Hi - been reading the forum for a while now and found it incredibly helpful and educational I thought - rather selfishly - that now I have a question of my own, I should register: This is my first foray into vintage (i have a couple of 90s omegas) and despite doing my research I'd love some confirmation what I bought is unaltered. I am able to return the watch if I have concerns The crystal does indeed have the omega logo in the middle - i couldnt capture that! Any concerns on the dial or hands? Thanks in advance
MY .02 looking a this as far from an expert my instincts say ugh The Ranchero script looks way off to me particularly the top of the "a" Can't see swiss made at the base of the dial? not sure Hour hand looks different than rancheros I have seen where the base of the arrow head is swept back more Even if it was a legit dial would be relumed. Unrelated to the originality of the watch the strap looks too narrow in the lugs. If I'm totally wrong I look forward to having one of the more experienced folks here tell me what I got wrong. In general helpful to post better photos with clearer dial and caseback, movement and inside caseback photos too.
Hands are wrong. Redial or total fake dial. Case looks wrong but would like to see the inside of the case back. At best the watch is put together from pieces. At worst, total fake. Sorry for the bad news.
appreciate the wealth of knowledge and early replies on here... i was concerned that it may have been relumed. For what it's worth: - There is 'swiss made' text not quite visible in my photos, and - The strap is not original (i knew that going in but forgot to mention in my post) I'm taking it to my friendly watchmaker tomorrow to pop the caseback and see the movement but sounds like i have my answer
As mentioned by others, the dial looks refinished at best or could be a total fake in the worst case scenario. The hands look like reproductions and the crown is incorrect.
yep - didnt pay (at least what i've seen to be) ranchero prices but once again if something is on ebay for cheap it is usually 'too good to be true', esp with vintage and suddenly hot items
Saw it on eBay and decided it was too good to be true. Hands are wrong, omega big arrow hands are much more delicate, as pointedly out above. Lug shape also looks very odd.
it did just occur to me that, for a 1950s watch, the case is remarkably sharp AND polished (you'd expect one or the other right?). It's going back tomorrow
Not sure If it was this auction: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-1950S-OMEGA-RANCHERO-30MM-REF-2996-MANUAL-WIND-SWISS-WATCH-/252279309871Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network In any case on this auction The movement is the wrong caliber (286) - the seller listed explicitly and shows in pics. You'll find something else fun in it's stead. Best of luck.
Actually - i thought based on the omega vintage archive website that this came in cal284, 5 or 6 flavors.... Nevertheless, it's being returned!
i stand corrected - looks like I prob ended up with a cal286 seamaster redialed to look like the Ranchero
firstly, thanks for the advice on here! return in progress although seller is refusing to pay return costs... I'm intrigued to know - what is the forum etiquette for bad ebay sellers? Another forum I occasionally post and read on doesnt allow naming, links, etc
Seems to be fair game here -- everyone looks out for each other. I've seen quite a few eBay cheats get named/ ads linked on this forum.
Sorry I gotta say it seems like you didn't spend much time researching this or even just reading the auction terms. eBay scares me always has always will so I approach everything with heavy paranoia. 1) They already had some feedback on ebay that might have been instructive 2) There's nothing in the listing I would say looks like hyper-deception - they might not have known what they were selling. 3) They had pictures of everything and even listed the caliber ref with modest research or consulation here the additional photos beyond what you shared would have set of alarm bells left and right 4) you were able to return it without a problem when I just looks a the the listing specifically says "14 days Money back Buyer pays return shipping". If I were you I'd get be happy to get away with a light scrape (shipping costs) rather a more expensive learning experience (which myself and I'd guess most of the people have had at some point). I don't know if you asked them any questions before buying but getting specific committed responses to anything you are questioning usually gives more data for a decision and more ammunition for an eBay dispute if called for. Would I ever buy from this seller - no. Do I think there are a gazillion shadier rip off artists on eBay than this seller - yeap.
It's not uncommon for buyer to pay return shipping costs in the event of a return. As nickw says, that's getting of lucky by most accounts.