Seeking advice on some eBay listings

Hey there OF,

This is my first post here, I'll try to follow etiquette but please forgive and inform me of any mistakes!

Several weeks ago, I began looking into and developing an interest in vintage Omega pieces, which is what led me to this forum, and I began what has demonstrated to be a painstaking process of learning.. and more learning.

I've been following a number of the recommended eBay listings in the stickied thread, as well as other listings that I've found interesting myself, however I keep finding myself hesitant to bid/pull the trigger on what I hope to be my first piece, as I fear things such as if it is being priced well, whether it's a counterfeit, whether it's in good condition, etc.

Hoping to get some advice on two eBay listings that recently closed out, which both stumped me at the prices they went for, as I thought they would go for much more. In general, I thought solid 14k/18k gold watches would go for much more than these did, closer to the 1.5k price, and would love to learn how to understand the prices on these.

Additionally, looking to get an idea of some listings I'm following that are coming up, and whether they present good value, whether my thinking is correct, and anything else you might suggest for a newcomer to know!

Many thanks in advance.

#1 Omega Seamaster De Ville 14k Gold Automatic, which sold for $710, link here.
The included warranty card (no clue if it's actually tied to the watch, didn't care much for it) is dated at as 1981, I personally thought this watch was older, I'm not sure of the reference model or caliber inside. The crystal seemed a bit battered, the edges seemed quite sharp and not overly polished, however I wasn't sure of the status of the dial, which from some angles looked refinished to my eyes, however on others seemed like it was fine. Omega signed crown, no clue if its a replacement.

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#2 Omega Seamaster 18k Gold 351 'bumper' automatic, 17j. Case reference 2577, which sold for $1077, link here.

The description on this one read:

'Likely original Omega-signed two tone dial in excellent condition, gently aged, very few immediately visible imperfections.
During a recent extensive search on the web, we've found very few of these dials on other 2577-351 Seamasters. That would imply this one may be a pretty rare example from the early 1950s.
While we have little doubt as to its originality (no immediately visible traces of a refinishing attempt), we leave final judgment to the experts in the community out there.
Hands and replacement plexi crystal in very good condition.
Omega-signed gold plated crown.

To my eyes, the 'O' in 'AUTOMATIC' seemed like it may be a bit off, as well as the E in OMEGA, however my thoughts changed depending on which picture I was looking at. I wasn't sure of the sharpness of the hour and minute indicators either. The case does seem quite polished and a bit soft, but nevertheless I still thought the watch would fetch a higher price being 18k solid gold.

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#3 Omega Automatic Seamaster Day Date Ref. 166.032, link here.

This is a listing I am following, as I am quite a fan of the larger case and sparkle dial. The edges seem nice and sharp, the dial seems immaculate and unfinished (to my eyes), Omega crown seems original, and the crystal seems nice too. Overall, present well, although I don't have an idea of whether it's priced well. I've seen one other reference with the sparkle dial go for almost $700.

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#4 Omega 18k gold watch, link here.

This one I have very little knowledge about, the case seems in good overall shape, although quite polished, not sure how heavily as I'm not sure what it should look like. I have no idea of the reference number or the year it's from. Dial has developed a pretty consistent patina which I don't mind, seems to be a scratch near the 5'oclock marker. What would you expect this to be worth?

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Watches 1 and 2 are more for educational purposes yes, the 3rd and 4th are coming up in the next few days.

So are you looking to purchase either 3 or 4? Because they are two very different watches. Or is this still just for educational purposes?

Yes I am looking to purchase either 3 or 4, I'm aware they are two very different watches, and I'm not looking to massively start buying and building a collection, but they both interest me.

Regarding #4 interesting, I didn't imagine, also due to the patina, I think I'll hold off bidding on that one then.

I get what you mean about the day-date, I would prefer a cleaner look like on the 168.025, however they seem to go for absurd amounts in comparison. Happy to hear this one appears legit!

Definitely factoring in a service with watch purchase, as I would be looking to daily wear.

#3 is the only one of the four I would consider (I like day/date sparkles). There's some issue with the day/date so, as was said previously, factor in a service.

Having been where you were a few months ago… spend some time researching different reference numbers/case styles etc. and work out what you really want. The styles you’ve shown are quite different. If you spend time, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can learn and pick things up.

You’ll then be in a much better place to buy something, as you’ll a) know what you want, b) know what you should be paying and c) know whether it’s a good example or not.

The forum is a great resource and people here are very helpful; take advantage of the numerous extant threads discussing different aspects of collecting and contribute where you think something hasn’t been touched on before.

I appreciate the advice, and I tried to detail my thought process as much as possible regarding what I have been looking at when viewing these listings, as an indicator as to what I know, and would love feedback as to what I am missing.

For example, I did not see anything too outwardly wrong with the dial on #4 that indicated refinishing, and I still haven't had my doubts addressed about #2, other than it was a 'weaselly written description' that I should quickly move on from (which I am grateful to hear btw, would just like to know why). I am glad to hear #3 seems to be a good example, I did not notice the day/date was faulty, although I still don't have an indication of what its ballpark value.

I do have particular reference numbers that I am following and didn't mention here, as I specifically wanted to query these listings, but I understand that you're certainly right, that's probably why I have struggled to pull the trigger on these specific models, as I simply didn't know what I was potentially buying.

Appreciate everybody's input.

166.032 seems to be the best, they are pretty awesome, #1 seems like a clown watch