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Getting into vintage Omega and wondering your thoughts on this 1958 Seamaster 315.164

JumpJ37
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I purchased my first vintage Omega earlier this year, a 1958 Seamaster Special. I love it, but the radium dial makes me a little nervous so I don’t wear it as much as I would like. So I recently found a very similar Seamaster without the lume. It looks like an excellent example to my novice eyes, and I’m wondering what the experts here think. It’s going for $1,800, which seems steep and is nearly 3X what I paid for my first one. But I also haven’t seen an example without lume that looks as clean. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance to the wonderful community here. Looking forward to learning more and contributing myself in the future.

8D3BF569-B456-4542-8156-54BD8B6A6F86.jpeg 3552BC07-19CC-41B1-A7CA-E85F0C9D44BC.jpeg 347A0E5E-6D51-4D80-943D-B3149271D357.jpeg
 
efauser
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Check his wannabuyawatch website, it's probably cheaper there but still higher than it should be.
 
JumpJ37
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efauser efauser
Check his wannabuyawatch website, it's probably cheaper there but still higher than it should be.

Thanks! It’s actually $1,950 on both his site and Chrono24. I offered $1,800 and he accepted that price. I haven’t purchased it yet, though. Debating whether this is a good example for the price or if I should go for this 1968 Seamaster sparkle dial chronometer (below) for around $700 less. As you know, the 1968 sparkle dial is 36mm v. 33mm on the 1958 Seamaster. I prefer the larger size of the 1968 but the cleaner dial of the 1958.

EFA6272B-8C7F-43A1-B185-D4188A50A679.jpeg
 
TexOmega
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19 or 18 you're still in Constellation range not Seamaster.
 
TimeODanaos
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What is it that attracts you about each of these watches? What do you think is "better" about the 1958 piece that the chance to buy it is worth $700 more to you? Genuine question. I know which I like, and I know what I think of the prices, but you need to do what's right for you.
 
JumpJ37
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TexOmega TexOmega
19 or 18 you're still in Constellation range not Seamaster.

You’re right. A quick search found what looks to be a very nice Constellation on bracelet for only a little more.

1A5A2CA7-5BAE-44A8-AC86-81513A6F650B.jpeg
 
JumpJ37
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TimeODanaos TimeODanaos
What is it that attracts you about each of these watches? What do you think is "better" about the 1958 piece that the chance to buy it is worth $700 more to you? Genuine question. I know which I like, and I know what I think of the prices, but you need to do what's right for you.

On the 1958, I love the simplicity of the dial and it’s very much like the example I already own, which looks and feels great on the wrist. I dislike the 33mm size and the lack of the Seamaster logo on the caseback. I’d consider the premium price for it because it’s the best example I’ve found (unless the folks here think otherwise) that is almost identical to my existing Seamaster, but without the radium lume.

On the 1968, I like the sparkle dial, the 36mm size, that it’s a chronometer, and the caseback. I’m on the fence about the day/date complication. Would be nicer with a time-only dial.

I’m actually considering getting them both and kickstarting my vintage Omega collection. But I’m apprehensive on the prices and getting in over my head too early in the game. I honestly have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to vintage Omega and I don’t want to make costly mistakes.
 
Sherbie
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33 mm is very small by modern standards. What size do you normally wear?

1800$ for that small seamaster in laughable, IMO
 
JumpJ37
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Sherbie Sherbie
33 mm is very small by modern standards. What size do you normally wear?

1800$ for that small seamaster in laughable, IMO

I usually wear 39mm. And yes, that was my hunch as well. Seems like a steep price. Thanks!
 
JumpJ37
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TimeODanaos TimeODanaos
What is it that attracts you about each of these watches? What do you think is "better" about the 1958 piece that the chance to buy it is worth $700 more to you? Genuine question. I know which I like, and I know what I think of the prices, but you need to do what's right for you.

Curious as to what you think of the prices. I’m new to this area of collecting and am trying to learn more. I’ve gathered that the 1958 price is way high. What do you think about the 1968?
 
TexOmega
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JumpJ37 JumpJ37
You’re right. A quick search found what looks to be a very nice Constellation on bracelet for only a little more.

