Vintage Gold Filled vs Gold Capped

mychel53 · Sep 22, 2020

I’m researching Omega vintage watches for a gift. Probably 1950’s since it’s for a milestone birthday.
I’ve found some nice looking watches that are not solid gold. Though I prefer sold gold. What advice do you have for choosing the material? Does gold filled peel or chip more than gold capped? Or should I stick to solid hold or stainless steel instead or filled or capped?
Thank you.

Dan S · Sep 22, 2020

For a milestone birthday gift, I personally would not recommend a gold-filled watch. It just doesn't feel special enough to me. This is just one person's subjective opinion. And yes, gold-filled watches will sometimes show brassing and wear.

Gold capped is second best to solid gold IMO, and significantly better than gold-filled or gold-plated. There are some very nice gold-capped references and many serious collectors are happy to own them. Not only is the gold layer much thicker than on a gold-filled case, but it is on top of a stainless steel base, as opposed to a cheaper base metal. It's possible, but not very common to see enough damage on a gold-capped Omega to the extent that the base SS metal shows through.

That said, a gold capped watch obviously doesn't have the same prestige as high karat (14k or 18k) solid gold. I think ultimately it's a matter of personal preference.

Marsimaxam · Sep 22, 2020

Dan S
For a milestone birthday gift, I personally would not recommend a gold-filled watch. It just doesn't feel special enough to me. This is just one person's subjective opinion. And yes, gold-filled watches will sometimes show brassing and wear.

Gold capped is second best to solid gold IMO, and significantly better than gold-filled or gold-plated. There are some very nice gold-capped references and many serious collectors are happy to own them. Not only is the gold layer much thicker than on a gold-filled case, but it is on top of a stainless steel base, as opposed to a cheaper base metal. It's possible, but not very common to see enough damage on a gold-capped Omega to the extent that the base SS metal shows through.

That said, a gold capped watch obviously doesn't have the same prestige as high karat (14k or 18k) solid gold. I think ultimately it's a matter of personal preference.

Dan S offered a great explanation regarding the differences between gold filled, gold plated and gold capped. The question unanswered is, "How much are you willing to spend on the watch you are giving as a gift?" If you want a solid gold watch, I believe, you will be hard pressed to find one for less than $750.00 in great condition for a Swiss brand and perhaps around $500.00 for a US brand.

Hamilton Link:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hamilton-K...695659?hash=item46955e4bab:g:WIMAAOSwYUZb6yBD

Omega Link:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-ME...053008?hash=item593c6fdb90:g:YkMAAOSwzkldzLxQ

Dan S · Sep 22, 2020

Marsimaxam
Dan S offered a great explanation regarding the differences between gold filled, gold plated and gold capped. The question unanswered is, "How much are you willing to spend on the watch you are giving as a gift?" If you want a solid gold watch, I believe, you will be hard pressed to find one for less than $750.00 in great condition for a Swiss brand and perhaps around $500.00 for a US brand.

Hamilton Link:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hamilton-K...695659?hash=item46955e4bab:g:WIMAAOSwYUZb6yBD

Omega Link:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-ME...053008?hash=item593c6fdb90:g:YkMAAOSwzkldzLxQ

In a different thread, the OP was considering a watch with a $2k asking price, so I think her budget is sufficient for a mid-range solid 14k or 18k watch from several good Swiss brands including Omega; assuming that she has time to be patient. I think she was looking at vintage SMDV models IIRC. I'm guessing that she is trying to broaden her search parameters to make it easier to find a watch within her timeline.

As you are well aware, it's easy for a collector to say that you can find a nice example of an 18k Omega for $2k, since we're willing to wait indefinitely to find one. But finding one with a fixed timeline can be more challenging.

Spruce · Sep 22, 2020

mychel53
I’m researching Omega vintage watches for a gift. Probably 1950’s since it’s for a milestone birthday.
I’ve found some nice looking watches that are not solid gold. Though I prefer sold gold. What advice do you have for choosing the material? Does gold filled peel or chip more than gold capped? Or should I stick to solid hold or stainless steel instead or filled or capped?
Thank you.

