Help for a newbie - geneve 1972

MissDee · May 20, 2022

Nupero
If untraditional looking watches are an option, then I have to recommend looking for a Seamaster Cosmic. They are among the cheapest Seamasters from this era and you might get lucky and find one within your 34-35 serial number range. More info is available at the Cosmic clubhouse 😉

thank you, I have looked at a Cosmic!

the front loading scares me, are all cosmic models like this?

this caught my eye, waiting to find out the date!

opinions welcome on condition, style is personal preference of course 😀

Dan S · May 20, 2022

There is nothing wrong with a front-loading case style. In fact, sometimes it can be advantageous, because it's less likely to have been tampered with by amateur owners.

The watch you posted is probably not the typical Seamaster Cosmic style that @Nupero was thinking of, but it looks fine at first glance. With a watch like this with an integrated or specialized bracelet, you want to make sure that it is long enough to fit properly, because it would not be easy to find a replacement or extra links, and it can't be easily worn with a strap.

Nupero · May 20, 2022

MissDee
thank you, I have looked at a Cosmic!

the front loading scares me, are all cosmic models like this?

this caught my eye, waiting to find out the date!

opinions welcome on condition, style is personal preference of course 😀

Yep, Cosmics are front loaders but there is really nothing scary about it. Cosmic 2000 might be different, no idea about that model.

Cosmic you posted looks legit, not a redial and looks to be in good condition. Very blingy with gold furniture and a sparkle dial. I would enjoy a watch like that, for sure.

noless · May 20, 2022

That particular cosmic is just on a regular 1040 bracelet, since it has both endlinks and 1040's are floating around on ebay etc. and worst case you could pick up a 3011 new from omega directly that should fit since that one has both of the endlinks still.

Since we are on the topic of encouraging looking into other styles, I will throw in my vote for the early 70's c-cases 168.057 and 168.056 are the case models that would be in the ballpark age.

I believe its rather timeless styling and due to being one of the somewhat less popular series of movements (actually the automatic version of the movement in the geneve you first posted), often found a bit cheaper.

The c-case thread is a long one, but there are a few of us c-case fanatics there that would love to convert anyone to the c-case cause.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/the-c-cased-constellation-thread.72308/

MissDee · May 21, 2022

noless
That particular cosmic is just on a regular 1040 bracelet, since it has both endlinks and 1040's are floating around on ebay etc. and worst case you could pick up a 3011 new from omega directly that should fit since that one has both of the endlinks still.

Since we are on the topic of encouraging looking into other styles, I will throw in my vote for the early 70's c-cases 168.057 and 168.056 are the case models that would be in the ballpark age.

I believe its rather timeless styling and due to being one of the somewhat less popular series of movements (actually the automatic version of the movement in the geneve you first posted), often found a bit cheaper.

The c-case thread is a long one, but there are a few of us c-case fanatics there that would love to convert anyone to the c-case cause.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/the-c-cased-constellation-thread.72308/

Good Morning,

Thank you for the reply, I will wonder over and have a look!

MissDee · May 21, 2022

So currently these are the three being considered:

Geneve
Constellation
Seamaster

mall thoughts welcome

Azveld · May 21, 2022

your research is vast and interesting.

having a particular year is a kind of lottery. this has already been said previously, should we consider the year of manufacture of the mechanism (some here will be able to tell you easily), that of production of the watch (this is the date indicated on the archive extract) or the year of sale. this one is the most complicated to know because the papers are rarely kept apart for expensive models.
several months, even years that can separate these dates for the same watch, I advise you to detach yourself from them.

for your budget, you are rightly opting for consumer models, which are of excellent quality.

the 3 models you have identified so far do not indicate a preferred style (dressy, sport, sport-chic).
the choice is very wide!

Geneve are of course the biggest part, there is also Chronostop (young sporty look), Seamaster Cosmic (in my opinion a superb choice), Seamaster De Ville, Admiralty (a little more expensive).

the Seamaster range was looking for itself a bit at that time. you will find very sporty models as well as more elegant designs.

do not hesitate to tell us if you determine a particular design so that we can help you.

Syrte · May 21, 2022

Welcome MissDee, I’m not an Omega specialist so cannot tell you if all those watches are “correct”. But a “chronometer” movement is a bit more high end and chic, I usually like the embossed case backs on the Constellation and Seamaster cases (a reference to the name of the watch and probably to the fact “chronometer” movements were “observatory” tested) as far as the Constellation is concerned).

if the second dial isn’t refinished (something others who are more knowledgeable can opine on) I personally really like that blue dial. The question is, which style does your husband favor?

