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Help with this watch

Dan S
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When the lugs are stainless from the back side, it is a definitive sign that the mid-case is gold-capped. You don't need to think twice about it, there's no doubt. That doesn't determine the composition of the bezel.

thash05 thash05
Thanks for the advice, very helpful as always. What would you think of a price of about 580-590 dollars for this piece
The watch is not for me. But since you are still pursuing it, apparently the watch does appeal to you, so you will need to follow your instincts. Everyone needs to start somewhere and you can only learn by getting your hands on watches.

I will just note that people often start out being very budget-conscious, and then shortly learn that condition is more important than they realized. At that point, they try to consolidate the inexpensive watches that they have accumulated to buy something better, but it's not easy to sell those watches.
 
ErichKeane
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Dan S Dan S
When the lugs are stainless from the back side, it is a definitive sign that the mid-case is gold-capped. You don't need to think twice about it, there's no doubt. That doesn't determine the composition of the bezel.


The watch is not for me. But since you are still pursuing it, apparently the watch does appeal to you, so you will need to follow your instincts. Everyone needs to start somewhere and you can only learn by getting your hands on watches.

I will just note that people often start out being very budget-conscious, and then shortly learn that condition is more important than they realized. At that point, they try to consolidate the inexpensive watches that they have accumulated to buy something better, but it's not easy to sell those watches.
That is a very eloquent way of putting that.

To summarize: This is a watch that you're likely to regret at one point or another due to condition/etc. At that point, you'll struggle to get $3-400 for it. SO, unless you're willing to burn that money on something you'll sit in a drawer-of-shame, I'd suggest moving onto something that you'll love long-term, and your best way of getting THAT is to get something in much better shape, even if it is more expensive.
 
thash05
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Dan S Dan S
When the lugs are stainless from the back side, it is a definitive sign that the mid-case is gold-capped. You don't need to think twice about it, there's no doubt. That doesn't determine the composition of the bezel.


The watch is not for me. But since you are still pursuing it, apparently the watch does appeal to you, so you will need to follow your instincts. Everyone needs to start somewhere and you can only learn by getting your hands on watches.

I will just note that people often start out being very budget-conscious, and then shortly learn that condition is more important than they realized. At that point, they try to consolidate the inexpensive watches that they have accumulated to buy something better, but it's not easy to sell those watches.
I completely agree with you. What I will say is that budget isn't really a restriction as much as market in my case. My biggest issue is that, being South African, we're pretty limited to our local market because privately importing anything of value in this country is Russian roulette. You have a 50/50 shot of receiving it at all since things tend to magically 'go missing' at customs. If we do ever receive it we pay massive import duties. So we're very limited to our local market. My plan for this purchase is to get something that is in fair condition that I could perhaps tinker with. Since I'm a big Omega fan I would love to learn how to do basic repairs myself, but I really wouldn't wanna start out on a pristine model and ruin it. I also never sell my watches, I have a bunch of old Seikos I've restored and despite not being pristine I do love them and still wear them, so resale value is not a concern really, especially since I earn quite decently. Hopefully that context makes sense as to why I'm considering this, although I still may very will pass.
 
Peemacgee
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DON DON
Just to help you out

Gold cap, gold filled and gold plate. This is Gold Capped which is a thicker layer of gold (vs. Gold filled) and bonded to steel with heat and pressure.

Gold filled is also applied, but on brass under heat and pressure

Gold plate is a thin layer of gold applied electronically. Listed in microns although some are thick layer. Some Chinese companies do 1 micron (doesn’t last very long)

As an additional titbit.

Omega habitually used 14k gold for their gold cap.
I don’t know this reference but if this was a 50/60s gold capped Seamaster or Constellation I would say the bezel would be solid gold - but 14k, not 18k, to match the gold cap.
 
