Help with first vintage watch purchase: 2 x Omega quartz, Zenith and Ebel

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estebe

·Mar 16, 2025

If someone could point me in the right direction it would be great. I like all of them for various reasons but which would be the best buy? The prices range from 300 to 400 Euros. I could provide more pictures, but for now these is the assortment of watches I can afford and find interesting.... Thank you

 

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Wlcutter

·Mar 16, 2025

"Best buy" is hugely subjective—why don't you say a little more about what you're interested in? There's almost nothing connecting these four watches (other than your interest): gold plated f300, steel quartz, steel dress, steel sport watch with a rough dial. Any one of them could be the answer to any number of desires, but there's not much way for anyone to help without knowing what those desires might be.

 

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sathomasga

·Mar 16, 2025

The first Seamaster is not a quartz watch. Its movement relies on "tuning fork" technology licensed from Accutron. Such movements haven't been manufactured in many decades, and the lack of parts means that it can be very challenging to have them serviced. They're also pretty finicky, so service is often needed. Last December I checked with Omega and they do still service them, but the minimum charge is $2000 USD and the wait time is over a year. They are cool watches and some collectors really enjoy them, but I wouldn't recommend it as a first purchase.

 

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hen

·Mar 17, 2025

Go for the blue dial SS Seamaster quartz, Its good looking, its versatile; NATO strap for sport and a leather strap for dressier occations.

 

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drose224

·Mar 17, 2025

I collect Tuning fork watches and have many Omega f300's. Parts are still available and I know several well trained and very reliable people that will service tuning fork watches for 300-500.

 

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Dan S

·Mar 17, 2025

The Ebel looks decent, but not for over 300 Euro.

 

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estebe

·Mar 17, 2025

thank you everybody, this was really helpful! in the end it looks like I am going to for one of the two Omegas... let me share some more photos of each, see what the hive mind thinks. And really thank you again, it does help out tremendously. The idea is I need an everyday, reliable watch and I think both would serve with various strap combinations...

1. The F300 -- advertised for 450 Euros, Reference 198.001, Year 1972, 37mm w/crown, original crown and glass. I believe I could get it for 400E

2. Seamster- no details besides it works and 35mm w/crown. I think I see some dust specks behind the glass- Advertised for 300E. I like the caseback better...

 

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Dan S

·Mar 17, 2025

I wouldn't recommend either of these as a first Omega. I'd strongly suggest slowing down, looking at more watches, reading the forum, etc. Give yourself a couple of months to digest what's out there.

 

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estebe

·Mar 18, 2025

Sounds like sound advice, but somehow that f300hz started to look very appealing....plus it apparently hums...

 

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Clelow

·Mar 18, 2025

My first attraction would be the Zenith though I would recommend a closer inspection and perhaps a little research.

 

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estebe

·Mar 18, 2025

Clelow

My first attraction would be the Zenith though I would recommend a closer inspection and perhaps a little research.

Yeah,I really like it too but it looks a little too far gone for 400 euros. Apparently the watch is working properly but the caseback wasn't open so no photos available of the movement...I did some research and couldn't find one single sub-sea with those hands...

 

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Clelow

·Mar 18, 2025

E estebe

Yeah,I really like it too but it looks a little too far gone for 400 euros. Apparently the watch is working properly but the caseback wasn't open so no photos available of the movement...I did some research and couldn't find one single sub-sea with those hands...

Opening caseback may only be a matter of having proper tool. Perhaps not too far gone depending on price.