I have been using the forced downtime to become less ignorant about vintage watches, and would appreciate your help in achieving this goal. It would be great if you could recommend articles that informative, well- researched, fun, and helpful to the process picking old pieces in platforms like Ebay. (e.g., no. of units produced of a particular reference, how to be confident in relation to originality, and so on). I am particularly interested in vintage funky chronographs from the late 60s and early 70s. Thank you.
Start with this sage advice https://omegaforums.net/threads/condition-condition-condition-and-other-pieces-of-advice.1716/ The best way is pick the one watch you like or would want and research the hell out of it. ( it will take you down many rabbit holes of advice and information ) Ebay is not what it used to be and is a art in itself to wade through the minefield it is nowadays. So it pays to have the research of what your wanting before you even log onto EBay
Here's what I have been doing: 1.Browse through old articles here, you will find a ton of stuff. Just use the search function. Here's what I mean : https://omegaforums.net/threads/complications-for-the-budget-conscious-wis.6422/ Keep in mind that due to time some information might not be accurate(value of a certain model for example) 2. Browse through the FS thread, especially the ones by people who know what they are doing. You will learn a lot as well. 3. Stalk the veterans here, click their profiles and read up. Lots of valuable information there as well, I learnt the most this way. Look at watches they own and the process through which they go when they "hunt" So far my purchases have been done in f2f meetings. If that can be your case make sure to bring the right tools with you. Here's a tip that I identify with. Be level-headed in your search. If you're into chronos keep in mind that servicing on those gets expensive, even on the cheaper end of the tier. When I say expensive I'm comparing the cost of service to the timepiece's value. I was tempted to get vintage PVD chrono but servicing one would be cumbersome for me, so I'm still considering it(I'd have to get it sent out). Also, be patient. Servicing takes time, finding the right piece takes even more time. Also, parts are hard to find for some certain movements(if it is reasonable to have them replaced). Slow reset means need of service in 99% of cases. STANDY pointed you in the right way. Ebay is a minefield for us newbs. Good luck! Edited because I forgot a tip.
My sites: https://www.calibre1040.com/ lots of articles and research about Omega 1040 chronographs from the 70s. I think they are funky! https://speedmaster125.com/ A collaboration with the authors of Moonwatch Only on the Speedmaster 125. Detailed research and classification.
Here an interesting article about collecting: https://www.acollectedman.com/blogs/journal/interview-dr-helmut-crott