Hi Guys,

I'm new to this forum and I just wanted to say thanks for providing such helpful info. I'm sorry if this isn't the correct place to post a question, but I wanted a second opinion. I'm relatively new to collecting vintage watches and I'm close to making my very first purchase on ebay. The seller has a relatively good reputation and his listing is for a "Vintage Omega Automatic SS with rare cal 560 movement. I obviously know the popular models like the geneve, deville, seamaster, etc but this one puzzles me. I already read the popular post
http://omegaconstellationcollectors.blogspot.com/2009/07/unearthed-more-omega-calibre-560.html
but I still have questions?

1. Is this watch legit? Worth purchasing? If so, how much would you suggest I pay?
2. Is this a generic version of an omega? If not, what model is it?
2. Is the dial refinished? Does everything on this watch look original?

Thanks guys, some guidance would be greatly appreciated and sorry again, if this is the wrong place to put it
-Chris

 

No
https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-omega-seamaster-omega-st-166-0002

 

Thanks for the reply. Care to explain?

 

According to Omega, via the link, the watch should have a 562 or 565 not 560.

 

dear o dear...sigh...thank you for the info

 

The OVD is not comprehensive, and there are a lot of threads about the use of cal 560 in several references including 166.002, so I'm not sure that's enough to disqualify the watch.

However, the hands need a closer look, since they should have lume to match the dial. The photos aren't good, but they appear to show black inlay in the hands, not lume.

 

The XX0 movement’s like the 500, 550 and 560 shown here are US market versions with a reduced jewel count of 17. This was for tax reasons and is also indicated by the OXG stamp. These are not always shown on the OVD but are valid when found in US delivered watches. Personally I would rather have a ful jewel count!

 

again sorry for the novice question, but could that just be where the lume used to be?

 

So in your eyes this is a legit watch?

 

IMO the watch is legitimate and the hands are that colour because the lume has fallen out. The case looks somewhat polished and I'd want an unremarkable Omega like that one to be a lot more crisp.

 

Thank you Edward53 for the info. How much would you pay for the watch?

 

Personally? I wouldn't, I'd wait for a sharper example to come along.

 

Thanks everyone! Really value the opinions and info

 

Spend some time studying and getting your eye in for what's good, what's bad and what's boring. No problems with the dial here or hands (that's just my opinion), and the crown is correct, but apart from the polishing, the case is a bit bland with those straight lugs and no facets. Oh and as you said, it is a generic Omega. The 560 movement is ok but this range is not rare yet and you can and should be more picky about your first vintage.

 

We shall be more patient then. It was tempting going for a watch that was only $350

 

I am going to bed in a moment (it is midnight here) but I just want to say you risk falling into the classic beginner trap, ie thinking something is a good buy because it's cheap. Buy a cheap mediocre watch and as you learn more about watches, it will disappoint you increasingly. Spend more on a really nice one and the reverse is true. You're not really saving money either, as when you decide to upgrade you'll discover how difficult it is to sell on a mediocre watch. Good ones tend to sell themselves. Best of luck!

 

great advice that I will take. Appreciate it

 

Been here a bit and at $350 the above watch is a great first piece.

Buy it and enjoy it.

It’s not a collectors piece but for $350 it’s a solid watch and you won’t loose much or any if you get deeper in the vintage game.

Nice dial, clean movement ( except the few bits of lint service will sort that ) case isn’t bad and the crown is also Omega