Were you talking jewellery, then I’m sure I’d also be looking at solid gold but with vintage watches, I think you’re sensible to consider alternative options.

These are my reasons for preferring a non-gold vintage watch:

1. I want a watch I can wear on any occasion - to dress up with a suit or dress down for casual. Nice as solid gold is, I think I feel happier with something a little less ostentatious or valuable. So, stainless steel, stainless steel with gold indices or gold capped or gold plated.

This is a Longines, 35mm stainless steel with gold indices. It is a current model selling new at about £950 in the UK. You’ll find stainless Omegas of similar size with gold indices.

2. As @Dan S says, gold-capped is better but gold plated can also look good. Many cheaper watches have 20 microns gp, but the older Omegas have 40 microns or, like this 1950 one, 80 microns, which has lasted well and hasn’t polished away

3. Or, straight up stainless can also look pretty classy. This is an Omega 166.010, about 50 years old.

So, you wouldn’t necessarily wear any of them to dig the garden but they are pretty wearable without looking OTT.

Good luck.

mychel53 · Sep 22, 2020

Marsimaxam
Dan S offered a great explanation regarding the differences between gold filled, gold plated and gold capped. The question unanswered is, "How much are you willing to spend on the watch you are giving as a gift?" If you want a solid gold watch, I believe, you will be hard pressed to find one for less than $750.00 in great condition for a Swiss brand and perhaps around $500.00 for a US brand.

Hamilton Link:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hamilton-K...695659?hash=item46955e4bab:g:WIMAAOSwYUZb6yBD

Omega Link:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-ME...053008?hash=item593c6fdb90:g:YkMAAOSwzkldzLxQ

mychel53 · Sep 22, 2020

I’m willing spend the money for a beautiful watch. It’s for my husband- so I’ll splurge.

Dan S · Sep 22, 2020

mychel53
I’m willing spend the money for a beautiful watch. It’s for my husband- so I’ll splurge.

I know you didn't ask for suggestions, but I will volunteer a photo of what, to me, is one of the most beautiful gold dress watches (not my watch, it was previously sold by Stetz & Co., but I know that several OF members keep these in their collections). It's a notch up from an Omega, but not insanely expensive. Unfortunately, not particularly easy to find, but it's worth keeping in mind other brands. I have a soft spot for the color of IWC pink gold, but there are a few other manufacturers to consider.

Deafboy · Sep 22, 2020

Dan S watch shown above is a drop-dead 1950's dress watch.
Either way, please show us pictures of candidate watches before pulling the trigger. The people on this site will be helpful in vetting the watch. For instance, a dial that hasn't been tampered ("redialed") is worth quite a bit more than one that has been refinished. It takes years of looking at dials to become an expert at this skill.

Ritzwatch · Sep 22, 2020

I would love to see some pics of some examples of watches from your search that suit your tastes as a gift for your husband. And, not to pry to much, but if you told us a birth year, members may have some solid specific suggestions for you. (Given the generosity of many on these forums, you may even find a match here.)

Also, if you know if you prefer a manual wind vs an automatic, that may help with general suggestions.

If this is to be a "special" watch, to be worn on special occasions, rather than an every day watch, I prefer no-date models. I don't mind setting the time, but having to set the date on some of the vintage pieces when they come out of the watch box can be a pain. (Round and Round we go.)

