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I am grateful but still clueless

84CJ7
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I have been reading the Vintage section of this forum and gained valuable information. Here are some of the things I've learned about buying a vintage Omega:

1) Never buy from a vendor in Japan
2) There are some convincing fakes out there (to the novice like me)
3) Most watches on ebay are overpriced
4) If a watch looks new and polished, it probably isn't a good deal.

I have looked at the "spot a fake" photo comparisons to real Omegas but I just don't have the eye for it. I think it's because there isn't descriptions pointing out the fake things to look for. I've looked on the "Watches for Sale" but not seeing entry level vintage Seamaster Automatic from the 50's and 60's that haven't sold already.

Would someone have time to look at this watch on ebay and tell me if it is legit? I appreciate all the information on this forum but I just don't have the eye for the subtle things that scream FAKE to y'all.

Vintage Omega Seamaster Deville Automatic Watch Gold Filled. (ebay.com)

Sincerely,
84CJ7
 
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Foo2rama
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What wrong with Japan? It鈥檚 a great source for many models esp Speedmaster dates.

also post a picture not a link for the most help.
馃榾
Edited:
 
X350 XJR
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eBay has plenty of well priced watches.
 
Ravineman
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84CJ7 84CJ7
I have been reading the Vintage section of this forum and gained valuable information ......

You left out the 3 most important lessons ! And that is to educate yourself, ask lots of questions and, if you are not sure, post a picture of the watch here BEFORE you buy it !
 
arturo7
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Getting started can be a challenge. There are some good deals on eBay. You just need to be patient and do your homework.

Learning takes time. Keep it up, you'll get there.
 
Dan S
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Unfortunately, this is a good time to be selling vintage watches, but not such a good time to be buying. That gold-filled SMDV with two blurry photos is a good example, given that it's over $500 with three days left.
 
lindo
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84CJ7 84CJ7
I have been reading the Vintage section of this forum and gained valuable information. Here are some of the things I've learned about buying a vintage Omega:

1) Never buy from a vendor in Japan
2) There are some convincing fakes out there (to the novice like me)
3) Most watches on ebay are overpriced
4) If a watch looks new and polished, it probably isn't a good deal.

I have looked at the "spot a fake" photo comparisons to real Omegas but I just don't have the eye for it. I think it's because there isn't descriptions pointing out the fake things to look for. I've looked on the "Watches for Sale" but not seeing entry level vintage Seamaster Automatic from the 50's and 60's that haven't sold already.

Would someone have time to look at this watch on ebay and tell me if it is legit? I appreciate all the information on this forum but I just don't have the eye for the subtle things that scream FAKE to y'all.

Vintage Omega Seamaster Deville Automatic Watch Gold Filled. (ebay.com)

Sincerely,
84CJ7

Seriously, how did you get the idea that Japanese vendors should be avoided?

The Japanese have been passionate watch buyers since the 1950s, and many good examples of fine watches survive. The dealers I have bought from have been scrupulously honest, and I have been pleased with every single purchase. They provided clear close images that enabled me to pick and choose (I am borderline obsessive compulsive about condition and originality). On price, they have been very fair - much better than some dealers selling elsewhere in the world. Of course they sell stuff that does not meet my standards too, but it is up to me to look carefully - as it is anywhere.

If you are genuine about collecting vintage watches, you would be doing yourself a disservice to ignore Japan.

As for your three other 'learnings', you are absolutely right. The only course of action is to keep looking and researching, and ask here for advice before you jump in on something.
Best of luck!
 
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84CJ7
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I read about 3 or 4 threads were someone mentioned fake Japanese watches. I thought the consensus was to stay away from them.

I have been looking up every serial number when av ailable, I can identify the year by the 1st two numbers now. I just don't have the eye for spotting the fakes without the serial number.

The first watch doesn't have a serial number and it is cheap.

The 2nd watch has a serial number that indicates 1962 but I thought the early Seamasters did not have a back that opens. They only open from the front of the case.

