I am completely confused

Paulmw · Sep 26, 2021

First post and done a bunch of reading on here, so be gentle but need some advise. I have a modern Seamaster Diver 300 but looking for a vintage stainless steel Seamaster automatic. I have read some horror stories about websites like Vintage-Porfolio and vintage-watches-collection and off course Chrono24 and ebay are good sources. But are there any trusted websites or Stores that you would recommend. Obviously like all, I’m looking for an original watch without having my pants pulled down. Thanks

tyrantlizardrex · Sep 26, 2021

Paulmw
First post and done a bunch of reading on here, so be gentle but need some advise. I have a modern Seamaster Diver 300 but looking for a vintage stainless steel Seamaster automatic. I have read some horror stories about websites like Vintage-Porfolio and vintage-watches-collection and off course Chrono24 and ebay are good sources. But are there any trusted websites or Stores that you would recommend. Obviously like all, I’m looking for an original watch without having my pants pulled down. Thanks

Welcome along.

"a vintage stainless steel Seamaster automatic" covers an awful lot of models and years - your first step is probably working out which one (or ones) you would like.

Then it's a case of learning as much about that model/models as possible before even thinking about opening your wallet.

Based on personal experience, the more you look at these things, the better a feel you get for what good is, and what reasonably priced is.

Happy Hunting. 👍

pdxleaf · Sep 26, 2021

Welcome. These suggestions are not original to me but are often shared with a request such as yours.

If you haven't already tried, using Google search with omegaforum and any question will lead to better results than the Omegaforum search fearure. There is a ton of information on this and other sites. When we are new, most of our qurstions have been asked and answered.

Rather than a trustworthy website, being well-informed is your best defense. Once you identify a model, research the heck out of it. Then bring your thoughts and the watch to this site with questions. Don't say what do you think about this watch? A better approach might be "I think the crown on the watch was replaced but the hands look original for this model. Am I right?"

This site is the best place to but a watch, but you may not see what you are looking for immediately.

Above all else be patient. The hunt is often a big part of the fun. Knowing what you are after and then being rewarded for your patience with a nice condition model is part of the fun.

This is not exactly what you asked and I hope it helps.

Good luck. Don't be shy about sharing pictures when you do find something interesting.

Cheers

Paulmw · Sep 26, 2021

Thanks for the welcome. Looking for an early model, 1950’s, model C2577 or similar. My ideal watch is this one here

https://www.vintage-watches-collect...ga-seamaster-bumper-boxed-papers-buckle-1951/

TimeODanaos · Sep 26, 2021

Welcome! Completely agree with what the guys above have said (given their knowledge and experience, you'd be crazy not to). OP, your intro demonstrates that you already have some of the smarts in place to avoid some of the sharks, which is great. My quick 2c:
- The moment anyone suggests a piece is an "investment", hang up.
- Be very cautious when the website or ad devotes more space to giving you a history of the manufacture, a lecture on packaging and import taxes, the state of the market, or the renowned honesty of their ancient family dealership than a description of the specific watch on offer.
- Don't accept "the pictures are the description, so here's zero description". If they're too lazy or too wary to analyse their own merchandise, maybe there's sump'n wrong.
- Be wary of merchandise pictured solely against complex, distracting backgrounds (wine bottles, ocean liners, 1920s Berlin...).
Ahhh, that feels better. Good luck in your quests!

KeyWestPaw · Sep 26, 2021

Another in agreement.
Look at the model you want and try to know every detail about it obsessively until you can spot issues, don't styles, fakes, replacement parts, etc without a doubt, and then look to buy.
I am compulsive when I want a watch. I'd be beside myself if I got rooked and I didn't do the diligence and research.
Good luck, there are only millions out there and hopefully you'll find the one you love.
Cheers.

ckhaing · Sep 26, 2021

TimeODanaos
- The moment anyone suggests a piece is an "investment", hang up.

- Be very cautious when the website or ad devotes more space to giving you a history of the manufacture, a lecture on packaging and import taxes, the state of the market, or the renowned honesty of their ancient family dealership than a description of the specific watch on offer.

- Don't accept "the pictures are the description, so here's zero description". If they're too lazy or too wary to analyse their own merchandise, maybe there's sump'n wrong.

- Be wary of merchandise pictured solely against complex, distracting backgrounds (wine bottles, ocean liners, 1920s Berlin...).

👍👍👍

any additional "intentional distractors to derail the attention from objective evaluation of the time piece of interest" other member can add to the list?

imho, our beloved manufactures do that big time as well

those branded electrical clocks at the major sporting events are nothing to with mechanical wrist watches of our potential purchase

and all those uncommon sea/air/land/space vehicles, attractive ladies, exotic landscape scenes, attached to the watch selling pages? just making the potential buyer to de-focus from the watch, non sense to me

I am completely confused

Paulmw

tyrantlizardrex

pdxleaf

Paulmw

TimeODanaos

KeyWestPaw

ckhaing

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