Potential purchase for husband’s 40th

LeightsBach · Jul 20, 2024

Howdy.

Firstly, absolutely blown away by a world I did not know existed and how much knowledge and passion you all willingly share. Thank you!

I’m really hoping you can help. I’m keen to purchase this vintage watch. After reading pinned threads on what to look for, finding myself even more confused…!

Backstory is dad’s “best” watch. And that’s about all I know.

Questions:

- original? Looks to me as though it is.
- has it been refaced? Oh lordie, forgive me if that’s not the right terminology. It’s the second point in the fishing thread, but after reading twice still not sure on what exactly to look out for…
- value? How much would YOU pay for it?

Thank you so much in advance.

jsducote · Jul 20, 2024

https://omegaforums.net/threads/rec...a-watches-only-on-ebay-not-for-inquiries.1790

Jump to the end & read backwards a bit to get caught up, then just keep up with the thread.

LeightsBach · Jul 20, 2024

Ah, I was exploring here earlier, too. Are you suggesting to keep looking or perhaps that this one has been noted? (Sorry if I’m missing the obvious).

Syrte · Jul 20, 2024

welcome to the forum, have you looked at the sales forum and does anything there match your budget and your liking?

LeightsBach · Jul 20, 2024

Thank you! I haven’t yet actually. Didn’t know there was one. I’ll have a gander now. My budget is peanuts (as I’m starting to realise by learning about this world). Would still welcome any thoughts on shared images, of which I realise are limited!

Syrte · Jul 20, 2024

You can always find something for every budget. But no one here can say anything without pictures of the inside of the watch.
We can only help if we have all of the information that’s necessary to buy a vintage watch, that will always include pictures of the inside.

Also, how much is the asking price?
How much is your budget?
Does it have to be Omega?
Is your husband already a watch enthusiast and if so what type of watches do you see him wearing?
Are they modern or vintage, are they big or midsize?
Is he very active and likely to bump his wrist into things in his everyday business or does he work at a desk?

Vintage watches are not waterproof and less resistant to shock than modern watches, did you take that into account?

Are you looking for something your husband will wear on a daily basis or a watch for special occasions?

All of those questions will modify choices.

Best regards

JwRosenthal · Jul 20, 2024

^^^all the things she asked.

noelekal · Jul 20, 2024

Welcome to the Forum Leightsbach!

Thanks for joining us!

I'm thinking that your watch's crown is incorrect. Its dial appears original to me. The more knowledgeable will be along soon to offer their views.

I like the watch otherwise and would be tickled to own and wear it. In today's market $550 to $700 ought to buy it.

Some additional examples may be seen in a Google Images search.

seamaster+deville+date&sca_esv=b1bb077d89629fcd&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiB8_-WgLeHAxWr4ckDHS_vAaYQ_AUIBigB&

JwRosenthal · Jul 20, 2024

As mentioned earlier, we get a huge variety of vintages and styles in our classifieds here. Although you have to have 200 posts to post in the sales section, you can PM any seller and start a conversation.

Not sure of your budget but as an example, this is a lovely watch that although from 1963 wears as modern today as is did then.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/196...with-crosshair-dial-and-coat-hanger-s.172253/

And maybe a stretch financially- but this one is dazzling.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/constellation-167-005-head-only.174617/

Perhaps one for you and one for him….we and horrible enablers here btw.

LeightsBach · Jul 20, 2024

Syrte
You can always find something for every budget. But no one here can say anything without pictures of the inside of the watch.
We can only help if we have all of the information that’s necessary to buy a vintage watch, that will always include pictures of the inside.

Also, how much is the asking price?
How much is your budget?
Does it have to be Omega?
Is your husband already a watch enthusiast and if so what type of watches do you see him wearing?
Are they modern or vintage, are they big or midsize?
Is he very active and likely to bump his wrist into things in his everyday business or does he work at a desk?

Vintage watches are not waterproof and less resistant to shock than modern watches, did you take that into account?

Are you looking for something your husband will wear on a daily basis or a watch for special occasions?

All of those questions will modify choices.

Best regards

Thanks! All easy to answer, if helpful:

Also, how much is the asking price? £425
How much is your budget? About that. Would stretch to £500 if I knew of value. I was hoping for a “deal”
Does it have to be Omega? Not necessarily. But I like the style simplicity.
Is your husband already a watch enthusiast and if so what type of watches do you see him wearing? Does not own a-one. I wear a vintage men’s watch - have for a decade now, as an everyday (apart from when I’m with the kids). Would be nice to see him have something simple, classic, timeless. 34” barrel would be big enough.
Are they modern or vintage, are they big or midsize?
Is he very active and likely to bump his wrist into things in his everyday business or does he work at a desk? Architect, mostly desk-based.

Vintage watches are not waterproof and less resistant to shock than modern watches, did you take that into account? Yes, thank you.

Are you looking for something your husband will wear on a daily basis or a watch for special occasions? Daily, but would take off for biking, DIY, dishes, etc.

Thanks again.

LeightsBach · Jul 21, 2024

noelekal
Welcome to the Forum Leightsbach!

Thanks for joining us!

I'm thinking that your watch's crown is incorrect. Its dial appears original to me. The more knowledgeable will be along soon to offer their views.

I like the watch otherwise and would be tickled to own and wear it. In today's market $550 to $700 ought to buy it.

