Newbie requesting advice

Hi All,

Very recently become interested in buying a couple watches and Vintage Omega's really grabbed my attention. Im a techy by profession and have only ever owned a Apple Watch but I'm reaching a point in life where I'm actively attempting to de-digitize myself and migrate to a normal time piece for weekends or evenings out.

Of particular interest are the 60's and 70's De Ville or Seamasters. As I read the forums I'm slowly learning more about the vintage game and the importance of maintaining originality to some folks and thats a line I'm still trying to distinguish for myself. With that said there's a couple watches that caught my eye I wanted opinions on as well as a general opinion of the vendor.

1.) Both watches come from https://www.connoisseuroftime.com, any feedback from folks on this place?

2.) First watch is a 1970's De Ville
Items that stood out to me are
- The Dial is redone and not a factory replica. Personally I think it color looks super fun but I'm not sure if thats considered an instant no-go given that it's not even a original match? This company has done several in this color
- 565 movement with the rest of the watch being considered original besides the dial
- I really like that it has the sweeps seconds which not all have but I think I would like

https://shop.connoisseuroftime.com/...tainless-steel-1?_pos=30&_sid=27f5fb595&_ss=r

Is the price typical?

3.) Second watch is a 1974 De Ville
Items that stood out include
- Supposedly all original including a near mint dial
- The dial is quit unique
- Slimmer with a manual 625 movement

https://shop.connoisseuroftime.com/...-stainless-steel?_pos=12&_sid=27f5fb595&_ss=r

Again, would this be a serviceable price for a excellent condition watch?

Welcome to the forums!

Having hung around here for a while, I'd actually advise you to buy from one of the team. Unlike commercial dealers, you have to have been part of the community here for 200+ posts, it kinda sorts out the good characters. And there are some really great watches, and deals, at all points of the price spectrum.

If you do want to go with a particular model, do some basic research first -- check prices for sold equivalents on eBay, current listings on Chrono24 (usually at the higher end of like-for-like pricing). Do try to avoid redials if at all possible, and learn to embrace imperfections early in the hobby. If it looks too good to be true, it usually is!

More than I would pay (to be honest, I wouldn't buy either, don't like the style, personally). You're better off looking in our private sales forum here and seeing what's available.

Since you've never had a mechanical watch before (do I have that right?) I would not suggest you start with a vintage Omega but rather start here:

https://www.hamiltonwatch.com/en-us/

Or for even less money, perhaps a Seiko, which can be had for $150 up through $2500 and beyond!

But buy a new watch, ease into it. Don't spend a lot of money on something you might decide you've fallen out of love with once you learn more.

I liked SkunkPrince, but a little hypocritical as my first mechanical since being a kid appears to be a beaten up vintage omega. I'm not even going to say why I picked the particular device I bought other than to say I wanted one that isn't working...

Looks like you've thought it out. See who's selling something here, you'll get a better watch for less money.

Thank you all. I’ll see what I can find in the forum
For sale section or even the eBay sticky thread. Will take longer but I’m not in a rush.

What went wrong in the 70s that it’s no longer considered “golden age”?

You've got the right attitude, no need to rush.

Scan the Private Sales forum, see which pieces appeal to you, and take note of the condition, asking prices and final sale price.

https://omegaforums.net/forums/private-watch-sales/

Scan the Recommended Auction threads, see how these compare in condition and price to those listed for sale here.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/rec...-watches-only-on-ebay-not-for-inquiries.1790/

https://omegaforums.net/threads/rec...tage-new-deals-on-ebay-other-auctions.113139/

Last, but certainly not least, read Learn How to Fish, this covers almost everything:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/


If you plan to stick around, please upload an avatar.

Best wishes!

One advice, take you time. you should find a nice watch for about 500 euros or US dollars. I agree with Dan, these coloured redial are ludicrous.
Do you have any idea of shape, era, size?