Newbie: Easier to find "common" Omegas you consider must own.

[moreomegas]

Newbie question really. With prices increasing and searching getting tougher I'm curious what some of the more educated collectors and hobbyist consider must-own "common" (produced in high numbers) Omegas? Potentially less expensive.
Photos help get the point across but I realize that's extra work.
Is the simple answer something like start with a simple Seamaster, then a Deville, Geneve. But with this I'm not sure which models. Apologies if this is a dumb newb question. Thank you all in advance, it's been awesome so far.

 

[sheepdoll]

This site tends to really be a photography forum, disguised as a watch forum.

My guess given what I have, 34x bumper automatics are probably the easiest to find. Then comes the 565 variations.

They were all produced in great numbers. Even the Connies, which is what makes them special. A mass market certified chronometer. Which meant something before quartz blew them out of the water. I think they still hold the record for certifications.

the Learn how to fish pinned thread is the go to place to start.

Less expensive usually means more service cost relative to the full worth of the watch.

I like to buy parts assortments and rusty rat watches. I self service my stuff. When one totals up the shipping and handling fees for the expensive parts, it makes them expensive for what they are.

Watches are also poor investments. There are some who can do OK and have the right temperament for flipping them. This can be done with real estate as well. A skillset I do not have.

 

[TIMElyBehaviour]

A few choices I would think about as a beginner are these.
Early 50’s seamaster calendar (plentiful and can be found with a textured dial)

omega constellation any of them. The early 50’s have bumper autos, the 60’s have 500 series autos both are fantastic, the early 70’s have 1000 series which aren’t collector favs but I have had a few and run very well.
Pre pie pan, pie pan, flat dial or Cshape. All beautiful.

you can find 60’s seamaster and or Geneve with cool dial patterns and textures which you can look up on the forum.

all awesome for the beginner collector and most options I mentioned are plentiful. Also most watchmakers can easily work on all of them.

 

[X350 XJR]

Don't get hung up on where it may or not be in the hierarchy of the "good" ones.

Find something you find appealing and then research the hell out of it.

 

[TexOmega]

try this dedicated thread here on the Forum maintained by OUR OVERLORD and all-around bon vivant.


page-507

 

[Davidt]

Part of the beauty of Omega is their range is so diverse and varied over the years, you’re unlikely to find a consensus as to ‘must own’ references in a collection.

Personally I like the 60’s, particularly Speedmasters and Seamasters so I’d say, for budget friendly starter watches that are easy-ish to obtain in good condition, go with a Seamaster DeVille 166.020, a Seamaster 600 135.011 and/or a Seamaster 166.002.
You don’t necessarily need all 3 as they’re quite similar but the movements are bullet proof, they’re offered with various dial configurations and they’re plentiful enough to find in good condition. They’re generally my recommendation for a first 60’s Omega.

 

[TIMElyBehaviour]

Omega is such a cool brand, there are many lines that have been around for ages and each line has so many case and dial variants. It’s what floats your boat. Enjoy what you buy and buy what you like is the best thing I guess I can say. Remember you are buying for you an nobody else.

 

[Jakeys]

I grew up in the age of Pierce Brosnan Bond movies, so my answer is the early Seamaster Professionals, i.e. the 2541.80 or 2531.80 depending on your movement/movie choice. These are the watch I think of when I think Omega, and they're also very common and reasonably inexpensive, especially compared to current generation Seamasters, so they meet your criteria. Some people say they look dated, I say they look classic.

Here's mine.

EDIT: Oops, I just realised this is in the vintage section - I got here from the latest threads page. Well, call this one "neo vintage" - the reference is about 30 years old.

 

[Dan S]

moreomegas

Newbie question really. With prices increasing and searching getting tougher I'm curious what some of the more educated collectors and hobbyist consider must-own "common" (produced in high numbers) Omegas? Potentially less expensive.
Photos help get the point across but I realize that's extra work.
Is the simple answer something like start with a simple Seamaster, then a Deville, Geneve. But with this I'm not sure which models. Apologies if this is a dumb newb question. Thank you all in advance, it's been awesome so far.

