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Need Some 1 on 1 Help on My First Purchase

Evitzee
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I generally avoid redials but I've seen a number of high grade watches in manufacturer's museums that have been redialed. I remember one Patek Philippe minute repeater about twenty years ago that was auctioned by Christie's in NY, it was in 'completely unused' condition with a matching 18k bracelet by a well known European retailer (still in business) and the dial had the retailer's signature which was common in the 50's. The watch showed up a couple of years later in Patek's museum so they obviously had bought it, and voila, the bracelet was gone and the dial no longer had the retailer's name on the dial. The dial had been redone. It all depends on the quality of the redial. I never say never.
 
jsducote
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I'm a compulsive shopper who doesn't pull the trigger until I'm convinced. My process is to research like mad and usually involves a spreadsheet or two. I observe what's selling, for how much, and what's re-appearing. Occasionally an article on Hodinkee or Fratello will give me specific info on a model that I'm interested in, but there are also tons of "what to look out for" articles. You'd be surprised how quickly you'll be able to spot differences in what's out there, especially once you zone-in on a specific make & model.
 
Benbradstock
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Davidt Davidt
Collectors almost exclusively avoid redials. The dialis the face of the watch and it somewhat negates the point of buying a Swiss Made, Omega, if the dial was repainted by Alan in Boston.

The best advice is take your time and decide upon a couple of specific models you like (Seamaster and Constellation probably includes several hundred various watches). Then use the search function on this forum and Google to research that reference so you have a reasonable idea what you're looking at. Before any purchase take pictures, whether in person or from the internet, and post them on this forum along with your thoughts on the watch. Plenty of people will help you critique a potential purchase.

Oh so now we're trashing Alan of Boston? He's a very creative artist!
 
smorrisonmd
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M MistaMurillo
Thanks for the feedback gentleman!

I supposed I should have added some more info on what I have been looking into.
I think a comfortable price range for me would be in the $1k range.
I have been looking at both Constellation and Seamaster pieces heavily.

I will be in San Diego today and it just so happens that this shop is going to be right around the corner from where I will be staying at. I’m think I’m going to stop in and check out some pieces that they have there and hopefully talk to their certified Omega tech to gain some knowledge. https://m.yelp.com/biz/precision-watch-and-jewelry-san-diego-2
Nothing wrong with buying from a dealer, if you don't mind overpaying by 50% or more.
If you do, educate yourself and shop here or on eBay. You can find a very nice Seamaster Chronometer for your budget, and that is where I would be looking.
 
dputydwg1
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M MistaMurillo
Hi OF Community!

This is my first post on this forum and I love what I have read and come across thus far.

I am in search of someone that would be willing to help a newcomer like myself out with his first purchase of a vintage watch.

I have never been much of a watch man to date but as of the past year or so I been noticing timepieces more and more often while I have been working at a luxury hotel. My wife also has a few luxury pieces from the past that also helped spark my interest in watches.

I live in Los Angeles and I’m sure there are some reputable shops etc that I can find something I like but I’m not too sure where to start. eBay is a route that I think might be best and I have browsed what is out there and have a few pieces in mind.

Is this too much to ask from someone? I want to start with a vintage Omega and build a collection from there throughout my journey in life.

Thank you in advance,

Michael
Wannabuyawatch on Melrose
 
JwRosenthal
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M MistaMurillo
May I ask why??
I don’t know anything about IWC pricing and fair market value-I don’t own one, and have only admired them, but never shopped for them- so I wouldn’t be able to speak with any authority
 
M
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
I don’t know anything about IWC pricing and fair market value-I don’t own one, and have only admired them, but never shopped for them- so I wouldn’t be able to speak with any authority
Thank you. I thought you might trying to be hint that it isn’t a fair price or something
 
Davidt
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M MistaMurillo
I’m still interested in this piece. Surprised it hasn’t been bought yet. Can anyone spot a problem with it or see any reason as to why it’s still available?

https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-constellation-cal-561-14902-serviced.92701/

Looks nice. Shame the bracelet has been sold as these look great on a BoR but if you can agree on a price there's nothing wrong with that. One of the pics shows some very slight spotting on the dial but this likely won't be very visible in person.
 
Dan S
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M MistaMurillo
In everyone’s opinion what would be a more suitable price?

It's not our place to help you negotiate a price with another forum member. Do your own research and make a fair offer. However, keep in mind that the seller might not agree with your offer, and you might need to pay the seller's price if you want the watch. A seller has the right to set his own price, and he can decide to be patient and wait for a buyer that is willing to pay the asking price. This happens all the time ... not every buyer and seller can come to terms.
 
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