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Help! First vintage Omega purchase as a wedding gift (Australia)

dazedandconfused
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Hi everyone, I’m in Australia and getting married at the end of November. I’d love to give my fiancé a vintage Omega as a wedding gift.

I was originally looking at a Seamaster 165.002 on Chrono24, but after reading more here I’ve realised a lot of listings there seem overpriced.

I’m not set on that exact model, but I love that it feels properly vintage rather than modern, and the clean silver face is exactly the look I’m going for. I’ve been doing a lot of deep dives, reading threads here, scrolling through WatchExchange, checking the “watches for sale” forum, and going through the recommended eBay listing list. But then I saw people in the “how to fish” thread saying they’d never buy off eBay, so now I’m completely second-guessing myself.

I’ve found a few nice options, but my fiancé has a bigger wrist, so I’m worried a 34mm Seamaster might look a bit tiny. I’m also getting stressed that I won’t find something in time - can anyone confirm if eBay or Etsy are actually bad places to buy from, or suggest good places to look that I might be missing?

My budget is around $3k AUD, but I’ll have to pay duties on top.

Thanks so much if anyone has the time to help.
 
omega1994
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If you need this at short notice (November), you may have no choice but to pay a dealer's price. Look for trusted sellers on Chrono, and buy the seller. Also, assume all their prices are negotiable. Message first and propose 10-20% off. Worst they can say is no.
 
Dan S
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This is an Australian forum, so you can buy from one of the members local to you. TBH, the first thing to decide is the size. There are some "jumbo" models, but they are less common and harder to hunt down. If you're not sure, maybe this shouldn't be a surprise purchase.
 
ErichKeane
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1,046
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1,124
dazedandconfused dazedandconfused
Hi everyone, I’m in Australia and getting married at the end of November. I’d love to give my fiancé a vintage Omega as a wedding gift.

I was originally looking at a Seamaster 165.002 on Chrono24, but after reading more here I’ve realised a lot of listings there seem overpriced.

I’m not set on that exact model, but I love that it feels properly vintage rather than modern, and the clean silver face is exactly the look I’m going for. I’ve been doing a lot of deep dives, reading threads here, scrolling through WatchExchange, checking the “watches for sale” forum, and going through the recommended eBay listing list. But then I saw people in the “how to fish” thread saying they’d never buy off eBay, so now I’m completely second-guessing myself.

I’ve found a few nice options, but my fiancé has a bigger wrist, so I’m worried a 34mm Seamaster might look a bit tiny. I’m also getting stressed that I won’t find something in time - can anyone confirm if eBay or Etsy are actually bad places to buy from, or suggest good places to look that I might be missing?

My budget is around $3k AUD, but I’ll have to pay duties on top.

Thanks so much if anyone has the time to help.
IMO, the best watches, and the best deals are going to be here on the forum. There are folks who do a LOT of great work and take care of/love their watches. r/watchexchange does pretty well too, though it is pretty run-over by resellers these days.

The first step is to decide WHAT you'd like. Gold tone vs not. You're right, 34mm is pretty tiny, so a larger wrist might look contemporarily appropriate. That said, when most of these watches were made, 34-36mm WAS the large watch, everyone wore one that size. Additionally, a 'dress' watch should be smaller and thinner so it fits nicely under the cuff and stays understated.

BEST I can tell, ~$3k AUD is ~$2k USD, so I've gone down the list of watches that I think are nice in that range. You like a 'vintage' look and a light colored face. Based on what I see below, your price is definitely enough for a nice vintage Omega.

35 mm, gold indices and a silver case with a white dial. This is a pretty darn classy looking watch. IMO, its lovely and a good price.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/reduced-omega-seamaster-automatic-calendar-ref-2627-7sc-with-clean-bumper-movement-fresh-service.187063/ Cover Image
Thread '[Reduced!] Omega Seamaster Automatic Calendar Ref. 2627-7SC with clean bumper movement (fresh service)' ·
Hi,

I would like to offer a really nice 1952/53 Omega Seamaster Automatic Calendar to you.

I offered it here some months ago, but withdraw the offer and spent it a complete service.

