Omega Seamaster 1970s? buying query

Danwales

I'm not going to get into a row. It's sort of happened before. My point is that often somebody will post a watch on here in pretty good nick. Somebody will then say that it's only worth or could be bought for 300 dollars. Maybe it could in other parts of the world. My point is that here in the UK it wouldn't it would higher. Even dog watches fetch higher prices.

That's all I was trying to say. That is my view. It's fine to disagree.

Dan S

It's silly to cherry pick some outlandish eBay sales in an attempt to prove that the OP is worth an exorbitant amount. Yes, there are foolish buyers. That doesn't make the OP watch valuable.

@Danwales, if the owner of the OP watch wants to take his chances on eBay, he's welcome to try.

Spruce

I don’t get where this thread is going, although that may well be my fault.

The OP has been offered a watch by his friend which was given to his friend by the friend’s brother.

The OP asked OF for an idea of the value of the watch he was offered, presumably so that he could have an idea of a reasonable price to pay.

I suggested, not the OP or his friend, that he could check on eBay for a comparable watch and price

Davidt

To get back on track, I’m in the UK and if someone asked me if I wanted to buy the OP watch, I’d offer £300 (actually I’d offer nothing as it’s not a style in interested in owning or wearing but you get the picture).
You cannot compare this vintage Seamaster to those more desirable pieces from the 50’s and 60’s. In my opinion it’s not a desirable model and £500 is very top end for this watch in a private sale. If the OP is doing the leg work to research the value while the seller is sat back relaxing I don’t understand why they’d offer a top end price.

Yea some sellers may be asking £800 on eBay and occasionally one may sell for close to that, but they’re likely knowledgeable sellers, who provide a confidence inspiring description and after being listed for months, finally sells to a novice buyer.

As a comparison, I actually bought a very similar reference a year or two ago from a dealer in NOS condition. It was perfect, sharp as a razor, with original box, tags and purple hoop on the caseback. I paid £650 and bought it purely due to the unworn condition.

Dan S

IMO, you did. In multiple posts, you are publicizing all these pictures of eBay sales for 700 GBP or so. Your implication is clear.

Davidt

To comment on the prices quoted here on OF. There’s also a couple of side factors at play (and I’ll admit I’m guilty of both);

1. Many experienced collectors remember when prices were lower than they currently are and perhaps haven’t fully adjusted to paying current market value, particularly for less desirable pieces.
2. Many collectors have sizeable collections and don’t need to overpay for a vintage Seamaster. If we did that we’d be buying watches literally several times a week. The hunt/game/fun is in finding good watches, in good condition at a good price.

Again, there’s vintage Seamasters and vintage Seamasters. When looking at pricing, you need to compare apples to apples, both in terms of model but also the seller (a dealer will get more than a private seller), time taken for sale (was the watch sold for a premium but listed for a year before it sold?), does it have a warranty, was it serviced etc.