I think the situation is actually the opposite. Prices are low and searching is getting easier, IMO. Time-only Omega watches from the 60s (Seamaster, Geneve, SMDV) are all inexpensive and easily found in good condition. Personally, I like many of the earlier hand-winding models (30mm movements) even more. Again, produced in huge numbers and easily found.

 

[seekingseaquest]

Agree with many of the above. Figure out what you like (style, case material, size, dial color, etc.), spend time researching, and then ask for advice via the forum before you buy.

 

[padders]

Ignoring the cost element for a sec, in no particular order, here are 10 must haves IMO. I don't have all of these but I respect them all and those that crave them. I appreciate some are not exactly cheap, but some are and in any case we have contributors of all levels of wealth so here goes:

Pre-Moon Speedy Pro (-65 iteration for extra points)
1950s Railmaster or Ranchero
Bond Seamaster Pro or Sword hands version of same
1950s tonneau lug Connie
1960s Dogleg Connie
Modern Speedy Limited Edition (take your pick, there are hundreds)
Original 50s or 60s SM300 Diver
Straight lug Speedy (FOIS, 321 NEW or Pre-Moon original)
1940s to 1960s Seamaster (non SM300)
Military Issued Omega (there are a few to choose from)

I have missed about another 250 'must haves' I know but you have to draw the line somewhere

 

[moreomegas]

Great list. Thanks Padders.

 

[moreomegas]

Davidt

Part of the beauty of Omega is their range is so diverse and varied over the years, you’re unlikely to find a consensus as to ‘must own’ references in a collection.

Personally I like the 60’s, particularly Speedmasters and Seamasters so I’d say, for budget friendly starter watches that are easy-ish to obtain in good condition, go with a Seamaster DeVille 166.020, a Seamaster 600 135.011 and/or a Seamaster 166.002.
You don’t necessarily need all 3 as they’re quite similar but the movements are bullet proof, they’re offered with various dial configurations and they’re plentiful enough to find in good condition. They’re generally my recommendation for a first 60’s Omega.

I appreciate those clean dials! Thanks for sharing mate.

 

[Foo2rama]

 

[STANDY]

One could enjoy Seamaster Cosmic,s … Reasonable priced and easy to find in decent condition being front loader cases
Mine above.

(Google stolen pic,s below)

 

[Risto]

As it's really a matter of taste, kind of difficult to answer.
Budget-wise... I personally like 1950-60s Seamasters, Constellations. Sort of cheap Maybe some 1970s Seamasters even cheaper.
But, I always sell them.
I buy chronographs, but thats step(s) up in prices

Some samples, what I really like. Love these! I have to be honest here - some of these are not easy to find!

OT2872 (35mm, cal 320, produced 1958-1962)




De Ville 145.018 (blue is very rare, 35mm, cal 861, 1968-1970)
Seamaster 145.006 (black is 1 of 15 variations, 38mm, cal 321)


Seamaster 145.016 (18k yellow gold, 38mm, cal 861, 1970)


Speedmaster Professional Mark II 145.034 (gold plated, but good quality, 42mm, cal 861, 1971)


Speedmaster Professional 145.022-69


Seamaster 145.016 (very rare, 38mm, cal 861, 1970)

 

[cristos71]

STANDY

One could enjoy Seamaster Cosmic,s … Reasonable priced and easy to find in decent condition being front loader cases
Mine above.

(Google stolen pic,s below)

The absolute bargain of the vintage Omega world.

 

[moreomegas]

Wow!

 

[Annapolis]

You may have cast too wide a net, as evidenced by the sheer variety of answers you got. Can you narrow your question a bit?

Note that many vintage models (since you posted in the vintage subforum) will be quite small by today’s large-watch standards. 34mm seems to be the norm for vintage, but some are quite a bit smaller than that. Are you good with those proportions, or are you only looking for something 36mm or larger? Sports watch? Dress watch?

A few filters might help.

That OT2872 photo is phenomenal.

 

[moreomegas]

Proportions of vintage are ok with me. I meant to cast a wide net to see what I would catch from fellow users. Right now I'm waiting for a good De Ville, SM600 or similar to pop up. I'd like one with SS case and gold furniture or something with contrast such as silver and onyx. Any suggestions always helps and opens my horizon.