So in the...
WITHDRAWN
€ 875
KP-99 ·

Another 35mm, white dial, but silver indices. Incredibly understated but absolutely lovely. An absolutely beautiful dress watch.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-seamaster-30-with-textured-dial.186469/ Cover Image
Thread 'Omega Seamaster 30 with textured dial' ·
Dear OF,
For sale is very nice looking Omega Seamaster 30 with rare textured dial, from ca 1963 in good condition, Ref. 135.007
About the watch:

DIAL: with original textures dial in nice...
FS
€ 650
sneer ·

34 mm, and a VERY vintage/patina looking dial. Not white, but more of a creme, which reduces the contrast with the gold indices. Arabic numbers for 12/3/6/9 that give it a lovely look.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/price-reduced-omega-2846-sharp-case-two-tones-champagne-dial-no-date-bor-serviced-shipping-fee-included.186078/ Cover Image
Thread '(Price reduced) Omega 2846, sharp case, two tones champagne dial, no-date, BOR, serviced, shipping fee included' ·
Hi everyone, for sale today is a nice Omega 2846.
IMG_4739.webp

1. General introduction
A stainless steel Omega 2846, original two tones champagne dial, no-date, Omega BOR 1502 with...
SOLD
€ 650
hant26 ·

VERY unique hands on this one, and a very patina'ed dial. This is a love-it-or-hate-it, but a stunner in good shape all the same. Another ~34/35 mm watch.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-2179-30t2-pontife-hands-with-extract.186548/ Cover Image
Thread 'Omega 2179 30t2 pontife hands with extract' ·
Dears,
for sale this Omega ck2179 with extract of archives.
Case 34,5mm in nice conditions.
Case number and serial number are confirmed on the extract.
18mm lugs.
Rare pontife hands.
It keeps good...
SOLD
€ 600
Cuttysark ·


MAYBE best for last. A ~35mm (34.5mm officially), but I think exactly what you're looking at. The fact that it is still for sale is mindblowing, it is a straight stunning watch in great shape.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/fantastic-vintage-omega-geneve-ref-166-070-cal-565-w-box.186697/


Others that, for your price range, are amazing and should be considered:
The chronostop drivers model is, IMO, one of the cooler watches there is. If he's a 'car guy', this is a rally/racing heritage watch. Not at all what you're looking for, but a solid deal and a great watch.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/price-reduced-omega-chronostop-145-010-relumed-original-omega-red-leather-strap-with-no-27-clasp-serviced-shipping-fee-included.185994/ Cover Image
Thread '(Price reduced) Omega Chronostop 145.010, relumed, original Omega red leather strap with No.27 clasp, serviced, shipping fee included' ·
Hi everyone, for sale today is a very nice Omega Chronostop 145.010 (driving version).
IMG_0578.webp

1. General introduction
A stainless steel Omega 145.010, black rotated orientation dial...
SOLD
€ 650
hant26 ·

A vintage Seamaseter Chrono with center minutes hand. Over your budget by a bit, but a REALLY cool watch with a great wrist presence. I have one of these and love wearing it. Not at all what you're looking for, but I am a fan of chronographs (stop watch feature), and adore that model.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-omega-seamaster-176-007-chronograph-with-bracelet.186981/ Cover Image
Thread 'Vintage Omega Seamaster 176.007 Chronograph with bracelet' ·
Hey guys,

I need to sell my Vintage Omega Seamaster Ref. 176.007 that is in my collection for more then 10 years.

It’s a beautiful watch, that was serviced around 10 years ago when I got it. I...
FS
€ 2300
JimJupiter ·
 
Porteroso
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713
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2,131
Welcome! I would be looking for a 36mm. In today's terms, it is still a small watch. Any smaller and you run a real risk of it being seen as a novelty, dress only, watch.

For sure be on the lookout in the private seller's forum. If you see ebay listings, post the pictures here or in a separate thread, and people will give you good advice. This is the right place to be!
 
Dan S
Posts
23,022
Likes
51,470
Porteroso Porteroso
Welcome! I would be looking for a 36mm. In today's terms, it is still a small watch. Any smaller and you run a real risk of it being seen as a novelty, dress only, watch.

For sure be on the lookout in the private seller's forum. If you see ebay listings, post the pictures here or in a separate thread, and people will give you good advice. This is the right place to be!
I totally agree. A 36mm watch, especially one that doesn't have a particularly wide bezel, is a very wearable size, IMO. As you go down to 34mm, fewer people will be happy wearing it these days.

