Hi, I'm totally new to this forum and I seriously lack any knowledge about vintage watches...so I need help! My boyfriend is into vintage watches and I thought I'd surprise him with something that he doesn't have in his collection--a nice looking vintage Omega watch. This one caught my eye but it's pretty rough; I'd have to have it restored/repaired. Here's what I know about the watch. Apparently it was manufactured in 1950. The serial number is 1205.46.99. I don't know the caliber (cal. 342 maybe?). 17 Jewels, stainless steel case (the case measures 35mm). It's a "bumper type" automatic.

So to get this watch up and running and looking good, the self-winding mechanism needs to be replaced, it needs a new bezel and of course it needs to be thoroughly cleaned. I can have this done for $200-$250 here in Los Angeles.

I can purchase the watch for $150. My question is fairly obvious, vintage Omega aficionados! Is $150 a fair price to pay considering all the repairs that have to be done? Is this watch very rare, or at least thought highly of. Or is it a stinker! ;-)

Any thoughts and knowledge about this watch is VERY MUCH appreciated!!!

p.s. Sorry for the crummy pics...it's the best I could do!

 

Firstly, welcome!

I'd steer clear of that watch. The dial looks repainted, and most collectors avoid repainted dials. It is always a difficult business buying a vintage watch for others, as there are so many out there and collector's tastes can be so individual. What else does e have in his collection? What brands/styles does he usually go for?

 

Thanks for the greetings CanberraOmega! So really, you think it's been repainted? I don't want that. I know it's best (usually, always) to invest in un-retouched dials/watches. I've also been warned about all the "Frankenstein" Omegas the disreputable dealers try to pawn off. So, what makes you believe that this one has been re-painted? I'm sorry I don't have better pics. The watch is actually in a shop in Denver, Colorado.
To answer your question, my BF is selling all his dopey/huge/ugly (!) modern watches and going with more refined mid-century watches. He wears Lemania 105 dress watch and a Universal Geneve tank watch (black dial) the most. He also wants to get a Breitling, I think.

 

Hi kyle L!
Yep, it's pitted pretty good as I remember it. I thought the bezel would cover most of it up though. I don't think my BF would mind the "vintage/worn in" look as long as it's within reason!

 

We have lots of UG fans here, so hopefully they will chime in. If he is a UG fan, is there a definitive book/history of UG you could get him?

I didn't know UG did tanks. Photos?

 

Oh, forgot to say. The reason I think it is a redial is how high the "Swiss made" is. It is generally much lower.

 

Hi dsio!
I really appreciate your thoughts. Maybe I'll save up for X-mas and look for a higher quality/caliber vintage Omega, and do something else for his birthday in September. Now I've got to research the 750/752 Seamaster...I'm excited!

 

@ dsio
Yes, you're right, the watch I posted is missing a bezel!
Wow, that Seamaster is very classy. I could see my BF wearing that for sure!

 

@ CanberraOmega
I'll try to get a pic of the UG tank soon! It's quite small as I remember it and has Roman numerals/markers with sub-seconds as well. I think he bought it on an Ebay auction.

 

The 750/752s are very nice. A forum favourite. Search for "sparkly" in the forum an you will find heaps. Comes either with a gold sparkly dial or a silver coloured sparkly dial. You can also get chronometer rated versions.

 

@ CanberraOmega
Another vote for the 750/752 caliber...a pattern is emerging! Is it true that I could find something in, at minimum, "very good" condition in the $500-600 range?

 

G'day Julia and welcome to the nuthouse.

Firstly, as you have been well advised, run away from that first Omega, it's a money pit, there are much better choices (especially in the US of A).

I would also suggest that you look at other vintage Swiss brands that aren't as sought after as Omega but are just as attractive and match the quality levels of Omega etc.

If you budget is tight at the moment, brands like vintage Enicar, Roamer, Jaquet Droz etc offer very nice watches if you can catch one.

For example, here's a nice Enicar I got recently for less than $120.

Best of Luck with your quest (Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, your boyfriend is one lucky guy!)

 

@ JimInOz
First, thanks for the kind words...I'm blushing! Your Enicar is gorgeous, great strap too. I know there are some terrific less-well-known watches out there that give you a great bang for your buck, I just think my BF has his heart set on an Omega. I'm sorta on a quest to find a good one, but working within a budget :-(
Also, thank you for your advice re: the watch I posted. I actually liked it a lot, and liked the idea having it restored, but maybe it's not worth it?!

 

@ dsio
Cool, just did some research re: chronometer rating. Good to know!

 

Do search in our sales section http://omegaforums.net/forums/watches-for-sale/ and vintage recommendation http://omegaforums.net/threads/recommended-vintage-omega-watches-on-ebay-not-inquiries.1790/page-58 to find good offers. Of course eBay has lots of offer,too, but require more due diligence.

Remember to discuss with expert members in here before pulling the trigger. You can send PM to the mods if you want to have a more discreet advice. (yes there are lurkers here that may snatch your ebay bid if you show your interest too eagerly ................ )

 

Here is a close up of the dial from a 750 so you can tell just how easy they are to spot.