Seamaster.PNG Seamaster 2_1.PNG Seamaster 2_2.PNG
 
TimeODanaos
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Hi CJ, and welcome. I feel your pain, and I wish you well. Looks like some of the best people already have your back here. Can I just comment on something else you said?
84CJ7 84CJ7
4) If a watch looks new and polished, it probably isn't a good deal.
That's often the case, sure, although not always. But the opposite also needs saying: if a watch looks battered, weary, not all that pretty, or all of the above - it doesn't mean it's a good deal either, no matter how low the price. It's sometimes hard to resist FOMO-driven urges to grab what's going, without really answering "why do I even want this?" That is, spending only $50 on something you don't really, really like won't make you feel like an ace dealmaker, it will just give you long-term buyer's remorse.
And if a stranger wanted $500 from me, I'd expect them to at least present me with in-focus pictures!
All the best, and welcome again.
 
84CJ7
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lindo lindo
Seriously, how did you get the idea that Japanese vendors should be avoided?

The Japanese have been passionate watch buyers since the 1950s, and many good examples of fine watches survive. The dealers I have bought from have been scrupulously honest, and I have been pleased with every single purchase. They provided clear close images that enabled me to pick and choose (I am borderline obsessive compulsive about condition and originality). On price, they have been very fair - much better than some dealers selling elsewhere in the world. Of course they sell stuff that does not meet my standards too, but it is up to me to look carefully - as it is anywhere.

If you are genuine about collecting vintage watches, you would be doing yourself a disservice to ignore Japan.

As for your three other 'learnings', you are absolutely right. The only course of action is to keep looking and researching, and ask here for advice before you jump in on something.
Best of luck!

Wow, I didn't realize that and have been disregarding all of them. I appreciate the information and will look closer at them. I'm not a collector (yet!). My wife surprised me with a new Seamaster 300M Chronometer in 2015. I have been wanting an Omega for years. Now that I have one I got interested in a vintage Seamaster for dress wear.

Thank you for the knowledge!

Mark
 
TimeODanaos
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X350 XJR X350 XJR
eBay has plenty of well priced watches.
Mark, remember always to look at "Sold" prices, not asking prices...
Btw sorry for calling you CJ - just a wild guess!
 
apsm100
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eBay is a minefield of course. But I have seen very well priced watches sell within minutes/hours. Its all about persistence and having an immense amount of knowledge to act quick before someone else does!
 
Mark020
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Korea and India have a reputation for redials but Japan is not known for problem watches. They will be there but in general I don't think you should be worried about buying from Japan.
 
krogerfoot
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I too am curious where you got the idea that Japan was a treacherous place to buy a watch. People take care of their things here, and the market for quality secondhand watches is extremely favorable for an American buyer. The main variable right now is whether Japanese sellers can ship to the States economically, since Japan Post has suspended its excellent EMS international delivery service to the US since March and I sometimes despair that it will ever be restored.
 
Davidt
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I agree, Japanese sellers have some great watches and I鈥檝e bought several from there.

The only issue I now have is many seem to have increased their prices over the last 12 months and that coupled with U.K. import duty means the prices are no longer that attractive.
 
Kapka
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As a beginner in vintage jungle I would stay away from ebay unless it is reputable dealer with clear return policy (meaning very expensive as well). Difference between "good deal" and "waste of money" on ebay is a very thin line if you don't have that eagle eye. Why not start here and check if there is anything you like, sure it might cost you few bucks more but you will learn a lot and get a "safe" start.
All the best...
 
M
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I am Japanese and I live in Japan.
I have bought almost all of my watches in Japan and I am generally satisfied!
However, there are dishonest sellers in every country.
 
Rudi99
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84CJ7 84CJ7
I read about 3 or 4 threads were someone mentioned fake Japanese watches. I thought the consensus was to stay away from them.

Treacherous greed can be found everywhere, but most japanese watch adds you will see either on eBay or C24 will be crystal clear (and that includes very good pictures, not like those from the add you posted I gotta say...) about the condition of the watch and usually with a very fair price.

Also, it is known that Omega in the 50s and 60s did produce some very rare and now valuable jumbo models like Connies and Seamasters specially to the japanese market. One could say it is even part of Omega's history.

I would say, the general consensus it is actually to keep an eye on them! 馃槈
 
STANDY
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Japan is a great place for old watches that are rarely seen in great condition. Was there a few years ago and dealers had some great watches that were traded after the GEC in 2008-9.
Also have so many limited release Japan models that were only available in Japan.

The vintage fakes are quiet easy to spot (compared to today鈥檚 fakes)

Ebay has some of the best deals

And if a watch looks new and polished it could be a superb example that鈥檚 sat in a draw for 50-60 years.
 
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