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Hello, and please tell me about my watch!

JimInOz
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V Vizard
Incidentally, some background to this purchase:

I wanted to buy a modern yellow gold watch of 36-37mm. However, there are very few options available.

I was chewing over a Patek 5196 second hand and thought, "hmm I am paying a lot of money for technology that hasn't change for 100 years. As yellow gold is a bit of experiment, why not buy a watch from when modestly sized gold watches were commonplace?"

So I started looking for a relatively "large" vintage gold watch whose appearance is quite classic. My shortlist was the watch I bought, or a IWC CAL. 89. My son, who has far better taste than I, pointed me to the Omega.

It's a lovely looking little watch and despite the timegrapher data seems to keep okay time.

A couple of things that surprise me are that the movement appears to be non-hacking and also it is quite heavy to wind fully. But then, my point of reference is the modern watches I own.

My purchase is not cast in stone. I like the little Omega very much, but if it has issues it will go back to the dealer.

If you're unwilling to share the dealer identity, can you post a concise/verbatim description of the sale text.

The fact that performance of the watch which has been "recently serviced" is what it is would raise my concerns about the validity of the sellers assessments.
 
V
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JimInOz JimInOz
If you're unwilling to share the dealer identity, can you post a concise/verbatim description of the sale text.

The fact that performance of the watch which has been "recently serviced" is what it is would raise my concerns about the validity of the sellers assessments.

OK, but it's obviously then very easy to trace the dealer. Can I please ask that no one posts up their name? I don't really think that would be fair.

The alligator band part is inaccurate. It's leather. Quite pleasant, but no alligators expired in the process of its manufacture.

100% Genuine & All Original

Fully Restored, Serviced and Guaranteed

A Very Well Cared For and Lightly Used Example

Superbly Restored Ivory Cream Dial with Original ‘Dauphine’ Hands

Heavy 18ct Yellow Gold, Oversize 36mm Diameter excluding the Omega Signed Crown

High-Grade Cal.283 Hand-Wound Movement in Top Condition!

High Quality Black Alligator Strap With Gold-Plated Omega Buckle

All in Absolutely Top Grade & Simply Stunning Condition

Matching Vintage Omega Presentation Box, as Shown

******** 12 Months’ Written Warranty Included*

********* Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee

Free Worldwide FedEx Delivery

Free UK Special Delivery
 
V
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Scarecrow Boat, can I ask you to delete your last post please? I don't think that is fair.
 
JimInOz
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V Vizard
So are you saying that the movement and case don't match?

No.

The top number, if it was in an Omega cased watch would signify a chronometer, but it would also have an extra digit, e.g.: 131.012.

However, The Dennison number may NOT be based on the Omega system and may simply be an internal reference.

The fact that it has been re-dialed as a "chronometer" while it has a standard movement, and the poor performance for a "recently serviced" watch would not sit well with me.
 
V
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JimInOz JimInOz
No.

The top number, if it was in an Omega cased watch would signify a chronometer, but it would also have an extra digit, e.g.: 131.012.

However, The Dennison number may NOT be based on the Omega system and may simply be an internal reference.

The fact that it has been re-dialed as a "chronometer" while it has a standard movement, and the poor performance for a "recently serviced" watch would not sit well with me.

As I have mentioned, I CAN return the watch. However that is not to say that I will.

How much would straightening the watch out cost, using a respected watchmaker?
 
watchyouwant
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V Vizard
Scarecrow Boat, can I ask you to delete your last post please? I don't think that is fair.

Everybody here knows that London Dealer anyway...... It's your money. Keep it. I have a feeling, that over time you will look at the wrongly repainted dial and change your mind. Has happened to many. Good luck. Achim
 
JimInOz
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I'm not familiar with service costs in the UK, but some of our members may be able to help.

Paging @tyrantlizardrex, @ChrisN, are you guys able to help with watchmaker servicing costs for a cal 283?
 
V
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watchyouwant watchyouwant
Everybody here knows that London Dealer anyway......

Not really the point. I would prefer not to personalise what is turning out to be a very informative thread.
 
V
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JimInOz JimInOz
I'm not familiar with service costs in the UK, but some of our members may be able to help.

Paging @tyrantlizardrex, @ChrisN, are you guys able to help with watchmaker servicing costs for a cal 283?

Also a suggestion for a reputable watchmaker, ideally in the East Midlands. I have had "The Watch Guy" suggested to me and also I went into Loomes in Stamford a few weeks ago, who seemed very knowledgeable. They failed to sell me one of their handmade, manual wind watches at a modest £70k! 😀
 
size11s
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Regarding the upper Dennison number in the case back 13302, it is, as has been said, unknown what these numbers represent and the Dennison archive hasn't yet been found, but I am fairly sure that the first 2 digits in these numbers (13) refers to the ligne size of movement to fit in the case. As we know Dennison made cases for lots of movements/brands, for example the 13322 case I have seen holding Omega, Longines, Tissot, Smiths, IWC etc and all have the upper Dennison code 13322, so I doubt very much that it has any relation to Omega codes.
 
