Hello all!

New to forum here, so great to be with you. Looking to buy a vintage Omega, and wanted to get the forum's opinion. I'm looking at getting either a Speedmaster or Seamaster with cal 321. I've seen a couple on eBay which to me look good and priced reasonably, but I am not very savvy when it comes to vintage Omega. Any info would be much appreciated. Links included below.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-OMEGA- ... 2408827699Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

https://www.ebay.com/itm/omega-speedmas ... 3358595249Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

https://www.chrono24.com/omega/seamaste ... 871882.htm

 

For the speedmasters go here and spend a lot of time reading and learning: http://speedmaster101.com/

Really quickly, 1st link, that watch to me is not nice at all. Lume is ugly, seconds hand is chewed up, etc
2nd link, case has been polished to death, incorrect bezel, just few issues right off the bat
Dont really know much about seamasters, so Cant comment on it, but it looks best out of 3 to me.

 

I guess it depends on what you want- how much are you willing to spend, for investment or for pure wearing enjoyment, what reference is your favorite, etc. Will be better for members to help you out if you be more specific.

And as @cvrle1 has said, read speedmaster101 for a good introduction to vintage speedmasters.

 

Thank you for the advice and recommendation. I'm looking for a vintage chronograph and have a budget of around $6k or under. I'd like something that can retain it's value and be in good original condition.

 

If around/under 6k for all original then only a 145.012 or a 105.012 would be possible but I think the latter would be harder. Check out the price chart: http://speedmaster101.com/price-chart-2/

As for value retention, well, who knows about the future? There are lots of discussion about omega value in this forum. Personally though I would weigh in on the speedy rather than the seamaster if I had to choose. So, just buy what you wanna wear.

 

I think the days of a nice 105.012 for under 6k US are long gone. With patience you'll be able to snag a 145.012 for round that money. It may be worthwhile to open your search to a -68 transitional or even a -69. Although rarer you'll get a much nicer Seamaster 321 for your money, although do bear in mind that they're smaller. There was a beauty for sale on the forum last week but I think it may have sold.

Familiarise yourself with Speedmaster101 and keep checking the forums sale section.

Also, please post pictures rather than links. If I see a poster has asked for opinions on several watches and just shared the link, half of the time I'll keep scrolling without looking at them.

 

I agree with @Davidt. Unless you happen to find something at a garage sale or a thrift store, it's too late to buy a decent cal 321 Speedmaster for $6k, unfortunately. Or perhaps it's too early, if you would like to wait for the bubble to burst. ;-)

But seriously, you can either buy a seriously flawed 145.012, or you can buy a nice 145.022.

Also, there are many other highly collectible vintage chronographs that you can buy for under $6k.

 

Do you have some recommendations on chronos under - let's say - the $5K mark? I've been looking at Seamasters with 321 & 861 movements in them.

 

Yes Seamasters or Speedmasters. Both great watches.
Also consider the 2 register 860 chronos.

 

There are so many that I wouldn't even know where to start, so you'll need to narrow it down by deciding what you like. Omega is not the only vintage watch brand. Browse the other sub-forums and the WRUW thread.

 

So true... I've also looked at Breitling (Navitimer and Top Time) and Heuer.