Help to determine if this seamaster is a nice deal or not

[NoviceHorloger]

]Hello gents,

My sister wanted to buy an omega for my dad birthday (his dream) and order that on eBay without my advice. She paid 280€ for it, the watch works.

what do you think of it please?
The crown is not the original one, if we keep the watch, I want to replace it, any advice?

Thank you very much,

 

[MtV]

That’s a nice idea for a present. You say “if we keep the watch” - is it still possible to return it?

While the price does seem relatively low, there are reasons for that. The dial is damaged, and there’s quite a bit of brass shining through at at least one of the lugs. The movement is correct for the ref, but it does look like it could need some love. Depending on where you live, a service will be very roughly 100-200€, which brings you close to a price range that’ll give you examples in much, much nicer condition. And that’s not even including the cost for an original crown, if you want to pursuit that.

If that’s still an option, I’d return it and keep on looking.

 

[JwRosenthal]

I think for €280 she actually didn’t do half bad. As you said, crown isn’t a factory omega crown but that easy enough to remedy during service. As for the condition, it’s not trashed but does have some wear and tear to the case and the dial has seen some moisture ingress at some point in its life. If your father would be fine with the patina, then it’s a nice watch and a service/cleaning would make it very nice. If he is a stickler condition, then return it and find a piece in better condition.

edit- didn’t see the plating wear until it was pointed out in the last post- thought that was a shadow (need to get my eyes checked). Yeah, send it back. You can get much better for a couple €100’s more

 

[MtV]

JwRosenthal

edit- didn’t see the plating wear until it was pointed out in the last post- thought that was a shadow (need to get my eyes checked). Yeah, send it back. You can get much better for a couple €100’s more

In fairness, it took me a fair bit of zooming in, too.

 

[michael22]

I wouldn't buy it, especially as a gift, unless your father is an amatuer watchmaker.

 

[NoviceHorloger]

Thank you guys, she is trying to send it back. She wanted to do do well, but my father dreams of a pie pan constellation, not a seamaster, she has only kept in mind "Omega"...
If she's not able to send it back, I will buy her, and it will become my first restauration project (I will need your wise advices please).

 

[Maganator]

N NoviceHorloger

Thank you guys, she is trying to send it back. She wanted to do do well, but my father dreams of a pie pan constellation, not a seamaster, she has only kept in mind "Omega"...
If she's not able to send it back, I will buy her, and it will become my first restauration project (I will need your wise advices please).

I think this is the correct thing to do.

To be honest if you're even a little unsure about what you are doing I would probably avoid ebay.

Keep an eye on the sales sections on here. I did a quick search and it looks like this one is still for sale

https://omegaforums.net/threads/196...an-dial-w-cross-hair-ss-case-serviced.115076/

I have no idea what your budget is, but getting a vintage watch for a good price in ebay isn't as good as it first seems. You usually have to get it serviced yourself and that can throw up additional expense. The watch in the thread above has already been serviced and is from a reputable seller. (I have no affiliation with the seller or the watch sale).

Good luck, it is a lovely idea for a gift for your father.

 

[NoviceHorloger]

Thank you Maganator,

I totally agree with you, unfortunately my sister ordered it without asking me (for her defense I have discovered this amazing forum last month identifying the watch of my grand father. Thank you all for the incredible work made there and you warm welcome).
Of course the seller is not okay to my sister send it back. Guess it will be my first omega (too bad I wanted a 30T2). Do you have a good address to find a gold omega replacement crown?

The constellation above is very nice but I know that the watch that makes my father dream is a pie pan with a gold capped case or a gold steel mix, date and cross hair will be the top.

 

[GingkoLeaf]

How much are you willing to pay NoviceHorloger?
If I come across that model, I can refer it to you.
Then you can post it here as well and have others chime in on their thoughts on the piece.

 

[NoviceHorloger]

Thank you very much Ginko! My sister and I agreed on 2000€.

 

[MtV]

For a gold-capped one, that should get you there. "There" meaning a really nice example. It will likely require some patience along with the funds, though.