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Thoughts on this Omega Cal. 500? Overpolished case? Return?

  1. Spartcom5 Dec 1, 2017

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    Picked this up today for $220 but am seriously thinking of returning it. The good things are the fact it has an original crystal and crown, movement looks and runs great. However, the 14k gold filled case appears to have been polished quite a bit, the dial is original and nice but it looks like cracking on the surface from 3 to 6. What would you guys do? I do like it on wrist.
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    Edited Dec 1, 2017
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  2. habrisbane Dec 1, 2017

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    Nice one. Pass it to me with $220.
     
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  3. fjf Dec 2, 2017

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    It was cheap, and is very nice. The dial shows some patina, but this is expected from vintages. Do you like it?. Then keep it!.
     
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  4. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Dec 2, 2017

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    Caseback is Gold? Are you sure that’s gold filled?
     
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  5. ConElPueblo Dec 2, 2017

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    US gold filled cases are usually like this.
     
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  6. Spartcom5 Dec 2, 2017

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    Do any of you think this is a redial or original?
     
  7. 1jansen Dec 2, 2017

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    I would think the dial is original. Though it just has "SWISS" vs the usual "SWISS MADE" at The bottom of the dial. The script and markers are very solid after years of aging. The font of "OMEGA" & "AUTOMATIC" are nice. IMO
    Anyway, $220 is cheap.
     
  8. François Pépin Dec 2, 2017

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    The dial looks original to me. But the lacker seems to be coming off on some places - not sure because the pic is not good enough. Could be an issue as the scripts and markers can go with the lacker...
     
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  9. Spartcom5 Dec 2, 2017

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    Yes, the lacquer is coming off, that was one of my worries! Will it continue to do so??
     
  10. fjf Dec 2, 2017

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    Wait, I'll get my crystal ball...yes it will, in the next 50 years...keep it dry and take care of him...
     
  11. 1jansen Dec 2, 2017

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    Yes, It is highly possible that it will continue to come off. IMO
     
  12. gatorcpa ΩF InvestiGator Staff Member Dec 2, 2017

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    You did not get taken on that watch. Worth what you paid for it. Invest in a new crystal (not sure you can get an OEM Omega crystal to fit these old US made cases) and a service and it will look much better.
    gatorcpa
     
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  13. Spartcom5 Dec 2, 2017

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    Hmm thanks guys, I think I will probably keep it. As long as I keep the watch safe and dry the lacquer won't come off anymore? What makes it come off in the first place? Moisture? Also, I never knew Omega used USA made cases for some of their watches, pretty cool!
     
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  14. François Pépin Dec 2, 2017

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    If you do not touch the laquer, it can stay the way it is for a while. But there is always the possibility it comes off more, removing also some print. I would recommand, for instance during a service, that you have the old laquer removed and replaced. But do not pull it off, as there is a chance it removes print as well. It would be safer to dissolve it, for instance in a mixing of lemon juice and water.
     
    Edited Dec 2, 2017
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  15. DON Dec 2, 2017

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    Good price. Movement looks mint and nowadays I would sell one in that condition for $200.00

    Crown not original to case design, however. If a vintage gold cap (not current gold plate). You can get $75.00 from someone that needs to replace one on their watch and then look for a proper one for your model

    Sweep hand not original (too long)

    Did good. Don't even think of returning it

    DON
     
  16. Spartcom5 Dec 12, 2017

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    Hmm so now I am interested how did these compare to the Seamasters at the time? Were they cheaper retail? Any info on this matter?
     
  17. 1jansen Dec 13, 2017

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    Hi Spartcome5,
    It is a nice vintage Omega. If I were you, I will keep the it as daily wear.
    Cheers,