Need help and advice

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Coxen

·Jul 8, 2026

All,
I’m new to this community but have loved the brand for quite some time. I have a few more recent pieces but recently I’ve been interested in acquiring a vintage piece. In my research I’ve noticed a lot of discussion about restored dials and how that devalues the watch. While that matters to me, I’m admittedly more interested in a nice looking watch as I don’t intend to resell any time soon, if at all. With that in mind I came across the watch in the attached pic. The seller fully discloses that the dial is restored but I’m interested in your opinions as to whether this is a “good” restoration, and if not, what the issues are. I just have a very untrained eye and would really appreciate more expert opinions. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

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Porteroso

·Jul 8, 2026

In my opinion, it is pretty good, but still most here could glance across a small room and see it is a redial. I would steer you away from this, or anything not original. Much of the value in these is the original dial, cases, movements. Great watches when taken care of.

If you find sonething else, check back here. Many forum members would love to help you make sure you are getting a great watch.

 

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SOG53

·Jul 8, 2026

Coxen

as I don’t intend to resell any time soon, if at all.

This is often said, but you likely will, and then regret the purchase. Lots of nice original watches available take some time and you will find one. Good luck and stick around

 

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Coxen

·Jul 9, 2026

Thanks so much guys and I’m taking your advice and will not go after that piece. I found this similar one and the seller says it is an original dial but it looks almost too nice to be original. The model number on the caseback is giving me pause too because when I looked it up it seems to be a seamaster deville model number. Any feedback on this one would again be greatly appreciated!

 

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Wlcutter

·Fri. 9:35am

That's also a redial; a common attribute of dials that've been redone is lacking SWISS or SWISS MADE at the bottom—not always, of course, and plenty of redone dials still retain their origin claim (like the first watch you posted), but it's a really good hard/fast rule.

What—other than a vintage Omega—are you looking for exactly? Seemingly a white dial, which is fairly uncommon; you'll have better luck if you expand to silver dials. Both watches you've posted are dress watches as well, so presumably that.

 

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Coxen

·Fri. 10:48am

Thanks for the insight! I’m looking for something 34 - 36 mm, 18mm lugs, good condition with steel case and white or silver dial. Automatic or mechanical movement, and would love a seamaster but not set on any particular model.

 

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Coxen

·Sat. 9:14am

Alright guys, found and pulled the trigger on this one. Got it for what I feel was a good price and I like the “speckled” look that has developed on the dial. Thoughts?

 

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TexOmega

·Sat. 9:40am

Welcome.....well, it is white with stainless steel. I hope the movement is in good shape from all the moisture ingress over time damaging the dial and markers.

 

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Coxen

·Sat. 9:50am

Was supposedly just serviced and in good working condition. If not, the seller does accept returns so I thought I’d give it a shot. Hopefully it works out, we’ll see!

 

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calalum

·Sat. 9:55am

What is with that logo?

 

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hoipolloi

·Sat. 10:28am

calalum

What is with that logo?

Lacquer coating clotted over the years.

 

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SOG53

·Sat. 10:50am

I don’t think it is a good example I would return it
You can ask here before buying to help avoid problems.

 

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Coxen

·Sat. 11:32am

Ok, I’m genuinely curious as to why this isn’t a good example. It obviously isn’t a redial, which everyone says to avoid like the plague, and while it clearly has signs of its age, I read in many other threads that some patina and aging is actually desirable. So can you guys provide specifics as to why this isn’t a good buy and what signs of aging would be acceptable?

 

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Porteroso

·Sun. 8:35am

I am not sure if the logo was reapplied, or if it is lacquer clotting, but it is a very weird effect around the logo. Have you looked at the private seller subforum here?

It is a total minefield over at ebay. You might actually look at more non original examples than original, and not be learning what looks right or wrong. Even once you have a good general eye, you need to further become an expert on individual references to be able to pick good ones out.

I would carefully look through the pictures of the first 2 pages of the private seller subforum. And read this thread if you have not.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish-a-guide-not-for-enquiries.52603/

Thread 'Learn How To Fish - A Guide - Not For Enquiries' ·

I have had a few newer members asking me for advice on how to spot a good vintage watch and what they should be on guard for. I've decided to post a little primer on how to assess vintage watches...

ConElPueblo · Feb 3, 2017

 

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sathomasga

·Sun. 10:58am

Coxen

It obviously isn’t a redial

I'm not sure I would agree with that. It was pretty common for watchmakers to refinish dials even in the 1950s and 1960s, and those redials would have had plenty of time to develop their own patina by now. The logo and indices in the photos make me wonder if the original dial was possibly a black dial, and it was repainted white.

 

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SOG53

·Sun. 10:58am

Look at the black crud around the logo and indices. You need to look at decent examples look at the threads here to learn.
Look at the various Seamaster threads to appreciate the difference.