Hello- I’m very new to the vintage Omega realm. I purchase a Omega Seamaster 2849. Looks to be from 1957-62 era. I haven’t opened the case yet but wanted to see if this purchase was a good one. I purchased the watch off Craigslist for $300. It does not have the original crown and shows some patina on the dial- notibly near the fonts is yellowing. The gentleman that I purchased it from had no use for it- it was his great uncles I believe. Hopefully this was a good purchase and not a frankenwatch.
Incorrect seconds hand, too, amongst other issues. Or possibly clipped, for clearance against a replaced crystal. Art
$300 isn’t a big investment, but probably not. That said, you have three options: 1) sell it as a parts watch (unlikely to make your money back): 2) list it on eBay - perhaps someone else will buy it (issue being that you now know it’s a redial, so describing it is a moral minefield); and, 3) you clearly liked the look of it when you bought it, so wear it and learn from it - we’re a bunch of finicky collectors here; you don’t have to care as much as we do about the details.
No, but the experience was invaluable. You'll be forewarned the next time around. Hope you try again; collecting vintage Omega can be immensely rewarding. Best, Art
Doubtful, Steve, if it's a serviceable movement, I'd guess $150ish parts value for the case and movement if they check out. Craigslist has little recourse unless you find a benevolent seller willing to make good. Redial tells: Uneven thick fonts, note the gap between the E and G. Uneven markers and erratic minute marks, see how the 12 marker and minute mark don't line up? Dial usually will say SWISS MADE or SWISS at the bottom of the dial (a few exceptions). You paid the noob tax, next time ask first, buy second. Until then, see sjg22's post.
One last question. I’m going to Hong Kong for business in April. Do you recommend any vintage watch shops? Maybe after this lesson I should stay away all together. Thank you again for your comraderie and insight.
Many have paid a much steeper noob tax than $300 so I wouldn’t let it deter you. Best advice that’s given around here imo: buy from the OF Sales Corner until you know enough to buy elsewhere.