To all you Omeganists,

I seek your assessment regarding the quality and authenticity of two watches I inherited from my father, Omega Seamaster (1954), and Omega Seamaster 600 (1966). Specifications available below.

I turn to you all for your expertise and advice since my intention is to sell these and I want to be 100% comfortable with what I’m selling. Knowing my father, I assume these are all original through and through. But, I need to be sure, of course.

I thought about keeping these, long and hard, but eventually decided to sell these to fund something I enjoy even more - another Omega naturally.

Please note that I am not asking you what these might be worth - I understand the purpose of this forum and have therefore done and continue to do my own research regarding the value. However, I would appreciate if you were able to give me some advice on what the smart way to go about it is. For example, if I search for Seamasters by the same year, I get one set of watches. Then, looking up watches by the reference number, I get a different set, and yet another for caliber. What should I base my comparison (and therefore assessment) on? I find this especially difficult since I have not found a match for the older one and only few for the 600. I know an auction is an option, but, at least for now, I’d rather try to put a price on both.

Here are the necessary specifications:

Omega Seamaster, 1954 (manual wind)
Width: 34-35mm
Ser: 14494711
Ref: 2759-1-2761
Cal: 410
Condition: runs well, keeps time through the day. Please see the pictures for exterior.

Omega Seamaster 600, 1966 (manual wind)
Width: 34-35mm
Ser: 23255008
Ref: 135.011
Cal: 601
Condition: was cleaned up at an authorized Omega repair centre specializing in vintage watches three years ago. Used only a few times since. However, runs too fast (about 7 seconds per minute). Please see the pictures for exterior.


Thank you for reading this. Moreover, I truly appreciate any advice or comments you may have to share.


-TripleT

 

You should look for comps using the reference number first, since they are most likely to be very close matches. For the 135.011, there must be many on the OF private sales forum alone.

For the 2761, you may want to expand your search to other similar watches from the same era, just focus on SS cases, Seamaster references, manual-winding. But honestly, that one won't sell for much because of the condition.

All in all, I think you will do fine putting them both up for auction on eBay.

 

Thank you, DanS

Do you have any thoughts on whether the parts etc. seem original? Something one should expect to see?

 

The 600 is a nice original example. However, it was only an entry level Omega so value isn't huge - around £300-£400 in the UK

 

Thanks Davidt,

the more I learn, the more interested I seem to get.

 

Maybe you should keep them and enjoy them for the memories

 

I only wish my parent or grandparents hand handed me down a quality watch to wear and cherish.

That 600 is a gem. I'd definitely keep it, any decent watchmaker can regulate and de-magnetize it for you.

The older seamaster has a wrecked dial. It could be restored, but would take some effort.

The Semaster 600 is nicer than a later geneve, and the movement is the same quality as a Seamaster 500 series automatic, except it's manual wind and a very slim dress watch. I personally love them, and I think you would too. In that condition they are worth more than some people realize on the bay.

Do your future self a favor and don;t sell both - you will regret it some day.

 

I can tell you my I have a n old bulova that belonged to my grandfather. I love it because I know he did and although of little financial value it’s the watch with the most meaning for me. Perhaps you are in need of the cash and if that is the case it’s understandable you might want or need to sell it. If that’s the case so be it but just make sure it’s the right move, the old family hand me downs like that only happen once.

 

That 135.011 sure looks beautiful. If you’re worried about the originality of that engraving on the caseback, don’t be

 

Thank you all for your input! I think I came to the right place for the right kind of push. I think I’m holding on to the 600, as I originally planned, but then kind of talked myself out of it.

I’ll take my chances and auction off the 2761.

 

I think that is a wrecked crystal.

 

Ahsposo I think you’re right. The crystal is definitely cracked, but to my (untrained) eye the dial seems Ok.

 

Or maybe both have some issues.

 

That too...

 

Actually, the dial has spots all over... Oh well, it’ll be worth what it’s worth and that’s that.

 

Kudos @TripleT :

The best newbie “what are these worth?” post in a long time. You already knew what they were and posted very good photos!

Welcome!

 

Spots are far from "wrecked". I think that's the watch to keep. A service, ultra-sonic clean on the case, new crystal, good strap or beads of rice bracelet and *BAM* nice heirloom.

 

I tend to agree. The condition is a bit rough (paint loss on dial, aggressively polished lugs), but that's presumably because the OP's father preferred it, and therefore wore it more often. Certainly the reference is more interesting to a collector than the 600.

 

Well, thank you!

 

And just when I thought I had a solid decision made... I may have to look into how much the repairs cost before I make up my mind.