I understand where you're coming from and I would agree. From my time researching I've learned a lot but I was willing to pay a premium to avoid getting swindled by a fake or redial. I'm getting better at spotting issues but I know I have a ways to go!
It’s a steep learning curve, but you came to the right place. We all start somewhere (usually with one watch) and within short order we become the ones to share the knowledge- paying it forward so to speak. And our collections grow and improve with time, and our expendable money gets tighter and tighter...then we start having packages shipped to the office, or when we know we will be home alone....wait...did I just over-share?
Regardless of who the seller is and his reputation, the dial was described in the ad as being "original factory finish"
That is clearly misleading and if I were in you shoes I would be returning the watch for a full refund.
If you choose to follow this path, please don't allow yourself to be fobbed off with the sellers policy of charging a "re-stocking" fee for returns.
Regardless of who the seller is and his reputation, the dial was described in the ad as being "original factory finish"
What makes you assume this dial is not original factory finish? I think that some of his dials (links on the end of the second page of this thread) are repainted and sold as original but the dial of the discussed watch is looking very original, as it has significant patina.
thank you all for your input. I received the following response back from the dealer. He's clearly trying to do the right thing even if the patina isn't addressed.
I am so sorry for that little spot on the dial. Yes, it is 100% a small
debris/dust that got there. If there is a spot like that originally, it
will show clearly on all of my photos as I do not photo shop my images.
Please check image 6:
http://www.omegaenthusiast.com/OMESEA2THHTFIFMOFull.html
I think I see how this little spot got there. Look at the crystal ring
in between 11 and 12 o'clock, you can see a tiny dot which I may have
missed! Arrg, very upset about myself for that.
When a debris or dust land on a spot on a dial, it usually won't move
unless it get a correct tap to the case or need to take out the movement
and blow on the dial. Sigh.
If you do not mind, you can wear it as is for now as it won't affect the
performance of the watch in any matter. Or you can have a local watch
maker to help you blow it out or ship it back to me to have it blown out
as well. So sorry for this. I am always very cautious about having any
debris on the dial or on the crystal.
I'm not an authority on anything watch related but dealt with vintage optics and cameras for 10 years as a hobby...
If i misinterpreted the condition of lets say a Summilux front element that had serious pitting in the coating or degradation on some of the elements in the lens itself I'd be getting a negative eBay feedback in a matter of minutes before I'd even have a chance to offer a refund and exchange the item and then slapped with a PayPal case in no time at all...
I'm having a hard time seeing that no one is ready to hound OE for the amount of misinterpretation done on the watch, and that no one mentioned that such a misrepresentation should carry a one sided termination of the purchase IF the seller does not take the watch back with full cost shipping and handling included BACK.
If i paid for it via a credit card I'd be looking at options and preparing to file a charge back claim if the conversation with him goes south.
For a person of "great knowledge" accepting that "something dislodged" on a "serviced" watch during shipping and even remotely suggesting to live with it, and as a YouTube Persona that publishes authoritative videos on these subjects Omega Enthusiast has a lot of clean up and damage control to do and fast.
Hi @Keefef6315
That is very disappointing. Even the high quality images do not show the patina.
I would ask for an exchange of a super clean watch - that shows in real life. If you are remote, requesting a short video might give better accuracy. Otherwise, I feel you meet his return policy "Return item... Unless item is not as described, then a full refund included shipping will be granted."
Interestingly enough, I saw that exact watch with others in person. I don't recall the patina or not. I ended up with a 1960 Constellation which (in my case) matched the quality in his photos.
Another strange parallel my 2nd watch was purchased from @seekingseaquest which is the silver version of the the gold waffle @seekingseaquest is selling now.
Not sure what I jotted down helps, but I can understand where you're coming from for your first purchase.
As a final tip, buying here via Private Sales, you'll find watches often look way nicer in real life than their photos.
Here's the sale photos of the Omega 1950,
And after I fiddled with lighting to show as close to real life as possible... note this was service with a very light polish and a new crystal,
@seekingseaquest - This gold waffle would be right down my alley if I wasn't searching for a gold case. I know my husband specifically is looking for gold to round out his collection.
I don’t think anyone was suggesting the waffle dial for your husband 😉
We enjoy being enablers.
Maybe my subconscious was suggesting it for me!
So I’m just throwing this out for educational purposes. As you have gleaned there there “tiers” in the Omega catalog. None were really “better” than others, just different (like BMW’s, a 7 series isn’t better than a 3 series, they are designed for different audiences).
The basica go- the Geneve is the standard model, the Seamaster is the next up as a sport model, and the Constellation was the flagship “dress” watch (although some of the late 60’s Connies were down right sporty). There were many variations in each line depending on needs or taste.
