Genève 138.041 cal613 advice please

Mush · Dec 28, 2021

Hi Everyone,

I’m looking to make my first tentative steps into the world of Omega ownership. I’ve enjoyed spending the last few weeks trying to educate myself through the OF posts and trying to find something online within my limited budget, spotting a few dubious examples along the way thanks to the OF info!

I’ve come across this Geneve online that I am considering buying. Nothing problematic is jumping out to me, but it would be great if you could cast your experienced eyes over it and let me know if there is anything I should be wary of.

Details given are:
Year - 1969
Case width excl. crown Approx – 34.7mm
Case size lug-to-lug – 40.4m
Thickness – 9mm
Lug width – 18mm

Images are from sellers website so quality is as good as I have.

Thanks!

Davidt · Dec 28, 2021

Case is a bit soft and the lume isn’t particularly attractive. It’s not a dog and at the right price it could be ok.

Personally I’d prefer to allocate more money or time to find a better example.

Robbyman · Dec 28, 2021

It’s a bit boring, not something I would look to buy personally.

Spruce · Dec 29, 2021

As @Davidt says, much depends on the price of the 1969 watch you’re considering.

Personally, I’m very fond of this style of Geneve. I currently own three (see below). They’re good with both suits and jeans and neither ostentatious nor clunky.

They all have great Omega movements and you’re wise to opt for the case style which looks a little bigger on the wrist (and therefore more contemporary) than many
of the watches made in the late sixties and is quite slim and comfortable.

As a starter watch you’ll enjoy wearing it but bear in mind that there are similar cases with the superior (in my view) 552 and 565 automatic movements for around £350/400 so I’d probably look around for one of them unless you’re being offered a deal at around £200/250ish.

Mush · Dec 29, 2021

Thanks @Davidt, @Robbyman, @Spruce.
I agree it’s not the most interesting watch out there, but I am looking for something on the subtler side and I prefer the stainless steel cases over gold. And I do like the clear radial brushing in combination with the sunburst dial.

@Spruce, thanks for your photos and comments. I agree and would prefer an automatic movement, just haven’t come across one in SS with the date function (although my knowledge of good sites to search is limited).

Ultimately it’s down to value for money, and at £700 it’s clear from what you’ve said that I’d be paying well over the odds for this.
The search continues!

Spruce · Dec 29, 2021

Mush
Ultimately it’s down to value for money, and at £700 it’s clear from what you’ve said that I’d be paying well over the odds for this.
The search continues!

That is 'over the odds'.

I think you’re right but expand your search to eBay and Chrono24.

Interestingly, for me, I didn’t see much when I searched 'Omega Geneve', but when I searched, ‘Omega 166.041’ and ‘Omega 165.041', there was a larger selection which was quite widely priced.

And if you see something, don’t hesitate to post here again.

MtV · Dec 29, 2021

Spruce
Interestingly, for me, I didn’t see much when I searched 'Omega Geneve', but when I searched, ‘Omega 166.041’ and ‘Omega 165.041', there was a larger selection which was quite widely priced.

That’s very valuable advise right there @Mush ! Note that these can be had on eBay very, very regularly for the price range mentioned by @Spruce - even for less outside of the UK. It’s by no means a rare watch, which is not a criticism, it’s only to say they were produced in such large numbers that there’s no reason to overpay for a mediocre example.

Here’s a picture of the edge of the case from mine for comparison:

Davidt · Dec 29, 2021

Just make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.

You will pretty much always have to pay import duty of around 25-30% when importing watches into the UK so rarely is it worthwhile buying from the US etc from a value perspective. Brexit has now ruined most EU purchases as wel for us Brits.

Also bear in mind that most vintage watches will need a service if put into daily use and this service cost is largely the same whether you’re looking at a £300 vintage Omega or a £10,000 vintage Omega.

I actually don’t think £700 from a UK dealer is a bad price if it’s been properly serviced and has a warranty. Personally I wouldn’t pay it as I’ve never bought a vintage watch from a dealer, but if someone simply wants a single vintage watch to buy and wear it’s not the worst decision.

Basically don’t get drawn into paying $350 for a similar watch from the US as once you add in import duty and a service you’ll be fast approaching £700. The best option IMO is patience, then buying a barn find in good condition from within the UK (eBay is a good place) then having it serviced to your own specs.

