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Novice looking for first vintage

iamvr
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Dear esteemed forum members

I've recently got hooked by vintages watches, especially by the Omega Constellations and Seamasters. I've also read the newbie buyers guidelines on this forum. One rule especially stuck to my mind: better buy a really good one that you like to wear rather than a lot of "good deals" that you end up regretting, especially because I promised my wife only to buy one (though I did not specify the time frame 😁).

As a newbie it's really hard to separate the wheat from the chaff and not to overpay. I prefer a model with a silver dial to a gold dial (of which it seems there are more items available). I found this 168.017 (sorry it's in German but the specs should be clear):

https://www.ricardo.ch/de/a/omega-constellation-datum-um-1966-1140042840/

The minimum price is CHF 700 (USD 766 these days) or I could get it straight away for CHF 850 (USD 930). Do you think the price is fair?

On the solid gold front I found this beauty:
https://www.catawiki.de/l/41336977-omega-constellation-18k-solid-gold-168-018-herren-1950-1959
What is a fair price in your opinion?

Sorry, it's already a long post, but also have questions for educational purposes. I've read on the calibers that collectors prefer over others. Then I'm puzzled to see that

a 1968 gold cap with a 564 caliber gets more traction
https://www.ricardo.ch/de/a/omega-18k-ss-1968-constellation-auto-1139381786/

than a 1958 gold cap with a 504 caliber, which I read is a rarer one
https://www.ricardo.ch/de/a/omega-1958-constellation-18k-ss-goldcap-1140168658/

In my eyes, both are in similarly good conditions. What am I missing here?

Thanks very much in advance for your comments and help
 
TexOmega
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Please post pictures not links, links go away but pix stay to educate .
 
onlyomega94
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In answering your last question: The latter watch has a (badly) re-painted dial, is missing its star and is missing lume from the hands.
 
iamvr
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TexOmega TexOmega
Please post pictures not links, links go away but pix stay to educate .

Hi TexOmega, thanks for the feedback. Here are the pictures of the 168.017, year 1966 (at least claimed) gold capped, calibre 654, offered for CHF 700 (USD 766).
 
1.jpeg 2.jpeg 3.jpeg 4.jpeg 5.jpeg 9.jpeg 8.jpeg 7.jpeg 6.jpeg
iamvr
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onlyomega94 onlyomega94
In answering your last question: The latter watch has a (badly) re-painted dial, is missing its star and is missing lume from the hands.

Many thanks for your comment. I feel ashamed for not even noticing the missing star 🤦.
 
Peemacgee
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welcome @iamvr

These are two very different Constellations.
One gold capped C case and one solid gold round-cased Connie.
The only real connection is the 564 movt and Constellation on the dial.

I think, perhaps, you need to focus in on which reference of Constellation speaks to you most and concentrate on what a good example of that looks like.
If you haven't found this site already:
http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com

On the two watches you posted :

The C case is heavily polished and has lost its brushing and mirror facets

The .018 still has its radial brushing on the bezel but from the pics it looks like the lugs and case back are polished (less so than the C case) - which is a common occurrence in general use with solid gold watches but I think it has also been prepped for sale unfortunately.
(and it looks like the regulator screw has been snapped off)

hope that helps
 
gbesq
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OP, as you are rapidly discovering, the world of vintage watches is full of examples that are redials, or are overpolished, or have incorrect parts for the reference, or are cobbled together from many other watches (“Franken” watches), or are outright frauds. As a novice, the best advice that I can give you for your first purchase is: First, decide which reference you want to acquire. Second, educate yourself about that reference. OF is a great resource for doing just that. Read the posts about the watches that interest you and the secondary sources of information referenced in those posts. Ask questions. Third, inquire of more experienced members on OF about prospective purchases before you pull the trigger. Many members will be happy to provide their input provided that you have made an honest effort to assess the watch yourself. Being inexperienced and asking for help is fine. Being lazy and expecting others to do all the work for you is an unpardonable sin. Fourth, be patient and don’t rush. There were good buys yesterday, there are good buys today, and there will be good buys tomorrow. Fifth you already know: better to spend more money on a good example than less money on a poor example. Finally, the best place to get a good vintage Omega at a fair price from a trustworthy seller is right here on the private sales forum of OF. Good deals come up all the time and most sellers have multiple references. Until you know what you’re doing, it’s best to avoid sites like eBay, Etsy and Chrono24. Hope this helps.
 
janice&fred
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If you're fairly new to the vintage scene I suggest you play it safe and limit your selection to something on this site's sales sections. For sure something will come along that you find appealing.
 
iamvr
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Thanks everyone for your time and efforts and the many inputs. I think I learned my lesson (first of many I suppose) and get back to my homework.
 
slwoodster
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I really admire those that dive into vintage first. Lots and lots to learn. Best of luck!

iamvr iamvr
Thanks everyone for your time and efforts and the many inputs. I think I learned my lesson (first of many I suppose) and get back to my homework.
 
