So, as I wait for the proper opportunity to head into Manhattan to pick up my late father's watch that has been serviced, with a new crystal and crown, I have been casually looking on Ebay for a gold or gold-plated buckle that would look appropriate for a 1952 18k Constellation. In that thread, the conclusion seemed to be, "Good Luck." The only one that clearly appeared to be appropriate included a vintage strap and was $1,200.00.

I had resigned myself to just getting a nice band that I liked and maybe a decent gold-plated buckle that closely resembled one in an advertisement someone posted in my other thread where the watch had the same dial as my watch.
Based upon the sticky buckle thread, I was also concluding that anything out of India or the Far East was not genuine.

Anyway, I did catch this listing:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOT-OF-TWO-...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

The pictures are blurry and the header description indicates gold-plated, however, the detail description says, "THE SMALLER ONE IS STAMPED 750 THEN BESIDE IT IS A STAMP WITH THE LETTERS CM? INSIDE A BOX AND THE NAME SWISS."
Altogether, the description along with shape of the buckle and the Omega logo (and two drill holes) made me think there is a very good chance that this is an 18k GM buckle as shown in the sticky thread. I won for the opening bid and there is free shipping. I figured that it is definitely worth the risk. I will update when I have it in hand.

 

So where is the Missy that was ready to play?

Nice find even if it's wrong, at that price no harm no foul.

 

I think you have landed a big fish at little expense - I think it is gold! Excellent - congrats!

 

I hope so! It didn't get shipped today, so it will go out Monday. Hopefully, I will have it by Thursday or Friday.

This morning, an 18k AW buckle with an Omega strap went for something like $560.

I also will have a gold plated EK large buckle. The sticky buckle thread shows only one of those and its marking configuration is slightly different than the one in this auction.

Also, for my own edification, what would be the correct etiquette regarding letting the forum know that the EK buckle would be available? It seems that you need to have a certain number of posts in order to sell. In what forum would you be able to spam your ebay auction? I am hoping I am not breaking protocol by even asking these questions.

Thanks.

 

Had to click on this thread because of the title.

 

The buckles arrived today and I think I scored.
First, the one I am going to use with my father's 1952 18k Constellation. It measures 16mm.



And the gold-plated that I probably will list on Ebay soon. It measures 14mm. What model watches would this type of buckle have been sold with? Thanks.

 

Goood stuff glad to hear eBay still has bargains for the savvy hunter.

A 14mm would have been fitted to larger ladies watches of the time.

 

Nice catch !! congrats...

 

Thanks. The ladies' buckle explain the two links that were included by the seller (not pictured, but in original listing).The original owner must have swapped out the leather strap for a metal one. The woman must have been fairly delicate as the two links are about 22mm (7/8 in.).

 

I'd say all women are delicate - anything that my partner will wear (think Omega Sapphetes) is something that won't even fit my 6.5" wrist.

Well, I'm sure you'll find a use for those links and grats again on the buckle - you pretty much won the lottery (considering it'd be at least worth it's weight in gold value.)

 

True...true. Although, that is almost an inch taken from a women's bracelet.

Speaking of "weight in gold value", I am fairly confident that the two links are not gold plated. They feel heavy and have a couple of solid color gouges. I wonder whether the watch repair/servicer I am using would be interested in them? My guess is that a local gold buyer would be my best bet.

 

If you take a picture of them and put them in a reply, more experienced forum members should be able to assist in identifying them and their use. The most random of parts might just find a home here

 

The more I think about it, what are the odds that someone (or anyone at all) would have this particular woman's band from the 50's/60's and would need these links? I think their value is as scrap.

 

The 14 mm. buckle was used on Gent's Omega watch straps, have several straps that use 14 mm. buckles. Also known on Seamaster De Ville's from the 1960's

 

Thank you for the new info.

Also, the women's bracelet links were 10k gold. They're gone and I am already ahead of the game.

With the 14mm gold plated buckle, I might offer it to the watchmaker first when I pick up my watch. I see similar NOS buckles on Otto Frei's site for $52. I would assume that mine may be marginally more valuable. I may use it to trade for a strap.