First vintage watch - any advice?

Posts
4
Likes
0
Hi all, I’m looking to get my first vintage omega, more specifically the Seamaster quartz 1977 in what looks like an excellent condition.
There are papers of recent service from a respectable watch shop, and everything are authentic according to the provider. The provider does not have the original papers, but he is willing to give me an online declaration of authenticity on gov. Not even sure if that means something legally, just writing down all the details I’ve got.

Now I have 2 questions:

I’m sceptical regarding the ‘quartz’, as I’ve done a little research that suggests they might irreversibly die at some point. Do you think that even if they die, no matter the quartz related issue, they can be fixed at a reasonable cost, reasonable being not exceeding the price bought? Even if non omega parts are used as a last resort, as I’m not interested in reselling it.

Secondly, the price is 799EUR. Do you think it’s a good catch?

many thanks in advance for any help!
Edited:
 
Posts
9,527
Likes
15,023
Some 1970s Omega quartz movements do come with issues yes. Parts for some are now unobtainable so depending on the calibre, it might be an issue in future. For others parts and replacement movements are out there but it depends.

There are thousands of Seamaster model so you might have to show a picture to get a meaningful advice on whether the asking price is fair. Some are worth more than others. €799 in a private sale might be toppy but would be less so from a dealer with a warranty. The presence of service paperwork is reassuring, but it might just have been a battery change and reseal so be careful how much faith you put in that.
 
Posts
20,207
Likes
46,870
When a quartz movement stops working, people will often replace it with an equivalent movement instead of diagnosing and repairing the problem.

People are drawn to vintage watches for different reasons. However, in general, there is not a great deal of interest in vintage quartz watches because the people who are interested in vintage watches generally are often the same people that appreciate mechanical movements.
 
Posts
47
Likes
101
I would also not rush into any one model. Many people (myself included) regret the first watches they've bought because their tastes change so quickly when just getting into the hobby. Quartz models are a tough one to start off with as it may be hard to offload later should you tastes change (mine did many times).
 
Posts
2,358
Likes
3,754
There are quartz movements, and there are quartz movements.

Some of the parts for the nicer early quartz movements can be difficult to source. These are built more like a mechanical watch. The small (by modern standards quite large) stepping motor seems to be prone to failure. The microelectronics circuits are difficult to replicate. Alternatives using modern chips remain an option.

Such watches tend to be more of a bonus that an end all.

Like everything else is is all about research, research, research.