New omega watch Enthusiast

Rxberrtt · Aug 27, 2021

Hey guys , I just joined this forum as of yesterday and am excited to be apart of it. I’m still in highschool and just now getting more into vintage watches. So far I have a Swiss bulova 1977 , and a Swiss Hamilton (80s I believe). I think the next watch I wanna get is something more serious. I’m mainly looking for a vintage omega Geneve. I’ve noticed they’re kinda the cheapest vintage omegas to get. I was wondering where too look for for one. Currently I just check eBay because the prices. I see a lot under the max price $600 I want too spend, however, I just don’t know how to tell if it’s a legit omega or not. I can spot out the obvious fakes now pretty well but Some are still very hard. If anyone has any suggestions on how to get a solid omega geneve for under $600 , let me know ! Looking for any examples too be sent , things too look out for , maybe even reputable sellers on eBay or wherever . Thanks guys !

Scarecrow Boat · Aug 27, 2021

Welcome to the forum! Would love to see pictures of what you have 👍 we like pics here. I wish I was buying interesting vintage watches in high school… sadly, I was doing far less interesting things like collecting Pokémon cards… Haha…

The only suggestion I can send you is this
https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/

That is a well curated collection of information showing exactly what you should be looking at and why. Next, look through varying threads on here from people asking for help on a specific watch. The watch itself might not be what you’re looking for, but the knowledge often shared will help you to also learn how to approach vintage watches and what to look for. Good luck on your quest!

My ‘78 Hamilton

Ravineman · Aug 28, 2021

Now that you're here, start reading and learning. Don't rush and buy anything until you know what you're doing or you may overpay for a lousy watch!

There is no other path that leads to a solid Omega Geneve.

If you find something you want to buy the experts here might help you if they see you've made an effort to read a bit here ......

Dan S · Aug 28, 2021

It could take a while, but with patience and knowledge, you will probably be able to get a decent Geneve for $600. Start looking at a few dozen each day and by the time you have studied several hundred in detail, you will probably know what to look for.

STANDY · Aug 28, 2021

Rxberrtt
Hey guys , I just joined this forum as of yesterday and am excited to be apart of it. I’m still in highschool and just now getting more into vintage watches. So far I have a Swiss bulova 1977 , and a Swiss Hamilton (80s I believe). I think the next watch I wanna get is something more serious. I’m mainly looking for a vintage omega Geneve. I’ve noticed they’re kinda the cheapest vintage omegas to get. I was wondering where too look for for one. Currently I just check eBay because the prices. I see a lot under the max price $600 I want too spend, however, I just don’t know how to tell if it’s a legit omega or not. I can spot out the obvious fakes now pretty well but Some are still very hard. If anyone has any suggestions on how to get a solid omega geneve for under $600 , let me know ! Looking for any examples too be sent , things too look out for , maybe even reputable sellers on eBay or wherever . Thanks guys !

Welcome, So my advice is your doing it wrong looking for the cheapest entry level into Omega.

This thread should be a Bible to anyone new to collecting Omega,s or watches in general.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/condition-condition-condition-and-other-pieces-of-advice.1716/

Take your $600 stash it somewhere safe and add a few dollars to it over the next six months while you research and research and grow into the vintage world and before long your wearing this

Instead of this

Jones in LA · Aug 28, 2021

Rxberrtt
Hey guys , I just joined this forum as of yesterday and am excited to be apart of it. I’m still in highschool and just now getting more into vintage watches. So far I have a Swiss bulova 1977 , and a Swiss Hamilton (80s I believe). I think the next watch I wanna get is something more serious. I’m mainly looking for a vintage omega Geneve. I’ve noticed they’re kinda the cheapest vintage omegas to get. I was wondering where too look for for one. Currently I just check eBay because the prices. I see a lot under the max price $600 I want too spend, however, I just don’t know how to tell if it’s a legit omega or not. I can spot out the obvious fakes now pretty well but Some are still very hard. If anyone has any suggestions on how to get a solid omega geneve for under $600 , let me know ! Looking for any examples too be sent , things too look out for , maybe even reputable sellers on eBay or wherever . Thanks guys !

Hello @Rxberrtt , welcome to the Forum! We need more young members such as yourself and we look forward to sharing our interest in watches.

Spruce · Aug 28, 2021

Of course, @STANDY is entirely right and, until you actually buy the watch; keep learning on this Forum and elsewhere, keep adding to your stash and keep looking on the OF Private Sales Forum as well as eBay.

You’ll also need to factor in a service, a strap and either a new crystal or some Polywatch to remove the scratches on the old crystal.

The great thing about eBay is that if you’re sold a pup, you might be able to return the watch and get a refund.

But that does mean you must look at all the photos, all that’s written about the watch, learn the language 'restored, refinished, refined' (however carefully) are generally euphemisms for a repainted redial. Similarly serviced by our 'specialist watch servicer' shouldn’t give you any confidence.

Take screenshots of every watch photo and sales summary of every watch you decide to bid for.

