I have just begun looking and learning about vintage Omega Seamasters for the past few days. Lots to digest and was hoping for some help (legit check, expert's thoughts, etc.) on the following ebay auction:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/RARE-OMEGA-S...L-WATCH-20-JEWELS-503-MOVEMENT-/291644198306?Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

Thanks for your help!

 

Hello and welcome!
You've got good taste. Classic, clean, simple.

What's your view on authenticity, originality, etc, before we chime in.

 

I;m glad you asked about this one, as I was wondering the same out of curiosity.
The picture of it below shows the signed crystal, which I don't think the seller mentioned

 

Personally, I would definitely prefer something with all original components and un-painted dial. I would be open to something that isn't 100% authentic, but my fear is paying for it as if it was.

So far I've tried comparing the pictures to those of confirmed authentic Seamasters of that era (late 50's, early 60's) and to my newbie eyes, they seem to check out.

As you stated, I prefer the clean, classic look. I especially like the cross hairs on this model, which adds a touch of flair.

Assuming this is legit, what is the price range a watch like this would go for in the market?

 

Watch is authentic and looks like it has the original dial. Movement also looks like it is in reasonable condition.

I haven't had a chance to check the omega vintage database to confirm the model number (14744) against the movement caliber (503) and serial 18xxxxxxx. The 18xxxxxx dates it to 1961
http://chronomaddox.com/omega_serial_numbers.html

 

I could not find Ref. 14744 in the Omega vintage database. The closest I could find seems to be this watch (Ref. 14746):

http://www.omegawatches.com/planet-...ache=1&cHash=1ba7ff4ca2fd896fd0e2a7b3801878ac

Could someone please explain what that means?

 

The database is unreliable and doesn't include every model

 

Nice looking watch, but $1,200 BIN seems like a real premium. Out of curiosity, what would other forum members value a piece like this?

 

I don't think it would be that hard to find one similar at around $900 and maybe a few hundred less with luck, patience and diligence.

 

$700-$800 should be a relatively easy find.

 

I have admired several of this seller's listings, but my concern was that all the dials just seemed too perfect to be unrestored. Too paranoid?