Vintage ladies' Omega - Advice needed!

madjestikmoose · Oct 12, 2018

Last year, after hankering after an Omega for as long as she's known me, my wife bought got me the Moonwatch for my 40th birthday.

She turns the same age next year and I want to return the favour! But let's just say she's not a watch enthusiast, hardly ever wears one... so I want to get her a vintage one at minimal cost as a sort of 'joke' gift, if that makes sense... Of course I want to avoid fakes/scams, so hoping someone out there can advise what to look for/steer clear of. I saw this one on eBay which looked like the sort of thing I'm after; no warranty card unfortunately.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ladies-O...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Thanks in advance!
Ben 😀

efauser · Oct 12, 2018

If she hardly ever wears a watch, I wouldn't spend 250 pounds on a manual wind watch that will likely sit in a drawer. Spend the 250 on a weekend getaway, so the joke isn't on you for pissing away 250 quid.

madjestikmoose · Oct 12, 2018

efauser
If she hardly ever wears a watch, I wouldn't spend 250 pounds on a manual wind watch that will likely sit in a drawer. Spend the 250 on a weekend getaway, so the joke isn't on you for pissing away 250 quid.

Err... thanks for that. I was going to do that anyway. Besides, £250 won't get me far on a weekend getaway knowing her tastes.

JimInOz · Oct 12, 2018

Well............you could buy her a matching S*master, but obviously not the same model you now have.

After the joy of presentation (and all of the benefits that go with that process😉), let her wear it until you see it languishing among the bras and knickers.

And then......tell here a mechanical watch MUST be worn on a regular basis to keep the "caliber" functioning at "optimum" levels, and if it's left to rest for long periods, severe "problems" will develop that will affect the "power reserve" leading to the "movement" needing "regulation".

Adopt a serious but not condescending demeanor, and use words like "caliber", "movement", "power reserve", "regulation" etc etc to make it sound serious and as if you know a lot about mechanical watches.

When she starts to look worried, be the good guy and just say "Don't worry Darlin', I'll wear it on a regular basis, just for you".

I can't see any problem with that.

mac_omega · Oct 12, 2018

JimInOz
Well............you could buy her a matching S*master, but obviously not the same model you now have.

After the joy of presentation (and all of the benefits that go with that process😉), let her wear it until you see it languishing among the bras and knickers.

And then......tell here a mechanical watch MUST be worn on a regular basis to keep the "caliber" functioning at "optimum" levels, and if it's left to rest for long periods, severe "problems" will develop that will affect the "power reserve" leading to the "movement" needing "regulation".

Adopt a serious but not condescending demeanor, and use words like "caliber", "movement", "power reserve", "regulation" etc etc to make it sound serious and as if you know a lot about mechanical watches.

When she starts to look worried, be the good guy and just say "Don't worry Darlin', I'll wear it on a regular basis, just for you".

I can't see any problem with that.

Jim, now we know how you play tricks on Annie 😉

JimInOz · Oct 12, 2018

mac_omega
Jim, now we know how you play tricks on Annie 😉

Holy crap Erich! Don't post that on the internet, you'll destroy my cunning plan! I'm sure she peruses OF to see what we're all up to.

😁

Syrte · Oct 12, 2018

Hi there, what is her style usually ? Conservative ? Laid back? Casual or formal ? Funky? jeans, flowery dresses or tight pencil skirts?
Might as well try and find something that actually fits her style. What's the color of the jewelery she wears? Gold or silver?
If she likes small things then a little Omega might work -- but if she likes big colorful costume stuff, you might well be wasting your cash indeed.

madjestikmoose · Oct 12, 2018

Syrte
Hi there, what is her style usually ? Conservative ? Laid back? Casual or formal ? Funky? jeans, flowery dresses or tight pencil skirts?
Might as well try and find something that actually fits her style. What's the color of the jewelery she wears? Gold or silver?
If she likes small things then a little Omega might work -- but if she likes big colorful costume stuff, you might well be wasting your cash indeed.

Finally, someone with a sensible response. Thank you!!