Mush · Dec 29, 2021

@Spruce @MtV @Davidt
Thanks for all the comments, all very welcomed.
I’m happy to keep looking, it’s all part of the enjoyment!
I had been confining my search to dealers, knowing I would pay more but having some level of comfort on getting a serviced watch and warranty. But I think I should expand to include private sales.
I’ll probably stick with buying from the UK though to avoid the complications around buying from abroad. Plus it narrows the search, I’d probably never make a decision with so many more options available from other countries.

Robbyman · Dec 29, 2021

£700 if serviced from a UK dealer is a fair price

Robbyman · Dec 29, 2021

I’d have a look on Chrono24, and filter to UK sellers.

Davidt · Dec 29, 2021

Mush
@Spruce @MtV @Davidt
Thanks for all the comments, all very welcomed.
I’m happy to keep looking, it’s all part of the enjoyment!
I had been confining my search to dealers, knowing I would pay more but having some level of comfort on getting a serviced watch and warranty. But I think I should expand to include private sales.
I’ll probably stick with buying from the UK though to avoid the complications around buying from abroad. Plus it narrows the search, I’d probably never make a decision with so many more options available from other countries.

If buying from a dealer, make sure ‘serviced’ means serviced. When you actually dig into it, plenty of dealers, especially at this price point where a full proper service significantly eats into their profit, seem to simply “check over the movement” to ensure its operating within acceptable limits. They then take their chances that they’ll only receive a small fraction of warranty claims within their specific warranty period.

Mush · Dec 29, 2021

R Robbyman
I’d have a look on Chrono24, and filter to UK sellers.

Have been on Chrono24 a bit but ignored the private sales so far, same for eBay. That’s what I need to focus my attention on now.

Mush · Dec 29, 2021

Davidt
If buying from a dealer, make sure ‘serviced’ means serviced. When you actually dig into it, plenty of dealers, especially at this price point where a full proper service significantly eats into their profit, seem to simply “check over the movement” to ensure its operating within acceptable limits. They then take their chances that they’ll only receive a small fraction of warranty claims within their specific warranty period.

Have definitely seen a lot of variation in how different dealers talk about the level of ‘service’ carried out.

Spruce · Dec 29, 2021

I buy, expecting to have to pay for a service - either sooner or later - and factoring in the cost.

I live in London and sometimes buy from abroad - and factor in (roughly) 20% extra for duty, in the same way I factor in postage and/or the cost of a new strap.

I buy to wear, not for investment or to keep in a safe.

And bearing the above in mind and fully expecting that a fifty year old watch will need a service by someone I’ve used before, rather than a seller’s assurance, I buy at the lower end of the market.

So, providing I’m happy with (ie, can live with) the dial and hands I’m generally okay with a reasonable rather than pristine case and crown.

By way of example, I bought a cal 561 168.017 c case Constellation for £540 from Florida. I paid another £150 in postage and tax. I bought a new set of hands for about £25 and paid my watch repairer to fit them, a generic crystal and service the watch.

I reckon that I paid no more, and probably a bit less, than had I bought it ‘serviced’ from a dealer. And I also reckon that it’s probably worth what I’ve paid.

Just by way of an explanation of my general mindset.

Mush · Dec 30, 2021

Spruce
I buy, expecting to have to pay for a service - either sooner or later - and factoring in the cost.

I live in London and sometimes buy from abroad - and factor in (roughly) 20% extra for duty, in the same way I factor in postage and/or the cost of a new strap.

I buy to wear, not for investment or to keep in a safe.

And bearing the above in mind and fully expecting that a fifty year old watch will need a service by someone I’ve used before, rather than a seller’s assurance, I buy at the lower end of the market.

So, providing I’m happy with (ie, can live with) the dial and hands I’m generally okay with a reasonable rather than pristine case and crown.

By way of example, I bought a cal 561 168.017 c case Constellation for £540 from Florida. I paid another £150 in postage and tax. I bought a new set of hands for about £25 and paid my watch repairer to fit them, a generic crystal and service the watch.

I reckon that I paid no more, and probably a bit less, than had I bought it ‘serviced’ from a dealer. And I also reckon that it’s probably worth what I’ve paid.

Just by way of an explanation of my general mindset.

thanks, this is really useful

Genève 138.041 cal613 advice please

Mush

Davidt

Robbyman

Spruce

Mush

Spruce

MtV

Davidt

Mush

Robbyman

Robbyman

Davidt

Mush

Mush

Spruce

Mush

Similar threads

New Member Advice Please 1000s of Parts Omega Rolex Tissot etc.

1964 Omega Watch, advice please

Can any give me some advice please

1950 omega ? Any advice please

My Dad's Constellation - repair advice please

Hands look iffy? Need advice please