1A5A2CA7-5BAE-44A8-AC86-81513A6F650B.jpeg



I'd be skeptical with that one, unless better pictures are provided(non-blurry, high-res, straight-on,ect)
 
JumpJ37
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TexOmega TexOmega
I'd be skeptical with that one, unless better pictures are provided(non-blurry, high-res, straight-on,ect)

Thanks! Now you’ve got me down a Constellation rabbit hole, haha. Finding some gorgeous watches in the same range as the Seamasters I’ve been looking at. Have you ever seen a gray dial before? This is the only example I’ve seen (and I like it):

7C4745C8-098A-421E-9C26-9B02796D23CD.jpeg
 
efauser
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You need to stay away from Chrono24 and eBay. Watch the private watch sales forum here or set up a search on watchrecon.com
 
TexOmega
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JumpJ37 JumpJ37
Thanks! Now you’ve got me down a Constellation rabbit hole, haha. Finding some gorgeous watches in the same range as the Seamasters I’ve been looking at. Have you ever seen a gray dial before? This is the only example I’ve seen (and I like it):

7C4745C8-098A-421E-9C26-9B02796D23CD.jpeg


Grey is less common but the cal 751 C-shaped Constellations always are priced less than other Costellations because they are desired less. But I have one and like to wear it. Just do not overpay.

Take a deep breath, we've all been where you are at, and can read the signs😉
 
imfagent449
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I really like the grey dial. I can't think of many vintage watches I have seen with a grey dial. Actually, I don't think that I have seen any.

I notice that it makes it seem very modern.
 
amcclell
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I don't have one but the C case with the brick bracelet is a classic combo and undervalued IMO.
 
JwRosenthal
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JumpJ37 JumpJ37
Thanks! Now you’ve got me down a Constellation rabbit hole, haha. Finding some gorgeous watches in the same range as the Seamasters I’ve been looking at. Have you ever seen a gray dial before? This is the only example I’ve seen (and I like it):

7C4745C8-098A-421E-9C26-9B02796D23CD.jpeg
I have seen a grey dialed C cased Connie somewhere. ..hmmm
DA25CBBF-A850-4603-8128-09BBE917606F.jpeg

And a grey dialed Seamaster too
D31CAA07-3CCE-47D1-B53D-25C8F2C1F20F.jpeg


Both of these came from members here and both well under $1k each. The ‘58 you are looking at is insanely high priced. The Sparkles are lovely but the day/date is a love or hate- I personally don’t care for them and have several day/date watches I wish were only date or none at all (btw- the sparkle dialed watches also came with just date and also a concentric circled dial which I find mesmerizing and far more interesting than the sparkle)- but that’s my preference.
Be patient- they come up for sale here at sane prices.
 
JumpJ37
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
I have seen a grey dialed C cased Connie somewhere. ..hmmm
DA25CBBF-A850-4603-8128-09BBE917606F.jpeg

And a grey dialed Seamaster too
D31CAA07-3CCE-47D1-B53D-25C8F2C1F20F.jpeg


Both of these came from members here and both well under $1k each. The ‘58 you are looking at is insanely high priced. The Sparkles are lovely but the day/date is a love or hate- I personally don’t care for them and have several day/date watches I wish were only date or none at all (btw- the sparkle dialed watches also came with just date and also a concentric circled dial which I find mesmerizing and far more interesting than the sparkle)- but that’s my preference.
Be patient- they come up for sale here at sane prices.

Beautiful pieces! Thanks so much for posting and also the information on the prices. Great to see what I can obtain for a reasonable price.
 
JumpJ37
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amcclell amcclell
I don't have one but the C case with the brick bracelet is a classic combo and undervalued IMO.

I think it’s an awesome combination as well. Being previously unaware of the community’s preference on these C cases, I think they are beautiful.
 
Astiegan
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Hello, Regarding the first one you posted, in my opinion based on quite a few 1960s that I've sold it is about $1000 over a correct price.
The grey Constellation you posted last is way more interesting but here too, be careful not to spend 3 times the value!
 
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