Hello All,

I find myself with around £1000 to spend, and like the idea of picking up a vintage Omega diver to complement my new Speedmaster 38mm.

Is there a good Omega vintage option for this sort of budget, or would I be better looking at other brands to get something decent?

Any tips or models or best locations to look for options? Chrono24? eBay?

Cheers
G

 

I'd keep an eye on the private sales section of the forum. Here is a beauty (non-Omega):

https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-orator-diving-chronograph-1967.153178/

 

Can’t think of a vintage Omega diver you can get for under a thousand pounds — assuming you want it to actually function, look nice, and not be a money pit to get running again.

I see two options — either double your budget (at a minimum) or forget about Omega and get another brand. There re tons of good vintage divers out there you can get at your price point. Or just buy new — lots of Seiko and micro brand divers out there that will be a lot cheaper.

 

What kind of diver are you looking for? And what size?
Professional divers with 2-300m WR or just a skin diver or "sports watch" with diver looks?

For that money you can pick up very nice professional divers and skindivers from lesser known or unknown brands but few of them are the comparable size to an Omega diver SM300 around 40mm for example. You will find most of them are 35-38mm.

 

Also there are professional divers from comparable manufactures like Certina, Eterna, Movado, Zodiac that are half the money than Omega but still you need to at least double your budget for them

 

Vintage seamaster prebond quartz.

Great grab and go watch.

Might struggle to get one under 1k for the 38mm, but 36mm might not be an issue

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/22538030022...9ZS5r2nTd6&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPYPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Probably around 36-40mm to suit my small wrists.
I'd also consider something along the lines of a Longines Hydroquest, Hamilton Khaki Scuba Auto, etc if going new.
Just curious to get folks opinions.

 

If you want real vintage and that is in the 60s when talking about divers for me, I would go for a nice real diver of a lesser known brand for that money.

Something like this one I picked up last year, it did even come with the original signed bracelet and box

 

That is definitely NOT a divers watch....don't go near water with that one.

 

It is specified to 20ATM, do you not think it would manage diving if it was newly serviced with new glass and gaskets and pressure tested?
(Not saying anyone would do that but just theoretically wise)

 

No.

 

Get something proper with heritage and divers specs. A bit more expensive for example, but a classic .....

 

Why?
Does the specifications engraved on watches in that era not resemble the reality?

 

Good shout, but I would need to have rotating bezel. Not for diving, but I have some work days where I am having appointments with students back to back, and I'd like to be able to easily keep track of how long each is going.

 

Look at the pushers.... I would not even shower with it.

 

One of the crowns operate the inner rotating bezel for that....

 

Ahh! Really good option then. My budget is pretty much tied, so might need to see if I can get one discounted!

 

Much cheaper classic....

 

Are you planning to use it in the water or just looking for the diver aesthetic? As mentioned previously, I’d look at other brands for vintage or go modern. If you have water requirements maybe modern is better.

Ebay and this forum may be your best bet for purchase. Be mindful that Chrono24 asking prices are typically very high but a lot of times they’re open to offers.

Here’s my random suggestion. Only because I recently saw one I really like and have it in my head now. Vintage Stowa Seatime similar to this but on a bracelet.

 

Quite well made steel Benrus Type 1 replica Vietnam War with mechanical movement and patina options....
Dirt cheap in the moment