Hello, I signed up to the forum 2 weeks ago and am impressed with the wealth and depth of knowledge the members have on all things "Omega". As I'm a novice, what would the best method to try to sell a 1969 gold Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch? Auction House, online consignment firm, or something else? My dad had 2 Omegas. One I wear daily; the Seamaster he purchased in 1963 (possibly earlier) that runs great. It fell (along with him) 64 feet from a construction site in 1964. Miraculously after weeks in hospital and months of rehab, he recovered and worked into his 70's before retiring. The watch fared better as it barely was scratched. He was a master electrician by trade and worked on several of the tallest buildings in Chicago. In 1973 after months of odd-jobs as a kid, I bought my own Seamaster. His gold Moonwatch, though gorgeous is honestly a 'museum piece' that I've decided to part with. I keep it locked up at work. I don't have a clue as the best way to sell it and would welcome ideas. Dad had his name engraved on it which obviously would lower the price but I'm more interested in it finding a good home with a collector that appreciates a watch of this caliber. How he obtained the watch (Cartier Jewelers in Chicago) is a rather amusing story I'll share later. Thanks for any advice or suggestions. RJ in Germany.
A genuine -69 gold Speedmaster, from a novice/private seller would be best sold via one of the big auction houses.
Dude, you can't tease us and not post pictures. I'd definitely reach out to one of the big auction houses (Phillips, Christie's, Antiquorum, etc)
But, research about auction houses, before you jump in. Some houses have bad rep and sometimes you won't get your many fast enough.
Best way is to post it here, ask which way it's best to sell, dont read the 200 post rule and wait for the pm's that will soon follow.
Hello all, Thanks for the really good advice. Will try to attach pics again. It didn't seem to work last time. If it doesn't go through now, will try again when I get home in a couple hours. Mixed feelings about parting with it but it stays locked up and honestly if it went to a good 'home', that would be fine. Plus, this is a great forum and I have no plans on leaving it. I usually peak in daily. Enjoy seeing the passion for these watches and there are some great stories I've read about how members acquired certain timepieces. My mom would be terrified when they'd go out for an evening, etc as she'd say, "someone will cut your arm off for that". Dad never batted an eye. Also attaching pic of his trusty Seamaster - well over 50 years old that I wear daily. Cheers.
There’s two operations for attaching pics, first is to “add photos”, then you “insert photos” once they are uploaded. It’s a common oversight. Also? Pics can’t be too big, iphone size usually load right up
Not the best place to keep your watch (or watches). https://omegaforums.net/threads/sepp-misses-his-watches.94654/#post-1228805
This is the part I’m waiting for I love a good story about a solid gold Speedmaster. As far as everything else goes, there are many opinions on the “best” way to sell a watch. Certain pieces likely need to go to an auction house to open the door to various bidders (although a recent drawer find didn’t fare as well there, potentially due to a requirement they put cash down to bid). For others, a fair offer from a reputable collector is the best route (I recall a similar pickup by @Spacefruit I heard on a time for a pint @tyrantlizardrex). Whatever you do, don’t rush into it. A watch of this caliber may very well have people running to toss money at you. Take your time, do your homework, and feel comfortable with the exchange and mode of sale.
If you're not hurting for lack of money, you may want to consider keeping it as a family heirloom, for sentimental reasons.