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Ranchero with replaced (Gold) back and case

C
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Good day, and thank you for admittance to this forum!

I sincerely do apologize if this is a topic previously covered.

I have a question regarding a Ranchero in very good shape but with case and back swapped with another Omega. The case and back that are on now are gold with gold stamps 4 years earlier than Ranchero’s first year of production.

How does this affect the collectibility and value of this Ranchero?

The asking price would be about 2-2200€ for this. Is it reasonably priced and is it worth buying?

Thank you. Yes, I’m new to collecting watches.

Thank you in advance!
 
ConElPueblo
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Ah, I see. I didn't read that the entire case had been swapped.

There is close to zero collectability to be found here - at best it is a project looking for an experienced collector who has access to special parts to finish off and in that case is has value only slightly higher than the parts combined.

€2,000 is a pretty high budget for an inexperienced collector, you could get seriously burned with that sort of outlay.
 
C
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ConElPueblo ConElPueblo
€2,000 is a pretty high budget for an inexperienced collector, you could get seriously burned with that sort of outlay.
I understand that much. That’s why I’m asking here.
I find it interesting that at some point someone had the idea that changing to a gold case would increase the value, at least make the watch more exclusive but now, several years down the road, it have the opposite result.
My initial thought was actually looking into the prospect to change back to real Ranchero cases but I gather from your answer that shopping around for those would set me back perhaps another 600€ (added to the +/- 2000€) and in best case the value of it would only be around 3000€. Is this correct thinking?
 
ConElPueblo
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C clockoclock
I understand that much. That’s why I’m asking here.
I find it interesting that at some point someone had the idea that changing to a gold case would increase the value, at least make the watch more exclusive but now, several years down the road, it have the opposite result.
My initial thought was actually looking into the prospect to change back to real Ranchero cases but I gather from your answer that shopping around for those would set me back perhaps another 600€ (added to the +/- 2000€) and in best case the value of it would only be around 3000€. Is this correct thinking?

I am not clued up on parts prices and availability, but you would have to confirm everything before building this (I can't tell if the dial is correct - there are decent fakes around) and in the end it will still be a franken. The serial number has to be confirmed as a Ranchero movement and then it has to be matched to the correct case reference.

The reasons for the existence of this marriage watch is unknown - it could have been a spare dial and a movement and case from two different watches that had been lying around at a watchmaker or collector and then cobbled together.
 
C
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It is certain that it’s not a fake. The watch is for sale by at a nationally renowned and trustworthy auction.
The big question here for me was if the changed gold case increased/decreased/maintained/added to the Rancheros value as it has gone from the asking price of 1500 to 1900 and auction still on going.
 
watchyouwant
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You don't miss a thing .... Too many unknowns. Even if the movement is confirmed as Ranchero and the dial is correct ( looks like it ), your journey to find a steel Ranchero case will be a thorny one and will cost you a lot more than your Euro 600 estimate. And with an active auction now, not one question will be answered in time.
 
ConElPueblo
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C clockoclock
It is certain that it’s not a fake. The watch is for sale by at a nationally renowned and trustworthy auction.

I am not saying it is, but you should never put your trust in auction houses, nationally renowned or not.
 
Davidt
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C clockoclock
It is certain that it’s not a fake. The watch is for sale by at a nationally renowned and trustworthy auction.
The big question here for me was if the changed gold case increased/decreased/maintained/added to the Rancheros value as it has gone from the asking price of 1500 to 1900 and auction still on going.

That doesn’t guarantee authenticity.

My auction searches at various well know and established houses frequently throw up glaringly obvious and well know fake Seamasters, ignorantly listed as genuine.
 
DON
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It is basically as mentioned. Nothing more than a movement looking for an original case and a gold case looking for an original movement and dial.

These are called Frankenwatches and are parts.

The case has value over scrap gold at maybe $20% and movement/dial has value to someone that needs one

As I don't know the weight of the case. No price, but I wouldn't touch it.

Look for an all original one if you want one

DON
 
tamura
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/234535906149

s-l1600.jpg
 
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mac_omega
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so there will be a lucky camper ::psy::

Does anybody know the final price of the golden "Ranchero"? I didn´t follow the auction.
 
markoh
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It was withdrawn, ie. the deposit was paid before auction end.
 
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