Need help finding my first Omega watch :)

stefan.biedronka · Feb 12, 2024

Hello there, Omega enthusiasts! I am looking forward to buying my first serious watch and wanted it to be an Omega. I really enjoy the Railmaster, especially the later versions such as 2503.52 from 2003 or the newest one from 2017 (220.10.40.20.01.001). However at the present moment those are beyond my budget. I am looking for something at the price of around 1500 USD. I want the watch to be my everyday timekeeper. I am looking for a simple dial without a date, automatic chronometer movement and a steel bracelet. I did a lot of reading and web research and came across this piece: https://www.chrono24.com/omega/omega-constellation-chronometer-0-secday-167021--id30657600.htm .
What do you think? Is it worth it? I wanted to get myself a nice watch for my 30th birthday but if I restrained for now I could save up for the Railmaster. What would you suggest? I will appreciate any tips and comments for a novice in the watch world : )
Thanks, cheers!

SOG53 · Feb 12, 2024

Goggle this reference and first thing that comes up is this terrific review by our own Ash @dsio

https://stories.omegaforums.net/the-constellation-cal-712-ultra-thin-167-021-chronometer/

dsio · Feb 12, 2024

SOG53
Goggle this reference and first thing that comes up is this terrific review by our own Ash @dsio

https://stories.omegaforums.net/the-constellation-cal-712-ultra-thin-167-021-chronometer/

Good to know our SEO works, at least in the case of obscure references

stefan.biedronka · Feb 12, 2024

SOG53
Goggle this reference and first thing that comes up is this terrific review by our own Ash @dsio

https://stories.omegaforums.net/the-constellation-cal-712-ultra-thin-167-021-chronometer/

Thanks for a response! I did read that review : ) my concern is rather that I have little knowledge in the watches world and making such a purchase makes me little uncomfortable : ) so it is rather the offer that I would appreciate reviewing then the model itself : )

gbesq · Feb 12, 2024

Chrono24 prices tend to be inflated by 20% or more for most, but not all, watches. To get a good idea of what this watch should sell for, look at the eBay sold listings for the same reference and do your Google research. Note also that the seller describes the condition of the watch as "fair" which should be telegraphing to you that it's not going to be in pristine condition. This is not to say that the watch isn't attractive, just used. It appears to have been serviced in 2023 which is a good thing. Ask the seller if he/she has service records and, if so, request them and see what was done. Some sellers will represent that the watch was serviced when in fact the only thing that was done was that the watch movement was examined, perhaps lubricated, and checked for timing. That is a far cry from a full service, so know the difference. Chrono24 does offer good buyer protection if you're purchasing from a dealer, so it's certainly a better place to buy a watch than on eBay if you're just starting out. Good luck with your first purchase!

stefan.biedronka · Feb 12, 2024

gbesq
Chrono24 prices tend to be inflated by 20% or more for most, but not all, watches. To get a good idea of what this watch should sell for, look at the eBay sold listings for the same reference and do your Google research. Note also that the seller describes the condition of the watch as "fair" which should be telegraphing to you that it's not going to be in pristine condition. This is not to say that the watch isn't attractive, just used. It appears to have been serviced in 2023 which is a good thing. Ask the seller if he/she has service records and, if so, request them and see what was done. Some sellers will represent that the watch was serviced when in fact the only thing that was done was that the watch movement was examined, perhaps lubricated, and checked for timing. That is a far cry from a full service, so know the difference. Chrono24 does offer good buyer protection if you're purchasing from a dealer, so it's certainly a better place to buy a watch than on eBay if you're just starting out. Good luck with your first purchase!

Thanks for looking into the offer and sharing your thoughts! Yes, I did notice the Fair condition rating. I am ok with the scratches as I will add more wearing the watch every day, probably my only worry would be the dial but I suppose it would be possible to have it cleaned? : ) Definately what was appealing to me was the accuracy of the mechanism. I've noticed that Chrono24 adds a little overhead, are there any particular places worth checking in search for a good offer? Do you have any experience in trading on r/WatchExchange on Reddit for example?

MtV · Feb 12, 2024

Do note that dials can (with only very rare exceptions which should be ignored at this point) not be cleaned. It’ll look like it does in the pics, even after a service. You’ll have to be ok with that or, that would be my recommendation, be patient and look for a nicer example.

padders · Feb 12, 2024

Those Connies are lovely and super thin but be aware they are pretty small to modern tastes, not many would cross shop those against a Railmaster, even in its smallest 36mm form (note the ref you quoted is in fact the 39mm RM). From memory they are ~33mm wide only so won’t be to everyone’s taste.

Dan S · Feb 12, 2024

It's not a crazy price including the bracelet, although it would be too small for me.

Regarding the chronometer movement, you should temper your expectations of the accuracy for a 50 year-old movement. Omega's chronometer-rated movements from the 60s and 70s were typically pretty similar to the analogous non chronometer movements, and after all of the intervening decades, the actual accuracy of the movement will probably depend more on how well it has been maintained than on whether it was originally chronometer-rated or not.

If you just like the idea of having a movement that was originally chronometer-rated, and the word "chronometer" on the dial, that's great, but don't get a vintage chronometer because you assume it will be more accurate.

SOG53 · Feb 12, 2024

If you are buying a watch to wear every day, do not compromise on the dial quality as you will be looking at it all the time and will regret buying a flawed dial.
Take your time learn all you can about the reference you like, and choose one with a good dial

stefan.biedronka · Feb 14, 2024

Thank you for all your replies! After reconsidering all of the aspects you mentioned, for now I will most probably go with a more attainable brand new Tissot Heritage 1938. Hopefully at some point I will be able to get myself a new Omega Railmaster 😀 Cheers!

stefan.biedronka · Feb 14, 2024

I just checked ebay and it seems like the prices for my dream Railmaster brand new start at around 3000USD for Japan offers... which is half of the price on Omega site. How is that possible? Is there any catch except for the import duty taxes?

Gary Johnston · Dec 6, 2024

stefan.biedronka
Hello there, Omega enthusiasts! I am looking forward to buying my first serious watch and wanted it to be an Omega. I really enjoy the Railmaster, especially the later versions such as 2503.52 from 2003 or the newest one from 2017 (220.10.40.20.01.001). However at the present moment those are beyond my budget. I am looking for something at the price of around 1500 USD. I want the watch to be my everyday timekeeper. I am looking for a simple dial without a date, automatic chronometer movement and a steel bracelet. I did a lot of reading and web research and came across this piece: https://www.chrono24.com/omega/omega-constellation-chronometer-0-secday-167021--id30657600.htm .
What do you think? Is it worth it? I wanted to get myself a nice watch for my 30th birthday but if I restrained for now I could save up for the Railmaster. What would you suggest? I will appreciate any tips and comments for a novice in the watch world : )
Thanks, cheers!

Go an OMEGA GENEVE a perfect first watch

Need help finding my first Omega watch :)

stefan.biedronka

SOG53

dsio

stefan.biedronka

gbesq

stefan.biedronka

MtV

padders

Dan S

SOG53

stefan.biedronka

stefan.biedronka

Gary Johnston

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