Need some wisdom and experienced eyes buying my first watch

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projects_techou

·Sep 26, 2023

Hello everyone, late in my life I’ve started to gain interest in acquiring a nice vintage watch- as a matter of fact, this would be the first watch I own period. I just never had interest in watches. Did some self studying and googled around when I needed more info, before deciding I wanted a vintage Omega

I’ll just be honest- I need help. There’s only so much you can self-learn…

I’ve come down to this particular Seamaster 600 with a 601 movement. I understand there’s “frankenstein” watches and in vintage watches, sometimes it’s just unavoidable.

Would you guys be so kind to help a guy get his first watch? Thank you, everyone in advance, would really appreciate the help!

Thanks again, everyone!

 

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DON

·Sep 26, 2023

Ask for better pictures of the back. Current looks like someone polished it with a metal grinder

Based on the case number of 165.001 (can't really make out the middle number, but looks like a 6?) and crown looks to be a replacement based off images of this model

Did you already buy it?

 

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projects_techou

·Sep 26, 2023

You are correct, ref. 165.001

I am very close to pulling the trigger, the asking price is low and we’re supposed to meet at a third party professional vendor to check if things are authentic and correct working order. I’m looking at < 600usd

DON

Ask for better pictures of the back. Current looks like someone polished it with a metal grinder

Based on the case number of 165.001 (can't really make out the middle number, but looks like a 6?) and crown looks to be a replacement based off images of this model

Did you already buy it?

 

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Dan S

·Sep 26, 2023

I am very concerned about the back of the case, it looks awful. Also, I am not sure about the dial. Can you post a good straight on photo in natural light with the hands moved so that they don't obscure any printing,

 

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bardamu

·Sep 26, 2023

Dial looks suspicious to me too.

 

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projects_techou

·Sep 26, 2023

Mr. Man isn’t home atm, but he had a few more photos on his phone.

I’m not looking to flip, if that factors in on your advice. (Price is around $550) Just need a old-classy dress watch.

Thank you for the help!

Dan S

I am very concerned about the back of the case, it looks awful. Also, I am not sure about the dial. Can you post a good straight on photo in natural light with the hands moved so that they don't obscure any printing,

 

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projects_techou

·Sep 26, 2023

Really appreciate all your time and effort to help me out. Y’all got me worried over the dial now!

 

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Peemacgee

·Sep 26, 2023

Certainly something wrong.
is it missing its bezel?
Case back says plaque or G 40 microns.
where is the gold plated case?

 

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bardamu

·Sep 26, 2023

I don't like the font of Seamaster 600, too thick

 

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mydeafcat

·Sep 26, 2023

Don’t be hasty. I’m likewise on the fence with the dial. 600s come up regularly and finding it here is your best bet, frankly. The price is good, sure, yet I have hand-hammered cymbals that look better than that case back.

Think of real estate’s golden rule; instead of ‘location’, substitute ‘condition’. You’ve waited this long after all.

 

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projects_techou

·Sep 26, 2023

No, you guys are 100% right on this. I want it more than I need it so suspect to making hasty decisions. The price is, I guess, “too good to be true”…

On goes my search…

 

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mydeafcat

·Sep 26, 2023

You did the 100% correct thing by checking here first. Most inquiries come after the buyer took the fire, ready, aim approach.

 

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DON

·Sep 26, 2023

Too good to be true only counts when it's an expensive watch at a low price

It appears to be a franken watch. Case back interior to deep for a manual wind and a search shows it to be an automatic movement.

Avoid this like the plague

 

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projects_techou

·Sep 26, 2023

I could totally see that… Fear of missing out on a good price.

One day my profile picture will have a nice vintage Omega on it!

mydeafcat

You did the 100% correct thing by checking here first. Most inquiries come after the buyer took the fire, ready, aim approach.

 

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SOG53

·Sep 26, 2023

Peemacgee

Certainly something wrong.
is it missing its bezel?
Case back says plaque or G 40 microns.
where is the gold plated case?

This model doesn’t have a bezel. Here’s mine If it did mine is missing too!

 

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SOG53

·Sep 26, 2023

Dont buy this one OP- there are plenty of decent ones out there at this or lower price. Its a nice basic handwind watch with solid movement- take your time and research the reference. Be aware there are "mid size" versions which are not often disclosed by sellers

here is a good youtube video on this reference

 

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Syrte

·Sep 26, 2023

Welcome to the forum, look at private sales, read the thread « learn how to fish » - take your time and with patience you will find something you love.
PS that case back does look awful.

 

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projects_techou

·Sep 26, 2023

Maybe he used it as a drum pad…

👎

 

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Davidt

·Sep 26, 2023

That is not a seamaster 600 case, nor is the hugely overpolished caseback a seamaster 600 caseback.

As the Sam600 is manual, the ref no should start 13x.xxx, not 16x.xxx. Generally it should be 135.011 for a 34mm no date.
Finally the dial is certainly refinished.

Huge pass, even at $250

 

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numero27

·Sep 26, 2023

That is not the correct font for a Seamaster 600