The unicorn I'm looking for at a price that Gov’t check will cover

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I think it’s important to note that a 34mm Omega or Longines with a sleek bezel will wear larger than a 34mm Rolex which has a thicker bezel- it’s all about dial size.
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I think it’s importer to note that a 34mm Omega or Longines with a sleek bezel will wear larger than a 34mm Rolex which has a thicker bezel- it’s all about dial size.

That's a great point. 34 is good with me. 33 is iffy. I think 32 is out of the question though.
 
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I've found 4 new candidates. What do you guys think?

1. https://www.chrono24.com/omega/classic-vintage-18k--id17500990.htm

2. https://www.chrono24.com/omega/vintage-14k-golg--id15648568.htm

3. https://www.chrono24.com/omega/jubilee-version--id5510440.htm.

4. https://www.chrono24.com/omega/geneve-14k-gold-watch--id14729942.htm

#1 seems to be super accurate which is nice. The sub seconds would be a compromise but not a dealbreaker for me.

#2 and 4 are the real contenders and if somebody signs off on them I'll buy today.

#3 was rude to me when I asked for a side shot and he responded that the thickness is already listed, so I'm already leaning against that one.
 
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Experts will have their say, but I think the Geneve #4 is really nice. My only suggestion before I saw this was that you consider IWC cal 89, one of the great manual movements that made it into the 1960s, but I'm not sure how long a wait or what condition compromises would be required to get one within your $2,200 hard envelope. You're also really keen on Omega, so I think you'll be happy with your choice here.
 
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If you are willing to settle for 34mm this is a special watch - the last manual wind chronometre movement made by omega.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-geneve-chronometer-18k-gold.127791/

That one is beautiful. Unfortunately, knowing me, it's too nice for me in the sense that I know I'll never have it leave the house.

What do you think of #2 that I posted above. The seller reached out to me and offered it for $950. He said it was serviced last year and running well.
 
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OK this one should interest you Sweep second 9K Gold case clean looking good price.
It's listed as a non runner but I would not expect that to be a problem to a suitable repairer.
Online auction 15th March Commision approx 30% on hammer price.
https://www.fellows.co.uk/2718-lot-342-OMEGA-a-gentleman-s-9ct-yellow-gold-wrist-watch
130266-1.jpg

Lot 115 might interest also.
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Experts will have their say, but I think the Geneve #4 is really nice. My only suggestion before I saw this was that you consider IWC cal 89, one of the great manual movements that made it into the 1960s, but I'm not sure how long a wait or what condition compromises would be required to get one within your $2,200 hard envelope. You're also really keen on Omega, so I think you'll be happy with your choice here.

IWC makes beautiful watches and I hope to own one someday. But unfortunately it won't satisfy this particular itch. I've been interested in Omega ever since I became obsessed with the olympics and the moon landing. It's a watch that I view as luxury without ever being tacky. Internationally recognizable. I could walk into the AD and buy a new one at full price but I need to rein in the finances a bit. My other hobbies are skiing and bicycles. I think I'm too poor for my lifestyle as it is! If I one day make partner at a firm, I'll be dropping cash on this stuff left and right but I think for now it's best if I set a reasonable budget. Do you have any opinion on #2, the seller reached out to me and was very polite. Made me an offer of $950. I think I can get it down to $910.
 
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Is it just my phone or are none of the dial photos of #2 sharp enough to get a good look?
 
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IWC makes beautiful watches and I hope to own one someday. But unfortunately it won't satisfy this particular itch. I've been interested in Omega ever since I became obsessed with the olympics and the moon landing. It's a watch that I view as luxury without ever being tacky. Internationally recognizable. I could walk into the AD and buy a new one at full price but I need to rein in the finances a bit. My other hobbies are skiing and bicycles. I think I'm too poor for my lifestyle as it is! If I one day make partner at a firm, I'll be dropping cash on this stuff left and right but I think for now it's best if I set a reasonable budget. Do you have any opinion on #2, the seller reached out to me and was very polite. Made me an offer of $950. I think I can get it down to $910.

You need a close up pics. From the inside case back. And a close up from the dial straight from above. And the location of additional gold stamps on the case.
 
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I need to rein in the finances a bit. My other hobbies are skiing and bicycles...
Do you have any opinion on #2, the seller reached out to me and was very polite. Made me an offer of $950. I think I can get it down to $910.
Totally understand where all your money is going! 😜
2 may be OK, but the photos aren't the greatest, I like the 600 series movements a lot aesthetically, and - with apologies for any misconceptions - I'll take the Czech (I.e. EU) private seller please. Totally up to you though counselor - good luck!
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Did the seller of #2 include a scan of the receipt? If not, I'm sorry to say it but I wouldn't put a great deal of credit in the seller's statement.
 
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Thanks for the help everybody. I reached out to him for more pictures. On the phone it doesn't show up great but the pictures on the chrono24 desktop website show super high quality if you hover over it each picture. The dial looks fine to my untrained eye.

I'm awaiting pictures of the case back. He didn't give a receipt of the service but I'm not too worried about it since worst case scenario I can get it decently serviced for $200-300. It would still bring me well under my budget.
 
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Not sure about that #2 Dial looks very bland, reworked? Possibly OK it has ticks round outer edge and Swiss Made. I am not sure I would choose to punt a grand on a watch from Russia on those pictures. On balance I prefer #4 #3 Looks good too.
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https://imgur.com/a/4UfUGou

The inside of the case back is plain. That seems like it means it was replaced.

I agree spending $1k on a watch in russia is sort of a gamble but at the same time it's being implied that $1k won't get me very far. I need to either compromise on price or on quality since the two are obviously incompatible. Not sure what to do. I'm not planning on selling this watch and there's quite a bit of gold content in there for $950. Any thoughts?
 
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On balance I prefer the Czech one

I agree. I think TimeODanaos wants that one though. I won't engage in a bidding war with him. If he doesn't go for it I might grab it if the seller will cover chrono taxes and fees.

I'm also starting to think the 286 model didn't have anything in the case back ever. There are a handful of other listings i've seen that don't show the inside case back either.
 
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That one is beautiful. Unfortunately, knowing me, it's too nice for me in the sense that I know I'll never have it leave the house.

What do you think of #2 that I posted above. The seller reached out to me and offered it for $950. He said it was serviced last year and running well.

The Geneve chronometer is totally usable as a daily wearer. And #2 isn't even in the same league.
 
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The Geneve chronometer is totally usable as a daily wearer. And #2 isn't even in the same league.

It's such a beautiful watch. I noticed he wants over $1,600 for it which seems like a very fair price. I know it's just 1mm but I'm slightly held back that it's a 33mm. For some reason I'm being incredibly annoying with picking one.

Does anybody have thoughts on this one? I can ask for a picture of inside if necessary but it said it's been sealed. Is that a thing? Is it reasonable to ask for case pictures? It fits all my criteria and is priced at $1,100. Spending $500 less and getting closer sized to a modern watch would be great for me since I only graduated recently.

https://www.chrono24.com/all/omega-geneve-14kt-gold-handaufzug-ref-1211-34mm-cal-601--id16535335.htm
 
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I think TimeODanaos wants that one though. I won't engage in a bidding war with him.
No, I'm fine as I am, thanks. I just wanted to give the opinion you asked for, purely for your benefit. That's just how we roll. Good luck with your decision, and welcome aboard.