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Thoughts on this Omega Geneve 2981-6

M
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Hi all, any thoughts on this gold plated Geneve 2981-6 for potential purchase at auction? No photos of movement, watch just stated as currently running.

My very uneducated thoughts are:

- Serial no. dates it to 1958.
- Case and plating appears in good condition and not over polished.
- Dial appears in good condition (too good?).
- Unsure if the bracelet is original.

Any comments greatly appreciated.
 
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Tony C.
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Original dial; the gold cap appears to be in very good condition; uncommon dial variation. Assuming that the movement is in similar condition, it appears to be a very nice example.

One small, cautionary note: most collectors shun gold-capped watches in favor of full gold or steel. So, if re-sale may be important to you, bear in mind that the demand will be somewhat limited. But given the condition, if you don't overpay significantly, it shouldn't be an issue.
 
M
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Tony C. Tony C.
Original dial; the gold cap appears to be in very good condition; uncommon dial variation. Assuming that the movement is in similar condition, it appears to be a very nice example.

One small, cautionary note: most collectors shun gold-capped watches in favor of full gold or steel. So, if re-sale may be important to you, bear in mind that the demand will be somewhat limited. But given the condition, if you don't overpay significantly, it shouldn't be an issue.

Many thanks for the reply. What would be a reasonable sum to bid up to? Estimate is £300-£500 but appears a little low I think.
 
Tony C.
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M machowalrus
What would be a reasonable sum to bid up to? Estimate is £300-£500 but appears a little low I think.

Only you can decide what might be "reasonable". Estimates do tend to be low in auction houses, and this is no exception. Be sure to also take the buyer's premium and possible taxes into account when calculating your threshold.
 
gbesq
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I agree that it appears to be a very nice example. Just to clarify, is the case gold plated or gold capped? Big difference so far as I am concerned.
 
M
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gbesq gbesq
I agree that it appears to be a very nice example. Just to clarify, is the case gold plated or gold capped? Big difference so far as I am concerned.

Gold plated according to description.
 
Tony C.
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M machowalrus
Gold plated according to description.

Incorrect, I would bet. Gold-capped. That was a higher-end model.
 
ahsposo
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The crown isn't correct, either, I think.
 
gbesq
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I think that it’s gold capped as well, so that’s a plus over gold plated. The crown is incorrect and it will be very difficult to find a correct replacement. The case has been polished but the dial is quite good. Overall, not a collector quality watch, but if the movement is in good shape and the price is right I think it would be a good pickup
 
M
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gbesq gbesq
I think that it’s gold capped as well, so that’s a plus over gold plated. The crown is incorrect and it will be very difficult to find a correct replacement. The case has been polished but the dial is quite good. Overall, not a collector quality watch, but if the movement is in good shape and the price is right I think it would be a good pickup

Many thanks. Is there a definitive way to tell whether it is capped or plated? I know with some models you can clearly see the capping on the lugs, but doesn't appear to be the case with this model.

I did end up bidding on the watch and winning at £600 (£750 inc. buyers premium). Happy to post some photos once I have the watch if anyone is interested.
 
gbesq
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If the case is gold capped, the backs of the lugs will be stainless steel. If the case is gold plated, the backs of the lugs will be plated as well, but there will often be wear showing through to the base metal on the backs and edges of the lugs and anywhere where there has been friction between the watch case and the strap or bracelet. I’m pretty sure that this case is gold capped and I think that you purchased a nice example at a good price. It’s not perfect, but it’s very hard to find an example of the old style cursive Geneves with a good dial and this watch definitely has one and that’s most of the value in any vintage watch.
 
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