Good luck in your search, this is a very thoughtful gift that I am sure your husband will appreciate.

mychel53 · Sep 22, 2020

Dan S
I know you didn't ask for suggestions, but I will volunteer a photo of what, to me, is one of the most beautiful gold dress watches (not my watch, it was previously sold by Stetz & Co., but I know that several OF members keep these in their collections). It's a notch up from an Omega, but not insanely expensive. Unfortunately, not particularly easy to find, but it's worth keeping in mind other brands. I have a soft spot for the color of IWC pink gold, but there are a few other manufacturers to consider.

mychel53 · Sep 22, 2020

That is a stunning watch! I’d buy. It’s simple and elegant! Thanks for showing it to me.

mychel53 · Sep 22, 2020

Deafboy
Dan S watch shown above is a drop-dead 1950's dress watch.
Either way, please show us pictures of candidate watches before pulling the trigger. The people on this site will be helpful in vetting the watch. For instance, a dial that hasn't been tampered ("redialed") is worth quite a bit more than one that has been refinished. It takes years of looking at dials to become an expert at this skill.

mychel53 · Sep 22, 2020

I posted photos in my first thread about 2 watches I’ve been considering. Apparently one may have
a refinished dial - I’d love you opinion.
Here is a couple others. I may pick 2 - then on his birthday which is in a few days, show him and let him pick it out. The challenge is that they could sell in the meantime.
Thanks.

mychel53 · Sep 22, 2020

Ritzwatch
I would love to see some pics of some examples of watches from your search that suit your tastes as a gift for your husband. And, not to pry to much, but if you told us a birth year, members may have some solid specific suggestions for you. (Given the generosity of many on these forums, you may even find a match here.)

Also, if you know if you prefer a manual wind vs an automatic, that may help with general suggestions.

If this is to be a "special" watch, to be worn on special occasions, rather than an every day watch, I prefer no-date models. I don't mind setting the time, but having to set the date on some of the vintage pieces when they come out of the watch box can be a pain. (Round and Round we go.)

Good luck in your search, this is a very thoughtful gift that I am sure your husband will appreciate.

mychel53 · Sep 22, 2020

Thank you. Someone else mentioned the year. Great idea. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before. 1950.
He used to wear a different watch from his collection ( most of his vintage watch collection was stolen several years ago- amongst them was an Omega. He does own a black dial Omega. I think it’s a constellation. Not sure. Now he just wears his smart watch - hasn’t wore a regular watch in some time. I know he would appreciate another Omega- maybe he’ll start collecting again. To answer your question about manual or automatic - I have no clue. He does have a Hamilton that I think is manual. I appreciate your opinion about the date. Finding the right watch from 1950. That would be cool.

He also loves clocks. I thought of given him a pocket watch and putting in a display dome.

Spruce · Sep 23, 2020

I may have misunderstood.

I appreciated that you wanted to give him a lovely watch to celebrate his birthday and to show him how special he is to you but I had thought that you were looking to give him a watch he would wear on a frequent/regular basis.

The problem that may arise is that if you give him a super valuable watch that he feels too valuable to use regularly and which he only wears on special occasions and which remains tucked away in a sock drawer the rest of the time.

If the former, you’ll know he loves it and is reminded of you on a daily wear basis. The family and friends will see that he likes it and appreciate that it’s a very nice gift from you.

If the latter, you may start wondering if he really does like it when he only wears it intermittently.

Deafboy · Sep 23, 2020

mychel53
Here is a couple others.

They both appear to have a refinished dial. Others can chime in. The lower specimen is particularly egregious: look at the wonky Omega and automatic text.

gbesq · Sep 23, 2020

I would not recommend either a gold plated or gold filled watch. That being said, both gold capped watches and stainless steel watches with gold accents can be very attractive and age gracefully. Here are two examples from my collection. On the left is a 1962 Omega Constellation reference 14900 in gold cap. On the right is a 1959 Omega Geneve reference 2903 in stainless steel with gold accents. You can also find many Seamaster models from the 50’s and 60’s with these features. As another member suggested, run your prospective candidates by us for vetting before you purchase. Good luck and what a nice gesture and thoughtful gift for your husband.

omegastar · Sep 23, 2020

What about a Jaeger Lecoultre 2953 ?

Vintage Gold Filled vs Gold Capped

mychel53

Dan S

Marsimaxam

Dan S

Spruce

mychel53

mychel53

Dan S

Deafboy

Ritzwatch

mychel53

mychel53

mychel53

mychel53

mychel53

mychel53

Spruce

Deafboy

gbesq

omegastar

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