The first watch is very subdued and understated, may be smaller.
You may want to take into account what he usually wears and likes?
If he wears a watch is it a big one of a relatively unobtrusive one?
Number 2 may be more sporty looking- number 3 is in between. Number 1 may well be thinner and smaller than number 2 and 3. The width without crown will tell you thant.

Finally there once was another lady here who visited to find her husband a birthday watch, and she was very pleased with a UK based dealer who helped her well— named Kibble Watches. She had previously dealt with one who was quite shady, and you should be careful as Chrono24 has all types of people on it.

So by all means keep posting here what you find before you pull the trigger or commit. Any good watch seller will help you do your due diligence and be forthcoming with information.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/upd...ands-60th-1961-seamaster.128930/#post-1745730

Dan S · May 21, 2022

You have chosen three watches that have very different styles, which is interesting. I think those are all good watches in different ways. From the perspective of style, the Geneve has more of a traditional classic vintage Omega vibe, although in a bit of a utilitarian way. As @Syrte mentioned, the Constellation was perhaps a bit higher-end when it was made, and the blue dial is interesting. The Constellation and Seamaster have a distinctive funky 1970s style, that was in fashion for a short time and then went out of style. Those 70s watches have their fans, but they are not as broadly popular overall, so purchasing one of them could be a bit of a risk unless you happen to know that you husband likes that style. Also, remember that you are totally reliant on those integrated bracelets for the Constellation and Seamaster. If they are short or stretched or damaged, you could be in a tough spot because one can't just adapt an ordinary strap or bracelet very easily. However, if the integrated bracelet is in good shape, it's a great look.

MissDee · May 21, 2022

Thanks you for the replies.

My husband likes a wide variety and I feel any of the three would be warmly received.

I like the blue dial on the constellation!

The more I look at different models and variations the more I’m inclined to flex my budget but I must try not to get carried away.

I came across a Seamaster Jedi! Now that would be the one for him if money was no object!

MissDee · May 21, 2022

This is lovely - over budget!

Sherbie · May 21, 2022

The above watch (176.007) is a great watch ( its not a Jedi, btw, but thats another story), and is 38.5mm across (ie width, not including the crown

you mentioned that your husband likes bodybuilding, so if he is a larger/taller chap, the 176.007 might be a better match some of the other, smaller, dainty dress watches you posted earlier in this thread

not sure what size watch he has been wearing in the past, but vintage watches tended to be much smaller than todays monsters (41-44 mm generally)

something to bear in mind, anyway

MissDee · May 21, 2022

Sherbie
The above watch (176.007) is a great watch ( its not a Jedi, btw, but thats another story), and is 38.5mm across (ie width, not including the crown

you mentioned that your husband likes bodybuilding, so if he is a larger/taller chap, the 176.007 might be a better match some of the other, smaller, dainty dress watches you posted earlier in this thread

not sure what size watch he has been wearing in the past, but vintage watches tended to be much smaller than todays monsters (41-44 mm generally)

something to bear in mind, anyway

Well I’m glad you pointed that out! (The Jedi reference) my husband likes Starwars so that could have been an expensive heart mistake!

Sherbie · May 21, 2022

Give this a good read

https://www.fratellowatches.com/story-original-omega-seamaster-jedi-chronograph/#gref

if he really likes star wars, then there a 3 references to watch out for

quoted from the above link

“The Omega Seamaster Jedi (145.0024) together with the Seamaster “Darth Vader (145.0023)” and Seamaster “Anakin Skywalker (145.0023)” models were given these nick names by the late great Chuck Maddox, a watch collector and expert of vintage (Omega) chronographs.”

Unquote

Azveld · May 21, 2022

MissDee
This is lovely - over budget!

chronographs will double your budget

Davidt · May 21, 2022

Azveld
chronographs will double your budget

Quadruple.

MissDee · May 23, 2022

Any thoughts on this Constellation? Seems to be gold case and pale gold dial? Are the hour markers onyx?

Seller is asking £850

thank you
MissDee

Dan S · May 23, 2022

That is called a gold-capped case. It is a layer of gold on top of SS. Much better than a gold-filled/plated case, but obviously not as desirable as solid gold.

MissDee · May 23, 2022

Dan S
That is called a gold-capped case. It is a layer of gold on top of SS. Much better than a gold-filled/plated case, but obviously not as desirable as solid gold.

Any ? Is the price reasonable?

Dan S · May 23, 2022

It's not a crazy price for this reference in general, but the condition of the case holds this example back IMO. Still, I understand that you have challenging constraints. The day/date display looks a bit wonky so you should assume it needs a service.

Help for a newbie - geneve 1972

MissDee

Dan S

Nupero

noless

MissDee

MissDee

Azveld

Syrte

Dan S

MissDee

MissDee

Sherbie

MissDee

Sherbie

Azveld

Davidt

MissDee

Dan S

MissDee

Dan S

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