A reference like this would be perfect IMO if you're willing to consider something a little older and hand-winding. Unfortunately, this one is already sold.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-omega-36-mm-ref-2639-14-gorgeous-patina-service-march-2024-625eur.181754/ Cover Image
Thread 'Vintage Omega 36 mm - ref. 2639-14 - Gorgeous patina - Service March 2024 - 625€' ·
A beautiful and classic vintage Omega from 1952 is for sale!

The watch is in incredibly fine condition for its age, with the lume in the hands and indices having acquired a lovely patina. The...
SOLD
€ 625
Hnansen ·

There is also a center second version.
IMG_6388.webp
Edited:
 
dazedandconfused
Posts
10
Likes
3
Dan S Dan S
This is an Australian forum, so you can buy from one of the members local to you. TBH, the first thing to decide is the size. There are some "jumbo" models, but they are less common and harder to hunt down. If you're not sure, maybe this shouldn't be a surprise purchase.
I didn’t realise because all of the for sale posts were worldwide! I know it is potentially not the smartest plan, but I think I can pull it off (and if I do it will be great!). Also thanks have been looking for jumbos too 😊
 
dazedandconfused
Posts
10
Likes
3
Dan S Dan S
I totally agree. A 36mm watch, especially one that doesn't have a particularly wide bezel, is a very wearable size, IMO. As you go down to 34mm, fewer people will be happy wearing it these days.

A reference like this would be perfect IMO if you're willing to consider something a little older and hand-winding. Unfortunately, this one is already sold.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-omega-36-mm-ref-2639-14-gorgeous-patina-service-march-2024-625eur.181754/ Cover Image
Thread 'Vintage Omega 36 mm - ref. 2639-14 - Gorgeous patina - Service March 2024 - 625€' ·
A beautiful and classic vintage Omega from 1952 is for sale!

The watch is in incredibly fine condition for its age, with the lume in the hands and indices having acquired a lovely patina. The...
SOLD
€ 625
Hnansen ·

There is also a center second version.
IMG_6388.webp
Great info, thanks!!
 
SOG53
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5,329
Be aware that most of the Private Sales listings are "No return" sales- unless something is significantly misrepresented. So the downside is if the gift recipient doesnt like it, youre stuck. There is wide variation regarding appeal of some vintage pieces regarding dial discoloration or patina, for example.
Another option is to tell them you would like to buy them a vintage Omega watch, and then choose together.
 
dazedandconfused
Posts
10
Likes
3
omega1994 omega1994
If you need this at short notice (November), you may have no choice but to pay a dealer's price. Look for trusted sellers on Chrono, and buy the seller. Also, assume all their prices are negotiable. Message first and propose 10-20% off. Worst they can say is no.
Thank you, good to know!
SOG53 SOG53
Be aware that most of the Private Sales listings are "No return" sales- unless something is significantly misrepresented. So the downside is if the gift recipient doesnt like it, youre stuck. There is wide variation regarding appeal of some vintage pieces regarding dial discoloration or patina, for example.
Another option is to tell them you would like to buy them a vintage Omega watch, and then choose together.
Thank you
ErichKeane ErichKeane
IMO, the best watches, and the best deals are going to be here on the forum. There are folks who do a LOT of great work and take care of/love their watches. r/watchexchange does pretty well too, though it is pretty run-over by resellers these days.

The first step is to decide WHAT you'd like. Gold tone vs not. You're right, 34mm is pretty tiny, so a larger wrist might look contemporarily appropriate. That said, when most of these watches were made, 34-36mm WAS the large watch, everyone wore one that size. Additionally, a 'dress' watch should be smaller and thinner so it fits nicely under the cuff and stays understated.

BEST I can tell, ~$3k AUD is ~$2k USD, so I've gone down the list of watches that I think are nice in that range. You like a 'vintage' look and a light colored face. Based on what I see below, your price is definitely enough for a nice vintage Omega.

35 mm, gold indices and a silver case with a white dial. This is a pretty darn classy looking watch. IMO, its lovely and a good price.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/reduced-omega-seamaster-automatic-calendar-ref-2627-7sc-with-clean-bumper-movement-fresh-service.187063/ Cover Image
Thread '[Reduced!] Omega Seamaster Automatic Calendar Ref. 2627-7SC with clean bumper movement (fresh service)' ·
Hi,

I would like to offer a really nice 1952/53 Omega Seamaster Automatic Calendar to you.

