The cheaper way in? The Older geneve

drpaul · May 16, 2023

Since I was drawn to the world of vintage omegas which started with a redialed ( I understood this in retrospect) omega "century" , I lost in a ebay bid,
I found this forum and wisened up a bit and ever since wanted a then top of the line constellation as my first watch. The quality, the Design and the mechanical Marvel of automatic chronometer and the fact that they retain their value and can be passed on as a family hairloom were some of the factors that attracted me.
But the legacy of these watches had a price to match and I didn't want to spend a kings ransom on my 1 St watch especially since I have never even held a vintage omega in my hands and don't know how that will feel once I have it.

That's when during exploring this forum I came to know that the earlier geneves had many of the qualities that attract me to vintage omegas at more economical price point.

Heck, they even have the piepaniness? Poor man pie pan?

Please help me and give your valuable opinion on this. Sale for 1.5k USD with a small offer on top of that. I know that the automatic geneves are not considered true first generation by some collectors but this has most of the design elements I adore. The cross hair, two tone dial with a bit of piepaniness . Automatic, love solid gold.

Case has seen some polish but not too bad is it. Some of the chamfering on the lugs are still seen.
Dial looks excellent to me.
Any red flags? Is the price fair? Is the noob tax steep at 1.5 k?

noelekal · May 16, 2023

Dial looks nice to me. Someone did get too happy polishing that case.

That lug-chewing bracelet needs to go.

Such a Geneve in a solid gold case, even with that enthusiastic polishing thrown in, will not be found for under $1000 online. It would be a sweeter deal at $1200 or less.

Thanks for posting it for us to see.

I like any early style Geneves very much.

gbesq · May 17, 2023

Dial looks good, but the case has been polished and the lugs are soft. An excellent example with an unpolished case and lugs should look like this:

It’s your call as to whether you want to continue looking for an unpolished example. They do come up from time to time in the private watch sales forum.

theluckyluke · May 17, 2023

Beautiful dial. Having looked these models up on eBay as well, it’s pretty hard to find such a condition.

I am also in this process of educating myself on watches, so I can relate to your story. The price might be slightly elevated, so you could try to negotiate, but after all, being your first omega you might wear it a lot, if not as a daily watch, so is seeking a collector’s condition a key priority? Only you can answer!

There have been a few coming up in the private sales section including a stunning jumbo (listed at 2.5k or something).

OllieOnTheRocks · May 17, 2023

It is surely a beautiful watch - and for a beginner in collecting - we can easily be swayed by a beautiful dial. This one quite right is a stunning example. It is a shame about the lugs - it has been polished and for me, this would stop me buying it - as sooner or later you will learn to love sharp cases even if you don't already and then a watch which was once a keeper might turn into one that doesn't get much wrist time.

I think if you can negotiate a good price this will be a lovely watch for you to have and certainly will itch the spot for now - if not for many years to come. I recall selling this same reference myself a few years ago, in similar condition with a polished case for around $1100. So if you can get around that place I wouldn't be concerned about the polishing. With a nice new leather strap it will surely be a head turner!

P.S. I've owned a dozen or more of these geneves and gold ones are the hardest to find! So if you're stuck on gold, you might not find another for a long time.... if you can settle for steel - they come up much more regularly.

drpaul · May 17, 2023

OllieOnTheRocks
It is surely a beautiful watch - and for a beginner in collecting - we can easily be swayed by a beautiful dial. This one quite right is a stunning example. It is a shame about the lugs - it has been polished and for me, this would stop me buying it - as sooner or later you will learn to love sharp cases even if you don't already and then a watch which was once a keeper might turn into one that doesn't get much wrist time.

I think if you can negotiate a good price this will be a lovely watch for you to have and certainly will itch the spot for now - if not for many years to come. I recall selling this same reference myself a few years ago, in similar condition with a polished case for around $1100. So if you can get around that place I wouldn't be concerned about the polishing. With a nice new leather strap it will surely be a head turner!

P.S. I've owned a dozen or more of these geneves and gold ones are the hardest to find! So if you're stuck on gold, you might not find another for a long time.... if you can settle for steel - they come up much more regularly.

drpaul · May 17, 2023

Thank you sir for your most valuable input. I have read most of your threads/postings. I can see the wisdom in your words.

j.allen · May 18, 2023

gbesq
Dial looks good, but the case has been polished and the lugs are soft. An excellent example with an unpolished case and lugs should look like this:

It’s your call as to whether you want to continue looking for an unpolished example. They do come up from time to time in the private watch sales forum.