Sellers who accept a return, ideally in the same continent as you, are preferable to those who don’t.

But, you want a watch now - not in a few years time - so, do look at Omega Geneves. My first few were Geneve and were and still are great.

However, go for Geneves that have good dials, generally undamaged cases and the correct crown. The movement should look good (don’t go for a non-runner). If you can afford it, buy an automatic with a 552 or 565 movement. If it’s handwind, a 601 movement

My suggestion is go fo stainless steel (and I have a soft spot for 135.041, 165.041 or 166.041) because you can wear up, or down, without looking ostentatious.

This looks the sort of thing I’d go for and I’d offer about £300. I might even pay £350.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/165031572391

(Apologies to OF for the above - it’s what happens when you have to get up in the middle of the night to sort the dog out 🙁)

marcn · Aug 28, 2021

STANDY
Take your $600 stash it somewhere safe and add a few dollars to it over the next six months while you research and research and grow into the vintage world and before long your wearing this

100% what @STANDY said, with just this extra bit of commentary and advice:

It's not about finding what you can afford, it's being able to afford what you love. Seek treasure, not stuff.

When my older boys were getting ready to buy their first cars, the hardest thing for them was to look honestly at how they were saving, and how each extra $100 saved would open up a surprisingly wider array of options and opportunities. In California, you need a car, period, so they really did have that pressure on them. But buying, owning, and wearing watches... it's pretty much impossible to justify to anyone not similarly afflicted, but indescribably enjoyable when you actually attain your treasure.

Tying up you cash in a watch you may well soon see as being "just stuff" is a very difficult spot to be in -- and one I feel certain virtually all of us have been in.

Keep saving, keep researching, and seek treasure. It's worth pursuing, and it will take time.

philips · Aug 29, 2021

If you are based in the US, I would stick with US sellers on ebay. International sellers can be tricky and the shipping more difficult. Hidden gems are not easy to find, but are still there.

Screwbacks · Aug 29, 2021

welcome. never hesitate to ask question from our experts here whenever you are eyeing one, especially every penny is worth blood sweat and tears for a student like you. you have a good 2 vintage watches to start with.😉

64Wing · Aug 29, 2021

marcn
Seek treasure, not stuff.

Ravineman
Don't rush and buy anything until you know what you're doing or you may overpay for a lousy watch!

@Rxberrtt
First, your username reminds me of the glorious sound a 30mm cannon makes...that aside, the good folks here are helpful and honest. I've quoted a few examples from just this thread alone.

I would like to echo some of their overall sentiment: don't just buy stuff. Really dig in there and buy what hits you in the feels. Your collection should be a reflection of YOU, not necessarily a gaggle of vintage watches just so you can tell people you collect vintage watches. It's great to see you join us and even better to see a young gun taking a real interest in watches; especially since so many of your cohort (and mine, admittedly) are perfectly keen on pulling their phone out to check the time before missing the pocket on the way back in and smashing their glass screen on the floor under the urinal...

Anyhow, welcome to the group. Please don't be a stranger! I, for one, would be interested to know what your plans are after graduation.

PS: @Scarecrow Boat that's a wicked 78' Hammy. Wanna adopt a son? 😝

Dan S · Aug 29, 2021

philips
If you are based in the US, I would stick with US sellers on ebay. International sellers can be tricky and the shipping more difficult. Hidden gems are not easy to find, but are still there.

And the real hidden gems go to people who get off the internet and visit every flea market, thrift store, and yard sale, sort through all the crap and find real bargains. Rarely, but occasionally. If you see something that seems like an amazing bargain on eBay, it's usually too good to be true. Every potential buyer in the world is looking at those listings.

Don't limit yourself to Omega. For some reason the brand has become overly popular with newbies. Your money will go further if you look at other high quality brands, like Eterna, Certina, Movado, Cyma, etc. They made amazing watches, but are not household names today.

Another suggestion is to join a local watch enthusiast group, such as an NAWCC chapter. We have a high school student who is a regular participant in our local chapter, and the long-time members have really taken him under their wings.

Scarecrow Boat · Aug 29, 2021

64Wing
PS: @Scarecrow Boat that's a wicked 78' Hammy. Wanna adopt a son? 😝

Heh, If I’m not mistaken, we are pretty close in age 🤪

64Wing · Aug 29, 2021

Scarecrow Boat
Heh, If I’m not mistaken, we are pretty close in age 🤪

Semantics!

Foo2rama · Aug 29, 2021

Welcome!

Research and hunt, then get the best you can afford. You would be surprised what you can find at a great price if you do the above. Plus it’s a fun, makes it more personal, makes it more rewarding, and a better story.

Any other way and you will feel some disappointment.

New omega watch Enthusiast

Rxberrtt

Scarecrow Boat

Ravineman

Dan S

STANDY

Jones in LA

Spruce

marcn

philips

Screwbacks

64Wing

Dan S

Scarecrow Boat

64Wing

Foo2rama

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