I offered it here some months ago, but withdraw the offer and spent it a complete service.

So in the...
WITHDRAWN
€ 875
KP-99 ·

Another 35mm, white dial, but silver indices. Incredibly understated but absolutely lovely. An absolutely beautiful dress watch.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-seamaster-30-with-textured-dial.186469/ Cover Image
Thread 'Omega Seamaster 30 with textured dial' ·
Dear OF,
For sale is very nice looking Omega Seamaster 30 with rare textured dial, from ca 1963 in good condition, Ref. 135.007
About the watch:

DIAL: with original textures dial in nice...
FS
€ 650
sneer ·

34 mm, and a VERY vintage/patina looking dial. Not white, but more of a creme, which reduces the contrast with the gold indices. Arabic numbers for 12/3/6/9 that give it a lovely look.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/price-reduced-omega-2846-sharp-case-two-tones-champagne-dial-no-date-bor-serviced-shipping-fee-included.186078/ Cover Image
Thread '(Price reduced) Omega 2846, sharp case, two tones champagne dial, no-date, BOR, serviced, shipping fee included' ·
Hi everyone, for sale today is a nice Omega 2846.
IMG_4739.webp

1. General introduction
A stainless steel Omega 2846, original two tones champagne dial, no-date, Omega BOR 1502 with...
SOLD
€ 650
hant26 ·

VERY unique hands on this one, and a very patina'ed dial. This is a love-it-or-hate-it, but a stunner in good shape all the same. Another ~34/35 mm watch.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-2179-30t2-pontife-hands-with-extract.186548/ Cover Image
Thread 'Omega 2179 30t2 pontife hands with extract' ·
Dears,
for sale this Omega ck2179 with extract of archives.
Case 34,5mm in nice conditions.
Case number and serial number are confirmed on the extract.
18mm lugs.
Rare pontife hands.
It keeps good...
SOLD
€ 600
Cuttysark ·


MAYBE best for last. A ~35mm (34.5mm officially), but I think exactly what you're looking at. The fact that it is still for sale is mindblowing, it is a straight stunning watch in great shape.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/fantastic-vintage-omega-geneve-ref-166-070-cal-565-w-box.186697/


Others that, for your price range, are amazing and should be considered:
The chronostop drivers model is, IMO, one of the cooler watches there is. If he's a 'car guy', this is a rally/racing heritage watch. Not at all what you're looking for, but a solid deal and a great watch.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/price-reduced-omega-chronostop-145-010-relumed-original-omega-red-leather-strap-with-no-27-clasp-serviced-shipping-fee-included.185994/ Cover Image
Thread '(Price reduced) Omega Chronostop 145.010, relumed, original Omega red leather strap with No.27 clasp, serviced, shipping fee included' ·
Hi everyone, for sale today is a very nice Omega Chronostop 145.010 (driving version).
IMG_0578.webp

1. General introduction
A stainless steel Omega 145.010, black rotated orientation dial...
SOLD
€ 650
hant26 ·

A vintage Seamaseter Chrono with center minutes hand. Over your budget by a bit, but a REALLY cool watch with a great wrist presence. I have one of these and love wearing it. Not at all what you're looking for, but I am a fan of chronographs (stop watch feature), and adore that model.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-omega-seamaster-176-007-chronograph-with-bracelet.186981/ Cover Image
Thread 'Vintage Omega Seamaster 176.007 Chronograph with bracelet' ·
Hey guys,

I need to sell my Vintage Omega Seamaster Ref. 176.007 that is in my collection for more then 10 years.

It’s a beautiful watch, that was serviced around 10 years ago when I got it. I...
FS
€ 2300
JimJupiter ·
Wow, thank you so much for these options!! I really like the Geneve and was actually looking at it already (and have since been messaging the seller), I am just quite worried about the size. I really do value your suggestions though, thank you so much.

Considering the size issue (I just checked his other watch, which is 41mm eek), do you think something like this would be better, or am I overthinking it? I do note the other comment suggesting I shouldn't do this as a surprise, but am pretty set on the idea as I think he would value the thought I have put into it.

What about this: https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-jumbo-38mm-cal-265.184740/

I also found this: https://omegaforums.net/threads/ome...k-gold-indexes-hands-eoa.186337/#post-2528989
 
ErichKeane
Posts
1,046
Likes
1,124
dazedandconfused dazedandconfused
Thank you, good to know!

