Hi there-

I own a 145.700 on a shark mesh band (see my other threads for photos). It's just a bit too extravagant, both in looks and size, for daily wear. I pretty much wear jeans and a t-shirt every day with a light jacket. I've got smaller wrists, so this 40mm watch can look a bit loud sometimes. I'm looking for something smaller and frankly beat up is fine 60s/70s watch that's around 4-600 USD. Quite a step down from my other watch but that's OK. It needs to look more modest. Any suggestions are recommended. I like manual winds.

Thanks!

 

You could take a look at some of the Omega Genève references from that era. The manual wind ones use movements from the cal. 600 family or, later, cal. 1030. These were entry-level Omegas in their time; simple, modest looking, but nicely designed and made. They are neither rare nor especially collectible, so finding a reasonable priced one for everyday wear is not too hard.

A few examples:
https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-geneve.73203/
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Near-mint-...302061?hash=item3d62b9162d:g:O4wAAOSwNvxa56~qPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

The 4-600 dollar price range could also snag you an early 50s Seamaster if you wanted to go that vintage. It would also take a bit of fishing to find a quality piece

 

What about something a bit later? 60s/70s.. don't mind repairs if it runs well

 

A suggestion..

 

Given your criteria, I agree with @Fialetti's suggestion. The 600-series is manual winding, from the time period you are interested in, and in your price range. If I recall correctly, they are often 34-35mm, which also seems right for you. These would also be relatively easy to find, authenticate, and service/maintain.

Older military watches would be a possibility, but that is a whole different can of worms, and can often require more research and education if you want to find something authentic. Not to mention that older watches can be more difficult and expensive to repair/restore. This is just my experience with non-Omega military watches, so perhaps it is not representative.

 

I agree, 600 series is the way to go. Is this an easy one to counterfeit? I am seeing a lot for sale, some look better than others..

 

Nice, minimal. Wish .286 were more frequent in back / silver (not gold). Did that exist?

 

I don't think you will find too many blatant fakes of 600-series Omega, but obviously the condition and originality will vary a lot. Post links and/or photos if you find examples that interest you.

In general, black dials were less common.

[Edit: There is actually one for sale in the Sales Forum right now.]

 

What do you think of Cal. 351 also fit the bill in this case? Just flipping thru eBay at this point, gathering info still.

 

Cal 351 is a "bumper" automatic-winding movement. Not manual-winding.

 

This is probably best reserved for another thread, but is there any advantage / disadvantage in manual vs. auto?

 

I'm a big fan of the 60s Geneve with a 34mm plus crown diameter. My favourites have a 552 movement (no date window) or a 565 movement (with a date window).
Both movements are automatic but can be wound and are extremely accurate. Servicing is not expensive. You can also find nice looking ones in the Private Watch Sales thread on this forum.
Here's a 565 which cost about £300 a couple of years ago.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/OMEGA-565-...981585?hash=item441db20311:g:YgkAAOSw~T9aXNoZPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

https://www.ebay.com/itm/OMEGA-GENE...064729?hash=item3d6296f299:g:Hj4AAOSw28pa5rShPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

https://www.ebay.com/itm/OMEGA-SEAM...997089?hash=item33ea587261:g:LrQAAOSw1xVa9ckNPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Omega-Gene...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-OMEGA...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network (a FAKE?)

What do you guys think of these?

 

The dials of the first three look too beat up to me, the black dials are frequently redials, but I don't know enough to say, but that may not matter to you.I know very little about Geneve Dynamics, particularly any sold from Thailand.

 

I think you can do far, far better! As stated above, the top three are just worn out, I am sure 4 is a redial and the whole point of the Dynamic range was the ergonomic case shape, so draw your own conclusions on 5.

I agree with the others that for what you want, the Geneve range offers most choice. A 601 is the way to go IMO. For your price range you should get a nice or really nice example.

 

I concur, and I guess that also answers the earlier question about the prevalence of frankens, fakes and cobbled-together movements. I would keep looking if I were you. There are better examples around for the price, especially if you stick to the simpler manual movements. Good luck!

 

To answer a previous question, I don’t mind if the face/watch has been redialed, as I do really want something with a black face. Those OGs in black seem to command a higher dollar. Do people mod with NOS or new replacement faces on these or it’s just impossible? Thanks

 

How does this one look to you?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/163013717224?ul_noapp=truePurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Those hands don't look correct to me. Search under "omega 136.0102" in google images."

[Edit: Sorry, the hands are correct.]