Some additional examples may be seen in a Google Images search.

seamaster+deville+date&sca_esv=b1bb077d89629fcd&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiB8_-WgLeHAxWr4ckDHS_vAaYQ_AUIBigB&

Thank you and thank you!! Exactly the help I was looking for. The watch is £425, so that’s basically bang on the money. Bit disappointed to learn about the crown , but from what I’m reading it not a “collectors” item, not a dealbreaker? 😀

LeightsBach · Jul 21, 2024

JwRosenthal
As mentioned earlier, we get a huge variety of vintages and styles in our classifieds here. Although you have to have 200 posts to post in the sales section, you can PM any seller and start a conversation.

Not sure of your budget but as an example, this is a lovely watch that although from 1963 wears as modern today as is did then.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/196...with-crosshair-dial-and-coat-hanger-s.172253/

And maybe a stretch financially- but this one is dazzling.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/constellation-167-005-head-only.174617/

Perhaps one for you and one for him….we and horrible enablers here btw.

Ha!! I’ve been enjoying the banter between friends in the forum. And I’d be lying if I hadn’t saved one is two for me. 😀

These are both so gorgeous, and thank you for sending them my way. Sadly, my max is circa £500. Mostly because we have three young children so lifestage dictates discretionary income, but also because it would be my husbands first watch and he would have to “take care of it”. I’d be on edge if he was wearing something more £££!

Syrte · Jul 21, 2024

Regarding the watch you posted, can you ask the seller for pictures of the movement and the inside case back ?
Also a more crisp, high resolution picture of the dial?

I agree its pure and clean design should be appealing to an architect.
You probably have to add service costs to your budget. All mechanical watches have to be serviced about every 5 to 8 years in order to be worn regularly.
Some sellers will sell watches as having been serviced but many cannot be trusted on that front.

Since you appear to be in the UK people here can recommend watchmakers, a number of people here ship watches to Mitka, the cost of a movement service is about £200. (That does not include parts replacement if it turns out that is needed).
https://mitka.co.uk/price-list/

LeightsBach · Jul 21, 2024

Thanks Syrte! I did ask for inside pics but she said she didn’t know how to open and offered to take to a jewelers. I declined after reading on here that it should be a watchmaker and watchmaker only.

Here are some other pics she sent me on request.

Thank you for the servicing link - very helpful. I had gathered £200 would be the cost. I wonder if I’m happy to take the chance to purchase without seeing the inside, that I have rationale to request a discount to cover the risk.

Syrte · Jul 21, 2024

So we have a few here in the sales forum which might meet your budget:

his one’s open for negotiation- but you’d have to pay import taxes into the UK (thanks to Brexit):
https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-geneve-„arabic-dial”.173735/#post-2365396

This one is quite patinated and for that reason I’m a bit hesitant to suggest it as a 40th b-day present but the patina is quite even and the price is good, and the style of course is Bauhaus, it’s a classic 1940s design which has been replicated a lot lately and which should appeal to an architect. Someone might love it in all of its ruggedness?
https://omegaforums.net/threads/275-euro-vintage-longines-35mm.171007/

Shabbaz · Jul 21, 2024

L LeightsBach
I wonder if I’m happy to take the chance to purchase without seeing the inside, that I have rationale to request a discount to cover the risk.

You buy these seamaster de villes almost always without movement pictures. Normal people can not open them. I would'nt worry to much about it. But yes, there's always a small risk. Anyway, for the 425 I think it's ok. Even with the wrong crown. Count in a service for 200 or 300 and you have a nice daily watch.

Shabbaz · Jul 21, 2024

It's a 34mm (without crown) case by the way? Or 33mm?

JwRosenthal · Jul 21, 2024

Syrte
So we have a few here in the sales forum which might meet your budget:

his one’s open for negotiation- but you’d have to pay import taxes into the UK (thanks to Brexit):
https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-geneve-„arabic-dial”.173735/#post-2365396

This one is quite patinated and for that reason I’m a bit hesitant to suggest it as a 40th b-day present but the patina is quite even and the price is good, and the style of course is Bauhaus, it’s a classic 1940s design which has been replicated a lot lately and which should appeal to an architect. Someone might love it in all of its ruggedness?
https://omegaforums.net/threads/275-euro-vintage-longines-35mm.171007/

I hadn’t seen that first one @Syrte linked- that’s a stunner! And the full Arabic dial is unusual compared to the more common stick indices. That one would probably really speak to an architect with its Bauhaus-esque style cues. I would reach out to the seller and see what you can work out.

LeightsBach · Jul 21, 2024

Shabbaz
It's a 34mm (without crown) case by the way? Or 33mm?

Good question!! I need to ask as want to make sure it’s regular size.

LeightsBach · Jul 21, 2024

Syrte
So we have a few here in the sales forum which might meet your budget:

his one’s open for negotiation- but you’d have to pay import taxes into the UK (thanks to Brexit):
https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-geneve-„arabic-dial”.173735/#post-2365396

This one is quite patinated and for that reason I’m a bit hesitant to suggest it as a 40th b-day present but the patina is quite even and the price is good, and the style of course is Bauhaus, it’s a classic 1940s design which has been replicated a lot lately and which should appeal to an architect. Someone might love it in all of its ruggedness?
https://omegaforums.net/threads/275-euro-vintage-longines-35mm.171007/

Wow, thank you so much for this help! I would have missed the first had it not been shared commented on. I just thought, import taxes… yikes!

The second, gorgeous and interesting, but maybe too far into characterful patina.

Am I incorrect in thinking Geneve are worth less than Seamaster? Or is it just personal preference??

Potential purchase for husband’s 40th

LeightsBach

jsducote

LeightsBach

Syrte

LeightsBach

Syrte

JwRosenthal

noelekal

JwRosenthal

LeightsBach

LeightsBach

LeightsBach

Syrte

LeightsBach

Syrte

Shabbaz

Shabbaz

JwRosenthal

LeightsBach

LeightsBach

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