to be.

At least, if you get one or two, to establish a good with your seller, the watch will not cost you so much, and if it occurs to be not your within expectation, then consider it as part of learning the art of collecting vintage watch.

Enjoy and welcome to the club.
Edited:
 
Capt Cave Man
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newboyintown newboyintown
Yes that’s the place, I’m guessing not a great place to start??

Didn't mention before but welcome...

I wouldn't know if they are a bad place to start, I have their site bookmarked as they are local'ish to me and have been regularly looking at their stock as well as other dealers to get a feel of what's out there.

I'm also a newb to watch collecting aka keeping the bank account depleted and have found OF an amazing forum for information, for me it has stopped any impulse vintage buys and focusing on what I want and... research, research, research.

My 2pence from what I have learnt from fellow OF members and posts...

As already mentioned, any dealer will add a premium on their stock but I've found you do have to read their descriptions more than once and to learn to read between the lines. If you find a model you like, do a little research before hitting the button such as;
* searching older posts on the model as well sold watches here on OF
* search for prices on the model you want to buy vs. other dealers - it amazes me the same piece can be offered via different sites for differing prices
* search other sites such as Chrono24 and eBay against the model both on active and completed auctions/sales

The above will give you a better eye on identifying a good piece and price your prepared to offer/pay, including helping towards identify if something is a steal, good, too good to be true or to steer clear of

I'd then suggest running it passed us here on OF with some good images (if possible) and what you think and why to check if anything is amiss before hitting the button.

That way you learn more and can also begin contribute to this amazing forum.

Best of luck in your hunt as this is the fun part in learning about the piece that is pulling against those heart strings 👍
 
newboyintown
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wilderbeast wilderbeast
Good choice. I’ve just bought a C case Connie (due to be with me next week) and I was between that and another Cosmic as a daily wearer for work. The design of late 1960s and early 1970s Omegas really appeals!
I’m exactly with you on the constellation/cosmic the early designs are really what I’ve been looking for.
Although not for daily use (I’m a carpenter and have to appear humble like Jesus it’s mostly electricians who come to work in Rolex’s)
It would only be weekend wear, but really like the idea of building a nice collection based around the vintage models, things like Longines heritage military and the Hamilton intra-matic 68.
Since reading all your and everyone’s unbelievable knowledge, I feel a lot more confident I can find that something special to start my collection.
 
newboyintown
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Capt Cave Man Capt Cave Man
Didn't mention before but welcome...

I wouldn't know if they are a bad place to start, I have their site bookmarked as they are local'ish to me and have been regularly looking at their stock as well as other dealers to get a feel of what's out there.

I'm also a newb to watch collecting aka keeping the bank account depleted and have found OF an amazing forum for information, for me it has stopped any impulse vintage buys and focusing on what I want and... research, research, research.

My 2pence from what I have learnt from fellow OF members and posts...

As already mentioned, any dealer will add a premium on their stock but I've found you do have to read their descriptions more than once and to learn to read between the lines. If you find a model you like, do a little research before hitting the button such as;
* searching older posts on the model as well sold watches here on OF
* search for prices on the model you want to buy vs. other dealers - it amazes me the same piece can be offered via different sites for differing prices
* search other sites such as Chrono24 and eBay against the model both on active and completed auctions/sales

The above will give you a better eye on identifying a good piece and price your prepared to offer/pay, including helping towards identify if something is a steal, good, too good to be true or to steer clear of

I'd then suggest running it passed us here on OF with some good images (if possible) and what you think and why to check if anything is amiss before hitting the button.

That way you learn more and can also begin contribute to this amazing forum.

Best of luck in your hunt as this is the fun part in learning about the piece that is pulling against those heart strings 👍

thanks again for all the input, yes I was definitely in the ‘buy first check later category!!!! Thinking it’s with a dealer what could go wrong!?!?
I’m now genuinely excited about finding that perfect piece and learning from all of you guys about the ups and downs of the hobby.

so if you don’t mind me asking what are some of the best places to look for auctions?
Are there any in particular I would be looking at?

Very happy to have found this forum.
cant wait to get started
 
MCC
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newboyintown newboyintown
so if you don’t mind me asking what are some of the best places to look for auctions?
Are there any in particular I would be looking at?

Unless you are confident in knowing what to look for I would stay clear of auctions. If you buy a lemon you will have little redress and it is easy to make an expensive mistake.

In my opinion what you really need to buy vintage is lots of patience, a state of mind where you are prepared to let the watch go if you have concerns about it or can't secure a reasonable price and the motivation to keep learning before you commit yourself.

I also think it is worth paying a little more for a really good example than to buy a watch with issues. It is amazing how quickly you forget what you actually paid when you are delighted with the watch you have bought.

As others have said Sales forum on OF is definitely a good place to start your search.
 
Dr.Sascha
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The advice here is all excellent. In particular, the private watch sales forum is, imho, simply the _best_ avenue towards acquiring reputable, high-quality vintage Omegas at extremely fair (perhaps even over-generous) prices. Many of the watches sold there would command significantly higher prices on ebay, chronowatch, etc., but members want to keep them within the community, so they go this route instead.

That having been said, I don't see any Cosmics for sale right now. But there is a very nice pre-cosmic SM in a forum I don't ordinarily recommend, Gumtree. I considered this one myself, however, and corresponded with the seller, and everything looks on the level (though I would try and get them to come down £50-75 on the price). It is not, as advertised, a 565, but rather a 752, I am all but certain (though haven't seen the inside). https://www.gumtree.com/p/mens-watches/omega-sea-master-vintage-watch-£675/1361003242
 
newboyintown
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newboyintown newboyintown
wow
Ok so it seems like it’s a huge mine field out there regarding vintage watches!
Also if you don’t mind ? what are the signs that tell you that it’s not what it is??
 
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