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Found in box of junk 1959 Omega Ranchero

F
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My friend had a box of old watches and while digging through it this is what I found. A 1959 Ranchero gave as a prize for.

Highest score
4 A.D. Divers
Profiency Contest
1959

I know nothing about it and no other information about it. Serial number is inside the case. I know its not the correct band and the winder is broken. Any help would be appreciated. I would like to get it fixed to period correct specs. I managed to get it wound a little and it still works.
20220821_193335.jpg 16611278411636411596311355611058.jpg 16611278810823921434112977978080.jpg
 
redpcar
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"DRIVERS"
I think if you google vintage ranchero, you will get a good estimation of the value. If you want to have it restored, take your time. Don't send it to Omega. There are plenty of qualified people who will gently repair and replace the necessary parts. It looks like an nice unmolested example.
Let us know where you live in the US and we (the Omega forums collective) will help you.

No doubt you have already been contacted from members to sell asap. Be careful of lowballers. If you do wish to sell, do it as it is.

Great find.
 
F
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redpcar redpcar
"DRIVERS"
I think if you google vintage ranchero, you will get a good estimation of the value. If you want to have it restored, take your time. Don't send it to Omega. There are plenty of qualified people who will gently repair and replace the necessary parts. It looks like an nice unmolested example.
Let us know where you live in the US and we (the Omega forums collective) will help you.

No doubt you have already been contacted from members to sell asap. Be careful of lowballers. If you do wish to sell, do it as it is.

Great find.
 
F
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I live in indiana. I would love to keep and restore but for the right offer I would probally sell it
 
JimInOz
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F Foundomega
I live in indiana. I would love to keep and restore but for the right offer I would probally sell it

If you intend to sell it, do absolutely nothing to it.
Show it as it is. Take good photos from all angles and make sure you include movement shots.
 
Davidt
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Great find, this is why I love vintage watches.

Before you do anything, take some time to look at the various Ranchero posts on the forum to get an idea of history and sale prices.
 
watchyouwant
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Hands are fine. Service will be easy. If replacement of parts is needed, they are easy to obtain. Value as is around $2000.
 
cristos71
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Fantastic junk box find! As above, take your time...you may be surprised once you've done some research!
 
gbesq
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That is a rare and valuable watch. The Ranchero is very collectible and will likely continue to increase in value as there were relatively few made and there are very few original examples available today. I would not be quick to sell it. Here are some photos of mine to give you an idea of what an authentic example in good condition looks like.
8ADA4982-4126-4B19-837E-89B9F8FEE268.jpeg B80D95DC-1DD3-400E-8DCE-8FBE0D3C9FF4.jpeg upload_2022-8-22_7-7-51.jpeg
 
Dan S
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F Foundomega
What would be a rough estimate to get it to original specs again

Should clean up nicely. One doesn't necessarily try to restore a very old watch to original specs. In fact, the more you do to it, the less it will be worth. The goal would be to have the watch cleaned up, movement serviced (with badly worn parts replaced, if any), and a crown installed. A collector would like a period-correct crown, but you will need some knowledge to identify the correct crown, so you may be happy with an authentic Omega replacement crown. It's very difficult to estimate the cost, because you apparently don't have a watchmaker that you regularly work with, and prices can vary dramatically. That said, I will give a very rough estimate in the range of $500.
 
gbesq
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I can’t answer that. You would need to take it to a watchmaker who has experience with vintage Omega for an evaluation.
 
gbesq
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Assuming that there are no hidden issues like water intrusion or corrosion, it also depends on the extent to which you would want to restore the watch to its original condition. For example, if the watch were mine I would want to replace the case back because I think that the inscription detracts from the overall aesthetic of the watch. Other collectors might not be concerned with that at all.
 
F
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As in the shape it is in now. What would be a rough estimate of value. I have seen these vary in prices online
 
Davidt
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F Foundomega
As in the shape it is in now. What would be a rough estimate of value. I have seen these vary in prices online

You know the reference number. What has your research shown the value range to be?
 
Dan S
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F Foundomega
As in the shape it is in now. What would be a rough estimate of value. I have seen these vary in prices online

Very hard to say accurately based on the information you've provided, and with all due respect, the forum really isn't intended to be a free appraisal service for newbies based on three crappy photos. Value is extraordinarily sensitive to condition for a watch like this. You've been given some good information that should help you decide how to proceed.

If you want to sell it, put it on eBay in a no-reserve auction with plenty of good photos and it will find the correct value. It's a popular reference and will get the attention of bidders.
 
gbesq
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F Foundomega
Well how does a newbie learn without guestions. Assholes like u keep people from wanting to learn and get into new things
Respectfully, posts like this are not going to help your cause. Dan has given you very good advice.
 
F
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gbesq gbesq
Respectfully, posts like this are not going to help your cause. Dan has given you very good advice.
I respect help and answers just not from people who arrogant and degrade people cause we are "newbies". Everyone one is a newbie at one point and time.
 
efauser
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F Foundomega
Well how does a newbie learn without guestions. Assholes like u keep people from wanting to learn and get into new things
Asshole replies like yours don't endear you to the knowledgeable folks. Every question you have asked has been responded to. I suggest you take a deep breath and check your fragile ego at the door.
 
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