TexOmega
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We've ALL started just like you are starting. Enjoy the journey.
 
Larry S
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Please search and read “ learn how to fish” found here.
 
iamvr
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TexOmega TexOmega
We've ALL started just like you are starting. Enjoy the journey.

Thank you for the encouragement 😀
 
iamvr
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Peemacgee Peemacgee
welcome @iamvr

These are two very different Constellations.
One gold capped C case and one solid gold round-cased Connie.
The only real connection is the 564 movt and Constellation on the dial.

I think, perhaps, you need to focus in on which reference of Constellation speaks to you most and concentrate on what a good example of that looks like.
If you haven't found this site already:
http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com

On the two watches you posted :

The C case is heavily polished and has lost its brushing and mirror facets

The .018 still has its radial brushing on the bezel but from the pics it looks like the lugs and case back are polished (less so than the C case) - which is a common occurrence in general use with solid gold watches but I think it has also been prepped for sale unfortunately.
(and it looks like the regulator screw has been snapped off)

hope that helps

Thank you @Peemacgee for commenting on the uploaded watches. Good learning points. Thank you also for the link to the blog site. I have indeed come across it before. Navigation is not super straightforward but huge knowledge resource I will dig in.
 
Peemacgee
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iamvr iamvr
Thank you also for the link to the blog site. I have indeed come across it before. Navigation is not super straightforward but huge knowledge resource I will dig in.

I always think it’s easier clicking on the web version even when viewing on a phone. (But easier still on a tablet or laptop )
 
iamvr
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gbesq gbesq
OP, as you are rapidly discovering, the world of vintage watches is full of examples that are redials, or are overpolished, or have incorrect parts for the reference, or are cobbled together from many other watches (“Franken” watches), or are outright frauds. As a novice, the best advice that I can give you for your first purchase is: First, decide which reference you want to acquire. Second, educate yourself about that reference. OF is a great resource for doing just that. Read the posts about the watches that interest you and the secondary sources of information referenced in those posts. Ask questions. Third, inquire of more experienced members on OF about prospective purchases before you pull the trigger. Many members will be happy to provide their input provided that you have made an honest effort to assess the watch yourself. Being inexperienced and asking for help is fine. Being lazy and expecting others to do all the work for you is an unpardonable sin. Fourth, be patient and don’t rush. There were good buys yesterday, there are good buys today, and there will be good buys tomorrow. Fifth you already know: better to spend more money on a good example than less money on a poor example. Finally, the best place to get a good vintage Omega at a fair price from a trustworthy seller is right here on the private sales forum of OF. Good deals come up all the time and most sellers have multiple references. Until you know what you’re doing, it’s best to avoid sites like eBay, Etsy and Chrono24. Hope this helps.

Many thanks @gbesq for the in-depth beginner's advice. The part about "lazy" and "unpardonable sin" definitely stung. I will do my best to redeem myself 📖 .
 
gbesq
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iamvr iamvr
Many thanks @gbesq for the in-depth beginner's advice. The part about "lazy" and "unpardonable sin" definitely stung. I will do my best to redeem myself 📖 .
That was not directed at you, but rather was intended as a general comment and advice for all beginner watch enthusiasts. All are welcome here, whether neophytes or experts.
 
TexOmega
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iamvr iamvr
Many thanks @gbesq for the in-depth beginner's advice. The part about "lazy" and "unpardonable sin" definitely stung. I will do my best to redeem myself 📖 .


Nothing personal here.

Newbies can add to the Forum by gathering their research and posting it here, adding comments then letting the interaction begin. I learn new material with these types of posts. Others too, I bet. No one knows it all, but our collection of members can hash things out, but, as you found out, not much is forthcoming if we get a sniff of a hit and run.

The search function here will show examples of most Omega watches, and you can repost them as part of your research.


Reading and digesting the postings within OF will be my first piece of advice. Then the blog linked above.


Welcome, like I stated above.....we all started as a newbie.
 
MtnMarine
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I’ve only been collecting a few years, I’m definitely still a newbie with a lot to learn! Welcome to the most addicting hobby I’ve ever had!!!
 
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