Dan S
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thash05 thash05
I completely agree with you. What I will say is that budget isn't really a restriction as much as market in my case. My biggest issue is that, being South African, we're pretty limited to our local market because privately importing anything of value in this country is Russian roulette. You have a 50/50 shot of receiving it at all since things tend to magically 'go missing' at customs. If we do ever receive it we pay massive import duties. So we're very limited to our local market. My plan for this purchase is to get something that is in fair condition that I could perhaps tinker with. Since I'm a big Omega fan I would love to learn how to do basic repairs myself, but I really wouldn't wanna start out on a pristine model and ruin it. I also never sell my watches, I have a bunch of old Seikos I've restored and despite not being pristine I do love them and still wear them, so resale value is not a concern really, especially since I earn quite decently. Hopefully that context makes sense as to why I'm considering this, although I still may very will pass.
Understood. We've heard similar sentiments from collectors in other smaller-market countries with high import duties, notably various countries in South America.
 
thash05
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Peemacgee Peemacgee
As an additional titbit.

Omega habitually used 14k gold for their gold cap.
I don’t know this reference but if this was a 50/60s gold capped Seamaster or Constellation I would say the bezel would be solid gold - but 14k, not 18k, to match the gold cap.
Interestingly I read something today about how during this era, Omega commonly used 14ct in the US market and 18ct in the European market. I'm not 100% sure of the validity though.
 
thash05
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Dan S Dan S
Understood. We've heard similar sentiments from collectors in other smaller-market countries with high import duties, notably various countries in South America.
I think an added layer as to why we struggle to find good condition vintage here is that watch culture isn't as big. So often times these vintage pieces belonged to parents or grandparents and those that inherit don't know the significance so it's just tossed to the side. My dad told me that his grandad, who was a watch maker, had about 6 pristine Omegas and they were all tossed out after his death🙈
 
Peemacgee
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thash05 thash05
Interestingly I read something today about how during this era, Omega commonly used 14ct in the US market and 18ct in the European market. I'm not 100% sure of the validity though.
14k gold cases were produced for Europe and the US but 14k gold was popular in the US.
However, this doesn’t relate to gold cap watches which were all 14k gold.
 
thash05
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Peemacgee Peemacgee
14k gold cases were produced for Europe and the US but 14k gold was popular in the US.
However, this doesn’t relate to gold cap watches which were all 14k gold.
Ahhh okay that makes a lot of sense, especially since in theory 14ct would be a harder material for a cap I would imagine.
 
Spruce
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thash05 thash05
Wow this is in wonderful condition, a real looker for sure 🙌
Thank you.
It’s gold capped and, in places, slightly worn through to brass. Before I wear it I generally give it a gentle rub with a jewellers cloth.
 
thash05
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Spruce Spruce
Thank you.
It’s gold capped and, in places, slightly worn through to brass. Before I wear it I generally give it a gentle rub with a jewellers cloth.
Did you have the crystal replaced or is the original just in emalculate condition?
 
Spruce
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I bought this on eBay in this condition in 2020 (I was the only bidder).

I certainly haven’t changed anything although I suspect the crystal may have been replaced at some stage. It’s a generic crystal as far as I can see.
 
thash05
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Spruce Spruce
I bought this on eBay in this condition in 2020 (I was the only bidder).

I certainly haven’t changed anything although I suspect the crystal may have been replaced at some stage. It’s a generic crystal as far as I can see.
That's excellent that you received it in that condition, have you used it regularly?
 
thash05
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Peemacgee Peemacgee
As an additional titbit.

Omega habitually used 14k gold for their gold cap.
I don’t know this reference but if this was a 50/60s gold capped Seamaster or Constellation I would say the bezel would be solid gold - but 14k, not 18k, to match the gold cap.
Also just on this, I noticed on the other post about this reference on the forum, there is indeed a confirmation that this reference number was classed as a seamaster, from 1950. So I guess the 14ct gold cap with the matching 14ct bezel seems most likely then.
 
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