Pvt-Public
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V Vizard
100% Genuine & All Original
Not. Is not a chronometer
V Vizard
Fully Restored, Serviced and Guaranteed
Not serviced as those numbers are not good. Or if that’s the best they could do movement needs work.
V Vizard
Superbly Restored Ivory Cream Dial with Original ‘Dauphine’
Hands
Superbly ??Either the dial was refinished with the wrong wording, or the movement was swapped, refer to my first point.
V Vizard
High-Grade Cal.283 Hand-Wound Movement in Top Condition!
Not according to the numbers you posted.
V Vizard
********* Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee
Use the guarantee.
 
MtV
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I’m not sure there are guarantees. One more nugget regarding the dealer: Note how they only grant their guarantee if the full price was paid.


We are therefore more than happy to offer 12 months warranty on the movement of this watch*.

*Please note, our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the full list price is paid.

I do hope you’ll be able to have at least the issue of stiff winding/inaccuracy/low amplitude addressed by a proper watchmaker at their cost @Vizard or ultimately return it.
 
V
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MtV MtV
I’m not sure there are guarantees. One more nugget regarding the dealer: Note how they only grant their guarantee if the full price was paid.


We are therefore more than happy to offer 12 months warranty on the movement of this watch*.

*Please note, our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the full list price is paid.

I do hope you’ll be able to have at least the issue of stiff winding/inaccuracy/low amplitude addressed by a proper watchmaker at their cost @Vizard or ultimately return it.

As far as I am aware, Consumer Contracts Regulations don't require that I paid full list.

It will be a shame if it has to go back, because it's a pretty little thing. But I don't want to keep hold of something that is going to be a liability going forwards. I am also not sure whether I want a watch that claims to be something other than what it is.

As I mentioned previously, this is my first (and maybe last) forray into vintage watches. With modern watches I either buy new, or otherwise watches that have come back from the manufacturer having had a full service. That way, I can be fairly sure that the watch is not stolen and that it is running within manufacturer tolerances.

Anyone care to venture the likely cost of repair and recommend a repairer? Then I can make an informed decision.
 
Pvt-Public
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MtV MtV
do hope you’ll be able to have at least the issue of stiff winding/inaccuracy/low amplitude addressed by a proper watchmaker at their cost @Vizard or ultimately return it.
LOL LOL You just made me blow coffee out my nose. And get the seller to pay, that’s priceless. If this seller made the claims stated it’s almost guaranteed the “guarantee “ isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on. If it even is a written guarantee.
 
V
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Pvt-Public Pvt-Public
You just made me blow coffee out my nose. And get the seller to pay, that’s priceless. If this seller made the claims stated it’s almost guaranteed the “guarantee “ isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on. If it even is a written guarantee.

It has been a while since I have had to beat up a dealer about a high value purchase. The last time was actually a high-end Swiss watch manufacturer, by coincidence.

But I really don't see this being a problem at all. If I send it back, I will get my money and postage back. If I don't, my credit card company will reimburse me, which is what happened in the case above. They wriggled and whined a bit, because it was a lot of money. But they did pay.
 
tyrantlizardrex
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V Vizard
Also a suggestion for a reputable watchmaker, ideally in the East Midlands. I have had "The Watch Guy" suggested to me and also I went into Loomes in Stamford a few weeks ago, who seemed very knowledgeable. They failed to sell me one of their handmade, manual wind watches at a modest £70k! 😀

Sounds like you had a lucky escape... did he give you his standard rant about the Swiss making "shit watches"?

Christian (The Watch Guy) has his prices on his website I belive, Mitka (https://mitka.co.uk/) who used to work with him is also well regarded and has prices on his website.

I've used Swiss Time Services, Harris Horology, and Simon Freese - all of whom I would recommend.

However - as this watch has had a redial that misrepresents what it is, I would send it back.

There are too many good watches out there to burn time and energy dealing with shady dealers and their fantasy creations.
 
V
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Incidentally, I have the watch running on the timegrapher whilst I am working. Since I have had it, the amplitude has improved. It's >200 in all positions.
tyrantlizardrex tyrantlizardrex
Sounds like you had a lucky escape... did he give you his standard rant about the Swiss making "shit watches"?

.

No, I'd just rolled out of the George Hotel after a boozy lunch. He probably thought charm and leading me to the handmade watches was the way forwards!

Thank you with regard to your other comments. I am inclined to agree.
 
Zapatta
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V Vizard
Sorry, for the benefit of the uninformed, what am I looking at?

Difference between regular 283 and chronometer rated movement. Can you spot it?
 
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