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How to confirm if this is solid gold or filled. The seller said it is 14k gold.

coolot27
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Hello Everyone,

I am trying to buy this Omega Seamaster from 1952. I would like to know what is the meaning of the stamp 80 behind the lugs and If this watch is solid gold or filled. The seller said it was a 14k gold. Unfortunately there’s no picture of the case back. I know it would be much easier to determine. Thank you!

645EE4D1-9D96-4B5F-AA6A-77B74C5A2234.webp 6E8116B9-7E01-431D-A5D0-553284944CBC.webp DDDB6E2D-732E-4104-B312-2577F9762F48.webp
 
gatorcpa
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Case could be 80 micron gold-filled. I would not pay 14K money for this watch.

This particular example is in poor condition and while it might clean up nicely, there also may be wear through on the lugs. The photos are so poor that you can’t see much.

Avoid sellers who can’t take the time to post photos of a watch from all sides, caseback and movement.
gatorcpa
 
coolot27
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gatorcpa gatorcpa
Case could be 80 micron gold-filled. I would not pay 14K money for this watch.

This particular example is in poor condition and while it might clean up nicely, there also may be wear through on the lugs. The photos are so poor that you can’t see much.

Avoid sellers who can’t take the time to post photos of a watch from all sides, caseback and movement.
gatorcpa
Thank you for the quick response. The price is not 14k sorry it is lesser than that for sure. The seller was local in our city and he just found this from his grandmother’s box. He is trying to get rid of it.
 
Dan S
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If your goal is to buy it to scrap the case, I think you would really need to be 100% certain, which would require seeing a hallmark or the inside of the case-back. If you are interested in it as a watch, I think you are going to need to see it in person to judge the condition. And if you can't see the inside, just offer a price assuming it is gold-filled.
 
coolot27
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Thank you Dan, that’s what I am going to do next. I will see it in person. Regarding the price how much do you think would be? I am in Canada by the way.
 
Dan S
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coolot27 coolot27
Thank you Dan, that’s what I am going to do next. I will see it in person. Regarding the price how much do you think would be? I am in Canada by the way.
It's really hard to say without better photos of the dial. TBH, I'm not interested in gold-plated/filled watches and don't think they're worth much more than the value of the parts.

If you are buying it on the gamble that it is 14k gold, then you need to take a guess on the odds for yourself.
 
coolot27
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Dan S Dan S
It's really hard to say without better photos of the dial. TBH, I'm not interested in gold-plated/filled watches and don't think they're worth much more than the value of the parts.

If you are buying it on the gamble that it is 14k gold, then you need to take a guess on the odds for yourself.
Dan S Dan S
It's really hard to say without better photos of the dial. TBH, I'm not interested in gold-plated/filled watches and don't think they're worth much more than the value of the parts.

If you are buying it on the gamble that it is 14k gold, then you need to take a guess on the odds for yourself.
Sounds good! Thanks for the advice. I do appreciate it.
 
Canuck
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Check out the image I have uploaded. The arrow points to an area on the case were the gold veneer has worn through to the brass. Evidence of a gold filled case. My suggestion is to help him get rid of it by offering a stink offer. Servicing the watch once you buy it will cost you more than the watch is worth!

IMG_3642.webp
 
blufinz52
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coolot27 coolot27
The price is not 14k sorry it is lesser than that for sure.
I don't think gatorcpa was saying the price is 14K, he's saying it's not worth what a 14K gold watch should cost.
 
cristos71
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I'd like to see a better dial picture....looks like it could be a waffle to me.
 
Vanallard
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There’s no reason why the seller can’t provide you with a picture of the back of the watch. A lot of watches are advertised as solid gold but have stainless steel case backs.
 
coolot27
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blufinz52 blufinz52
I don't think gatorcpa was saying the price is 14K, he's saying it's not worth what a 14K gold watch should cost.
 
coolot27
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Vanallard Vanallard
There’s no reason why the seller can’t provide you with a picture of the back of the watch. A lot of watches are advertised as solid gold but have stainless steel case backs.
I agree, the seller was not really into watches. Maybe he’s didn’t think of taking the picture of the case back.
 
coolot27
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cristos71 cristos71
I'd like to see a better dial picture....looks like it could be a waffle to me.
It looks like a waffle dial.
 
coolot27
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Canuck Canuck
Check out the image I have uploaded. The arrow points to an area on the case were the gold veneer has worn through to the brass. Evidence of a gold filled case. My suggestion is to help him get rid of it by offering a stink offer. Servicing the watch once you buy it will cost you more than the watch is worth!

IMG_3642.webp
Thank you for that information, and I believe gold filled Omegas the case back is not gold. For this watch it does not have the gold case back.
 
Dan S
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coolot27 coolot27
Thank you for that information, and I believe gold filled Omegas the case back is not gold. For this watch it does not have the gold case back.
Many gold-filled Omega watches have gold-filled case-backs. If this watch does not have a gold colored case-back, then the case is definitely not solid gold. It might be gold-plated or gold-capped. Honestly, it would be better for you to gather better information and photos, and then post your questions.
 
gatorcpa
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Dan S Dan S
Many gold-filled Omega watches have gold-filled case-backs.
Especially those made for the U.S. market.
gatorcpa
 
Dan S
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gatorcpa gatorcpa
Especially those made for the U.S. market.
gatorcpa
Many of the watches with custom engravings (e.g. from employers) are in this category.
 
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