Silver usually; she's into vintage stuff hence the idea. Fairly conservative in style so yeah no 'big, colourful costume stuff!'

efauser · Oct 12, 2018

BenCulverhouse
Finally, someone with a sensible response. Thank you!!

If recommending not spending money on a watch for someone who doesn't wear watches isn't sensible then you obviously have more money than sense.

mac_omega · Oct 12, 2018

Why don´t you chose a small sized men´s watch (around 33-34 mm) from the late 30ies or 40ies - there are very nice watches with "modern" humble design which even women like to wear They are not as ridiculously small as ladies watches.

felsby · Oct 12, 2018

My wife has a bold taste in jewellery, so when I got her a 1970 Saphette (16mm dial!) I feared that she would shrug and put it away. But she loves it! I bought two extra original straps, and now she asks me to change once a month..self-inflicted troubles. Winner feeling when she points out to a friend "he put an original buckle on the strap, see?"
My point is: challenge yourself and buy a watch that you like. Chances are she will too. As a play-it-safe option I would follow the advice of @mac_omega and buy a 33-35mm watch. Lots of choices in style and price.

madjestikmoose · Oct 12, 2018

efauser
If recommending not spending money on a watch for someone who doesn't wear watches isn't sensible then you obviously have more money than sense.

And you clearly have too much time on your hands if trolling me is all you can think of doing with your day. I posted this thread as I'm after genuinely helpful advice, which you're clearly unable to provide, so can I politely ask you to take your opinions and judgments elsewhere. Thanks

madjestikmoose · Oct 12, 2018

felsby
My wife has a bold taste in jewellery, so when I got her a 1970 Saphette (16mm dial!) I feared that she would shrug and put it away. But she loves it! I bought two extra original straps, and now she asks me to change once a month..self-inflicted troubles. Winner feeling when she points out to a friend "he put an original buckle on the strap, see?"
My point is: challenge yourself and buy a watch that you like. Chances are she will too. As a play-it-safe option I would follow the advice of @mac_omega and buy a 33-35mm watch. Lots of choices in style and price.

Thanks... what sort of prices do they fetch? B

ChrisN · Oct 12, 2018

BenCulverhouse
Finally, someone with a sensible response. Thank you!!

Silver usually; she's into vintage stuff hence the idea. Fairly conservative in style so yeah no 'big, colourful costume stuff!'

It's a nice idea and it might also be worth considering a quartz. My wife has one similar to this although I know this is not the price range you're interested in and there is yellow gold there. They are always within a few seconds so, she can pick it up and wear it without setting the time which she has to do with her vintage watches. She likes a smaller watch so, 33 mm is far too large for her and 25 mm is about right.

The other issue with old ladies mechanical watches is they often don't work well so, you'll end up paying for a service which will double your budget - my wife doesn't have that concern and cost as she's fortunate to be married to a watchmaker - on the other hand, she has to put up with me on a daily basis...🙁

Cheers, Chris

felsby · Oct 12, 2018

BenCulverhouse
Thanks... what sort of prices do they fetch? B

33-35 mm vintage Omegas? Anything between 200 and 2000$, find something you like - and if you asked about Saphettes (look up "ladymatic"), I bought a newly serviced 18K from a dealer for 600$, they can be had much cheaper.

madjestikmoose · Oct 12, 2018

ChrisN
It's a nice idea and it might also be worth considering a quartz. My wife has one similar to this although I know this is not the price range you're interested in and there is yellow gold there. They are always within a few seconds so, she can pick it up and wear it without setting the time which she has to do with her vintage watches. She likes a smaller watch so, 33 mm is far too large for her and 25 mm is about right.

The other issue with old ladies mechanical watches is they often don't work well so, you'll end up paying for a service which will double your budget - my wife doesn't have that concern and cost as she's fortunate to be married to a watchmaker - on the other hand, she has to put up with me on a daily basis...🙁

Cheers, Chris

Thanks Chris, most helpful. Yeah the model you mention is somewhat out of budget... although if she *really* doesn't want it I'll sell it on.

madjestikmoose · Oct 12, 2018

felsby
33-35 mm vintage Omegas? Anything between 200 and 2000$, find something you like - and if you asked about Saphettes (look up "ladymatic"), I bought a newly serviced 18K from a dealer for 600$, they can be had much cheaper.