Thank you

Wow, thank you so much for these options!! I really like the Geneve and was actually looking at it already (and have since been messaging the seller), I am just quite worried about the size. I really do value your suggestions though, thank you so much.

Considering the size issue (I just checked his other watch, which is 41mm eek), do you think something like this would be better, or am I overthinking it? I do note the other comment suggesting I shouldn't do this as a surprise, but am pretty set on the idea as I think he would value the thought I have put into it.

What about this: https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-jumbo-38mm-cal-265.184740/

I also found this: https://omegaforums.net/threads/ome...k-gold-indexes-hands-eoa.186337/#post-2528989

The difference between a 35 and a 41 is pretty massive.

The first one there is great looking watch, though looks taken. The 2nd is less attractive, the dial has some... suspiciousness to it for me, and the timegrapher results show it needs a good watchmaker pretty soon.

EDIT: I missed the 1st has a potentially repainted dial. It is a really good looking dial, but that could make the 'value' of the watch way less.
Edited:
 
gbesq
Posts
9,481
Likes
51,937
Porteroso Porteroso
Welcome! I would be looking for a 36mm. In today's terms, it is still a small watch. Any smaller and you run a real risk of it being seen as a novelty, dress only, watch.

For sure be on the lookout in the private seller's forum. If you see ebay listings, post the pictures here or in a separate thread, and people will give you good advice. This is the right place to be!
No 34mm’s? Sorry, but can’t agree. There are just so many spectacular 34mm vintage watches from Omegas - especially in the 1950’s - and they are fantastic.
IMG_9736.webp
 
dazedandconfused
Posts
10
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3
gbesq gbesq
No 34mm’s? Sorry, but can’t agree. There are just so many spectacular 34mm vintage watches from Omegas - especially in the 1950’s - and they are fantastic.
IMG_9736.webp
So interesting to read these varied opinions (which I appreciate)! I must say I have come across a lot of lovely 34mms (but was thinking they might look a bit off when on?)
 
Porteroso
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2,131
gbesq gbesq
No 34mm’s? Sorry, but can’t agree. There are just so many spectacular 34mm vintage watches from Omegas - especially in the 1950’s - and they are fantastic.
IMG_9736.webp
If the guy's wrist is big, and his watch is 40mm+, it's not a risk I would take, when buying a gift. I agree there are great watches in all sizes.
 
dazedandconfused
Posts
10
Likes
3
ErichKeane ErichKeane
The difference between a 35 and a 41 is pretty massive.

The first one there is great looking watch, though looks taken. The 2nd is less attractive, the dial has some... suspiciousness to it for me, and the timegrapher results show it needs a good watchmaker pretty soon.

EDIT: I missed the 1st has a potentially repainted dial. It is a really good looking dial, but that could make the 'value' of the watch way less.
Porteroso Porteroso
Welcome! I would be looking for a 36mm. In today's terms, it is still a small watch. Any smaller and you run a real risk of it being seen as a novelty, dress only, watch.

For sure be on the lookout in the private seller's forum. If you see ebay listings, post the pictures here or in a separate thread, and people will give you good advice. This is the right place to be!

I’m not sure if I am replying to your comment correctly, but have been since looking for 36mm+ sizes. Do you have thoughts on this? https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-bullseye-dial-ck2791.186605/
 
ErichKeane
Posts
1,046
Likes
1,124
dazedandconfused dazedandconfused
I’m not sure if I am replying to your comment correctly, but have been since looking for 36mm+ sizes. Do you have thoughts on this? https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-bullseye-dial-ck2791.186605/
Its a fantastic movement in a 36mm case, that appears to be in great shape. The dial isn't my cup of tea (which is why I didn't post it when I saw it earlier!), but if you think your soon-to-be will like it, you cannot go wrong with that one.
 
Porteroso
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I agree. Not the classic Seamaster, but a very nice watch all the same. Sneer is a great seller, so you can trust the description.
 
dazedandconfused
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Porteroso Porteroso
I agree. Not the classic Seamaster, but a very nice watch all the same. Sneer is a great seller, so you can trust the description.
Thanks for this reassurance re the seller as he will only take transfer or PayPal f&F so I’m a bit nervous.
 
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