Is this right decision for husbands 60th, 1961 Seamaster?

My experience with Fine Watch Club is that they are easy to deal with but their market is not collectors. They sell honest watches, but for non-collectors that might mean machine polished because their typical customer does not mind, and may even prefer, a polished watch than an unpolished one. I suspect that they will also sell a good redial, in the same way that they would sell a watch with any other replacement part. Again, their market is people who want a good looking genuine watch.

Their prices also reflect this. They’re a business and they have worked out what they can charge. They have a fairly good turnover of watches - not much of their stock gathers dust.

They are open to negotiation, but not to get prices down to “collectors” prices. You might get say £100 off if you ask nicely.

They are also happy to refund if you’re not happy, no questions.

I paid high newbie tax on the watch I bought from them. I realise that now, but at the time I was spending money from an insurance payout following the loss of my previous watch which I had inherited. At the time I had no idea that I was about to get into watches, and I thank FWC in a way for playing a part on that journey. Now I know I paid too much but I don’t mind. I knew no better and don’t feel I was ripped off. FWC is a business and are entitled to charge what they like. I wanted a watch they were selling, could afford it, and bought it. Fair transaction.

Now I can see all that’s wrong with the watch and for that I thank this place, but I’m still happy with the watch. Whenever I wear it it gives me pleasure.

I think the watch you are considering is very attractive, but the more important thing is, do you think your husband will? I have to say I would be thrilled to receive it, and if I weren’t getting into collecting would not mind a jot that it’s not in “collectors’ condition”.

Vicky now that you have bought it:

1/ try to identify a good professional watchmaker near you (not a jewelery store) who can inspect it and time it on arrival.
There may be hidden problems he can't see, but he should be able to get a basic sense.
You can ask the forum for referrals if you create a separate thread.
Maybe @ChrisN who's a member and a trusted watchmaker in the UK can help you find someone.
Given what @Archer says, you may nonetheless need to get the watch serviced by a watchmaker you trust.

2/ look up the seller's warranties on the function of the watch - and his return policy- but even if he doesn't have one British law mirors EU law and allows you to return within a week or two (I keep forgetting which).

3/ when you get the watch, take crisp pictures of the dial and post them here.
You should prop your phone on top of a mug to stabilize it on top of the watch.

It's actually not that bad. I know it offends collector sensibilities but it hasn't been melted into an amorphous blob.

Thank you all so much for your help & I appreciate how difficult it is to combine the views from a genuine knowledgeable collector to someone like me who wants a one off gift. Something said about not getting too hung up on the serial date being the birth year & so I wonder if I am putting too much emphasis on that. Initially I looked at a Cosmic and just seen this, initial thoughts?
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/omega/om...ydate--circa-1969--ref-166036--id18674446.htm

Those are very different watches, and it’s very much a matter of taste. You may find a million different looking watches that will fit the budget, and all them will need the same scrutiny.

Here’s another approach:
If the one you already purchased doesn’t fit the bill, find a dealership in the UK which will come highly recommended by people here, and go with him there so he can find whatever he likes best on his wrist and which fits in the budget.

That’s what I recommend to men who want to buy their wives a present. He may enjoy choosing it and shopping for it with you. And if that’s not doable within the time frame of the birthday you give him a sweet trinket and have a nice dinner in the meantime, and make it a special outing you will both enjoy and remember.

In the past have inquired with them for a watch, and they replied “yes, it has been repainted” wIthout any problem.
I got the feeling that they are overpriced but honest in their descriptions. So, just ask them a direct question.

The point made by others is that dating without an Extract from Archives is not an exact science, and is correct. You mat end up paying extra for the production year, but then it is not what you want.

With that money you can buy something nice from the Private Watch Sales section here, where you are more less sure of what you are getting. Forget the production date.

Way too much. I appreciate that the time to buy a gift may be restricted. But over $1900 US for this watch is ridiculous.

Syrte, such lovely words, thank you.

I want to compliment you on your posts. Really well done. Most of the first time posts here are not well researched and rather incomplete. Good Job!

Vicky, the dial looks good to me and for a gift to a person who is not a watch collector, it looks like an excellent choice. We are collectors hunt for bargains and prize originality - hence the disdain for the polishing wheel and comments about price. These things are generally of lesd concern to non-watch people.

The 562 is a terrific movement from an era when Omega and the Swiss industry were at the top of their game. You want to make sure that it has been properly serviced. Others who are familiar with this seller may be able to advise. Otherwise, they can perhaps point you to a good independent watchmaker to assess for you.

Here is a 1961-62 Seamaster 562 that I traded recently with the onyx markers for comparison. It is gold and a different case reference but you will see that the writing and fonts are nearly identical on yours. These were terrific watches.

Currently on private sales forum
https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-seamaster-two-tone-dial-36mm-ref-2938-4sc-895€.128390/
I think this one is gone but it gives you an idea of what is possible at the proper price.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-seamaster-2577-with-honeycomb-dial-in-great-condition.127924/

I like the patina on this watch. For those days when he is wearing a worn out pair of jeans and his favorite sweatshirt.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/1955-stainless-steel-omega-seamaster-2846-reference-w-patina.127871/
wrong strap though. More fitting IMHO

https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-50s-automatic-two-tone-“copper”-dial-35mm-490€.128335/
This one may be available. I need to start paying more attention to sales forum. There are some very reasonably priced watches available.

Al, I just turned 60 a couple of weeks ago. Yes hard to believe, since I look like a 45 year old and feel like it too. At 60 the date window is the least of my worries. Mainly because I can't see anyway.
I got to get back to my workout now.

Welcome Vicky,

This forum is a great place to get help from some very experienced members.

When I first joined, which wasn’t very long ago, I put forward a watch for review that I was considering buying and was given some great advice.

One piece of advice that kind of stuck with me was “ if you really love the watch then our opinion doesn’t really matter “ I think what the member was saying is that if your a collector you look at these watches differently if your buying this for you, in this case your husband, then you need to decide as that in the end is all that matters.

Being that you are buying this from an actual store and they are getting it serviced for you you will have some sort of reassurance that it’s in good running order.

As several members have said above since your buying this on a time crunch, so to speak, you don’t have the luxury of taking your time to find the perfect piece at a fair price.

I have been on this forum for almost a month now and still have not made a purchase because I’m heeding these more experienced members advice about being patient and taking my time and the right watch will present itself at some point. Lol

unfortunately this doesn’t seem to be an option you have right now.

Best of luck on your decision I agree it’s not easy but I’m sure the decision you make will be the right one.

Such great information,I keep saying thank you whilst I use eBay a lot I’m not sure I would be comfortable buying a watch from Japan (import duties etc etc) & with so little knowledge. Totally understand I’ll pay a premium from a dealer having serviced the watch, just need to find the balance.
Interestingly I asked the seller a couple of hours ago to send me a close up & clear image of the dial & whilst he has responded very quickly on most things he hasn’t yet been forthcoming in sending me this, thinking this could be a red flag (or just a bust man of course).