Thank you! Could you recommend any particular websites? I'd happily steer clear of eBay if better options are out there.

Syrte · Oct 12, 2018

Note that I don't know anything about Omega watches - just giving style advice. Omega specialists would have to vet the correctness once you pick the style.
For conservative, silver - I would look for a 1950s-1960 Omega Ladymatic or Constellation.

In a cursory serach this one seems the best bet for now:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/OMEGA-AUTO...h=item21486ef1b8:g:L3YAAOSwgq9bf44J:rk:2:pf:0

This is super pristine but will get you above budget:
https://www.ebay.fr/itm/OMEGA-LADYM...h=item2aa0c8e40c:g:p1sAAOSwVuNbAZ4M:rk:6:pf:0

If you do a search, I think @connieseamaster has a really nice lady Constellation which she posted; that might be over budget too as it's no joke watch.

Another option is to look for something like this but try and find a cheaper one:
https://www.ebay.fr/itm/Omega-Lady-...=item4679eff494:g:fbEAAOSweWBaxLcV:rk:26:pf:0

I like this but it will be above budget and maybe too funky:
https://www.ebay.fr/itm/OMEGA-Dynam...=item3d75e84ed6:g:rhYAAOSwRWRbPeyx:rk:14:pf:0

BUT important addition: maybe you should just take her shopping for a watch. Or ask her for her opinion. You may want to do a joke but maybe she's been dreaming for something she didn't dare to ask about, and you're about to blow her dream budget on something she really doesn't want. And she might not find it as funny as you.

madjestikmoose · Oct 12, 2018

Syrte
Note that I don't know anything about Omega watches - just giving style advice. Omega specialists would have to vet the correctness once you pick the style.
For conservative, silver - I would look for a 1950s-1960 Omega Ladymatic or Constellation.

In a cursory serach this one seems the best bet for now:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/OMEGA-AUTO...h=item21486ef1b8:g:L3YAAOSwgq9bf44J:rk:2:pf:0

This is super pristine but will get you above budget:
https://www.ebay.fr/itm/OMEGA-LADYM...h=item2aa0c8e40c:g:p1sAAOSwVuNbAZ4M:rk:6:pf:0

If you do a search, I think @connieseamaster has a really nice lady Constellation which she posted; that might be over budget too as it's no joke watch.

Another option is to look for something like this but try and find a cheaper one:
https://www.ebay.fr/itm/Omega-Lady-...=item4679eff494:g:fbEAAOSweWBaxLcV:rk:26:pf:0

I like this but it will be above budget and maybe too funky:
https://www.ebay.fr/itm/OMEGA-Dynam...=item3d75e84ed6:g:rhYAAOSwRWRbPeyx:rk:14:pf:0

BUT important addition: maybe you should just take her shopping for a watch. Or ask her for her opinion. You may want to do a joke but maybe she's been dreaming for something she didn't dare to ask about, and you're about to blow her dream budget on something she really doesn't want. And she might not find it as funny as you.

Ha! Thanks for the advice, but I want it to be a surprise... besides, the thing she REALLY wants (a camper van) is definitely the sort of thing she needs to choose for herself, and the price of one of those makes this pretty insignificant tbh. But I really like the Ladymatic dial; just need to find one with a bracelet which is more her style than leather. Thanks! 😀

Syrte · Oct 12, 2018

The same dealer has a Seamaster with a bracelet. But that again will probably be more than 250. If you want to avoid Ebay maybe some of the dealers here can help out.

Vintage ladies' Omega - Advice needed!

madjestikmoose

efauser

madjestikmoose

JimInOz

mac_omega

JimInOz

Syrte

madjestikmoose

efauser

mac_omega

felsby

madjestikmoose

madjestikmoose

ChrisN

felsby

madjestikmoose

madjestikmoose

Syrte

madjestikmoose

Syrte

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