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Looking for 1972 Omega...

SammyLee
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Hi there,

I'm looking for a watch for my partner's 50th. Because it a birth date watch I really need it to be from 1972, and I'm finding a lot just say circa 1970's. Can anyone help me with how to find a nice, classic watch specifically from that year? Thanks so much. I'm am a fish out of water when it comes to watches.
 
TexOmega
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The serial # on the movement coupled with an Extract from Omega is the only way to be absolutely sure of the production date.

Otherwise use the serial # to get an approximate date from Tables you can find by Googling.

Now, if you want a Bulova, look for a N2 on the case back for 1972.


Good luck and Welcome


Wow, 1972 was 50 years ago, seems like yesterday😲
Edited:
 
SammyLee
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TexOmega TexOmega
The serial # on the movement coupled with an Extract from Omega is the only way to be absolutely sure of the production date.

Otherwise use the serial # to get an approximate date from Tables you can find by Googling.

Now, if you want a Bulova, look for a N2 on the case back for 1972.


Good luck and Welcome


Wow, 1972 was 50 years ago, seems like yesterday😲


Thanks so much! That helps a lot.
 
SammyLee
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Davidt Davidt
Seems expensive for that model. The bracelet also looks like it’s had a hard life and that’s important to consider on these as you can’t really use straps on them. Any issues with the bracelet mean a refurb or buying a new one.
Oh, haha, I was about to say that one looks great! ‍♀️
 
JwRosenthal
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Pegging a specific year on watches can be more difficult for some brands that others. As said above, serial numbers can get you close but without inquiring with Omega directly (and paying the fee for the service) it would only be a guesstimate. I too am turning 50 this year and I have a birthyear Speedmaster, but that was lucky- not intentional.

If you give us an idea of budget, and your partner’s style (casual, dressy, outdoor or indoor type of persona do they like gold or stainless etc) we can probably help you shop…many of us love spending other people’s money.
 
w154
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Seiko is easy to figure out from the serial number. It even gives you the month. Try searching for “Seiko 1972” on Ebay. The format for the SN is that the first number is the year, and the second number is the month. So for example SN 23xxxx the year would be either 1962, 1972, 1982, etc and the 3 would represent March (for October, November and December the second digit is a letter, O, N or D). You just need a bit of know-how to get the right decade. What month are you looking for ?

As an example… here’s a King Seiko from April 1972. See how the code works ?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234431062224?hash=item36952e20d0:g:5WoAAOSw~RtiElf4&nma=true&si=bY85FpYAylzveKjVP3YOkViXXYA%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

1FAF11C7-85ED-42A1-B800-88DF2D8ED45A.jpeg 12CB4745-297B-4B7C-B99B-7C8CC904681F.jpeg
Edited:
 
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Dan S
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w154 w154
Seiko is easy to figure out from the serial number. It even gives you the month. Try searching for “Seiko 1972” on Ebay. The format for the SN is that the first number is the year, and the second number is the month. So for example SN 23xxxx the year would be either 1962, 1972, 1982, etc and the 3 would represent March (for October, November and December the second digit is a letter, O, N or D). You just need a bit of know-how to get the right decade. What month are you looking for ?

Yup. A few years ago I got my brother a birth month Seiko diver for his 50th. I bought it about six months early so I had time to get it serviced. He loved it.
Edited:
 
SammyLee
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
Pegging a specific year on watches can be more difficult for some brands that others. As said above, serial numbers can get you close but without inquiring with Omega directly (and paying the fee for the service) it would only be a guesstimate. I too am turning 50 this year and I have a birthyear Speedmaster, but that was lucky- not intentional.

If you give us an idea of budget, and your partner’s style (casual, dressy, outdoor or indoor type of persona do they like gold or stainless etc) we can probably help you shop…many of us love spending other people’s money.
Yes, that would be fantastic! I'd like to keep it around AUD$1,800 or less and something like the Seamaster's would be great. Stainless and classic. I also really like the starburst dials. Thanks so much for your help!
 
JwRosenthal
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Ok, Australia, 1972 Seamaster with a very healthy budget….get on it folks!!
 
SammyLee
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Dan S Dan S
Yup. A few years ago I got my brother a birth month Seiko diver for his 50th. I bought it about six months early so I had time to get it serviced. He loved it.
Yes, I've got till mid August, so hopefully enough time to find the right one and get it serviced if needed.
 
Davidt
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Ah sorry. We’ve had a similar thread from another lady looking for a watch for her husbands 50th and I didn’t realise you weren’t the same person. Good luck with your search.
 
Omegafanman
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SammyLee SammyLee
Oh, haha, I was about to say that one looks great! ‍♀️

It is also serviced according to the advert and they have a receipt. Keep in mind with vintage people do not always service watches / service them to a good standard so depending on the seller people often factor in a service to make sure the watch gets off to a good start.
Bracelets can be replaced with a strap, repaired and polished. On Chrono 24 you can also make offers. Of course a watch from someone on the Forum and in Aus would be better for you / happy hunting :0)
 
Dan S
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Omegafanman Omegafanman
Bracelets can be replaced with a strap, repaired and polished.

The specific watch you recommended has a badly stretched integrated bracelet that is not easily replaced with a standard strap. I've attached a photo. We have seen threads about custom straps made for watches like these, but honestly I don't think it's a great option. It would also be difficult to find a replacement bracelet, and restoring the bracelet would cost hundreds, assuming you could find someone to do it.

23721930-h4lkhg225ha2b4f157t7newo-ExtraLarge.jpg
 
Omegafanman
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Dan S Dan S
The specific watch you recommended has a badly stretched integrated bracelet that is not easily replaced with a strap. I've attached a photo.

23721930-h4lkhg225ha2b4f157t7newo-ExtraLarge.jpg

Fair point - but looks like 1972 cosmic, has had a proper service and I have had a good run with German sellers on Chrono 24 :0)
 
DON
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Did you ask your partner? I know you may want it to be a surprise. Sometimes the surprise is that they don't wear watches or not to their taste

Does he currently wear one? If not. Maybe he's not the type

Best to find out before you buy

DON
 
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