Valuation Request: 18k Solid Gold De Ville Symbol (Ref 396.1016)

A

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aleefc

·Dec 31, 2025

Hello Everyone,
I recently received a watch that was passed down to me after my father passed away.

I couldn't find much about it online but found the reference number (Ref 396.1016). The watch weighs about 85g and is made from 18k solid gold. I also don't see that many 18k solid gold Omega Watches available. I went to a dealer yesterday, and they gave me an estimate but I'm looking for second opinions and the wisdom of vintage specialists. I'm looking to sell it eventually and get something I can wear more frequently.

I very much appreciate any insights.

Thank you in advance and have a Happy New Year!
- A

 

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uk_onega

·Dec 31, 2025

Likely value is just a little over scrap gold value unfortunately
If it has any sentimental value definitely don't sell it as you'll never be able to get it back

 

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aleefc

·Dec 31, 2025

uk_onega

Likely value is just a little over scrap gold value unfortunately
If it has any sentimental value definitely don't sell it as you'll never be able to get it back

Thanks,

Understood and definitely agreed. There are a couple of watches, so I’ll definitely keep at least one.

Assuming 70% purity at 85g, I was thinking closer to $8k -$8.5k. Assuming a 10%~ profit for the buyer, so $7k - $7.5k? I don’t have experience selling gold for scraps

 

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uk_onega

·Dec 31, 2025

A aleefc

Thanks,

Understood and definitely agreed. There are a couple of watches, so I’ll definitely keep at least one.

Assuming 70% purity at 85g, I was thinking closer to $8k -$8.5k. Assuming a 10%~ profit for the buyer, so $7k - $7.5k? I don’t have experience selling gold for scraps

Usually calculated as total weight, minus weight for crystal and movement which is probably online
Then 18k is 75% gold, allowing about 5-10% profit margin for gold is reasonable

 

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Dan S

·Dec 31, 2025

You will not generally get more than about 85% of spot from a scrap buyer. Currently you can get roughly $90 per gram of 18k gold, which does not include the weight of the movement, dial, crystal, etc. So assuming all the rest is 18k gold, you can probably count on about $5500. It may be less if some parts are not 18k.

Edited: Dec 31, 2025

 

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Evitzee

·Dec 31, 2025

Most gold and silver buyers today are around 80% for gold, 90% for silver. You might get up to 85% for gold if you shop it around and get an aggressive buyer. Like everything, getting maximum value increases the seller's effort and hassle. Today, 18k gold is $104/gr. Say you get 80% and the gold in the watch is 80g. $104 x 0.80 x 80 g = $6,656-ish. It'll be the easiest money you'll ever make. You can try to get a higher percentage, say 85%, which will get you another $400 or so. How hard do you want to work for the extra dough?

Edited: Dec 31, 2025

 

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aleefc

·Dec 31, 2025

Thanks everyone,

Appreciate the insights very much. I’m not going to haggle for each dollar, and understand gold spot price fluctuates too. Sounds like 5.5k - 7k is a good estimate.

 

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aleefc

·Dec 31, 2025

Thanks everyone,

Appreciate the insights very much. I’m not going to haggle for each dollar, and understand gold spot price fluctuates too. Sounds like 5.5k - 7k is a good estimate.

 

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Dan S

·Dec 31, 2025

I agree that one might have to shop around a bit to get 85%, a pawn shop won't offer that. I'm fortunate that there is a local speciality gold and coin buyer/seller near me that routinely gives 85% for scrap. I've heard that there are buyers on the internet that will do better.

When I gave an estimate previously, I had not realized that the movement was quartz, and therefore underestimated the potential weight of the gold. It could indeed be closer to 75g. You will find out when you get a firm offer, but you might have to agree to have the gold separated destructively.