Those sharp lines make all the difference in the aesthetics. I also love the dial color and gold accents

Vanallard · May 22, 2023

You could do a lot worse for $1500. My guess would be at least 15 grams or $750+ of solid 18k gold. Dial is excellent, which IMO is key for a dress watch.
I doubt the poster suggesting a price of $1100 would let this piece go for that amount if he was selling it.

SOG53 · May 22, 2023

Should there be a different "standard" for acceptable level of polishing for an 18K gold watch, compared to stainless? Seems that 18K cases with true sharp lugs are much rarer- due to softness of metal, and desire to have a polished gold dresswatch prompted more polishing over the years.

OllieOnTheRocks · May 22, 2023

SOG53
Should there be a different "standard" for acceptable level of polishing for an 18K gold watch, compared to stainless? Seems that 18K cases with true sharp lugs are much rarer- due to softness of metal, and desire to have a polished gold dresswatch prompted more polishing over the years.

Hence why I very rarely buy a gold watch lol. I always end up regretting over-polished examples, so I don’t buy them anymore.

drpaul · May 25, 2023

Guys thank you all for the inputs. You guys are the best.
Pulled the trigger on this one. The dial did it in for me.
I guess my newb tax is in the 200USD range. (I got it for 1400/- including shipping and tax) which I think I can live with. Was itching to get the first one, now I can have relaxed search for more.

Thank you @noelekal , @MtV , @Dan S @Spruce , @gbesq , @theluckyluke , @OllieOnTheRocks , @Vanallard ,@SOG53 @gatorcpa for helping a newbie make an informed decision.

Don't have the watch with me. It will be delivered to my friend in the US on 29th. I have to wait till he come to India in October. So the wait continues. Will post pictures ones I have it.

Vanallard · May 25, 2023

That watch is well worth the $1400 you paid 👍 I doubt you’ll have any regrets when you see it in person.

theluckyluke · May 26, 2023

It looks awesome, good choice!

TIMElyBehaviour · May 26, 2023

Same opinion here, top choice and excellent taste.

Aroxx · May 26, 2023

Congrats @drpaul! I’m glad you finally found a watch after clearly doing a lot of homework. Have you considered getting the watch serviced before you start wearing it? Most watches won at auction will be overdue. Perhaps your friend in the US could get it serviced so when it arrives to you in October it’s ready to wear. If you share their location I’m sure people here could recommend US watchmakers.

gbesq · May 26, 2023

An excellent choice for your first vintage Omega. A cursive Geneve was my first vintage Omega purchase as well and I still have it. They are lovely dress watches and good examples from the 50's and early 60's are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Wear it in the best of health.

drpaul · May 26, 2023

Aroxx
Congrats @drpaul! I’m glad you finally found a watch after clearly doing a lot of homework. Have you considered getting the watch serviced before you start wearing it? Most watches won at auction will be overdue. Perhaps your friend in the US could get it serviced so when it arrives to you in October it’s ready to wear. If you share their location I’m sure people here could recommend US watchmakers.

Thank you so much for your thoughtful message. I was thinking about the very thing. Don't know any competent watch maker where I live and these watches are very rare here. Might be best to get serviced in the US.

drpaul · May 26, 2023

gbesq
An excellent choice for your first vintage Omega. A cursive Geneve was my first vintage Omega purchase as well and I still have it. They are lovely dress watches and good examples from the 50's and early 60's are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Wear it in the best of health.

Thank you sir
This too I feel will never be sold. Even if my standards increase this will likely remain close to my heart. I still have my 1st car (12 yrs old) 1st bike( 25 yrs old) and my dad's motorbike ( 35 yrs old) I could go on but you get the idea😀

drpaul · May 26, 2023

Hello members with the same refrence. What is the strap width size for this one? Figured will start looking for a strap. How should I search for a buckle that suits this one? Does it have a parts no or by size? Size of buckle will depend on this strap style right. Not planning to be stickler about what it came from the factory with, but close looking would be nice.
I understand I should go for tapering alligator or lizard leather as this is closer to a dress watch. I was thinking black as my other "dress watch" is a brown strapped humble Timex.

The cheaper way in? The Older geneve

drpaul

noelekal

gbesq

theluckyluke

OllieOnTheRocks

drpaul

drpaul

j.allen

Vanallard

SOG53

OllieOnTheRocks

drpaul

Vanallard

theluckyluke

TIMElyBehaviour

Aroxx

gbesq

drpaul

drpaul

drpaul

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