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  1. MickWalsh Feb 19, 2019

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    Hi all,

    I have been looking around for a vintage' Omega watch box to compliment my Seamaster 600 (circa 1966). I've done a bit of research to try and find the 'official' box that my watch would have likely come/been sold in.

    I found a couple of designs that are likely to be a close match (one in the images attached) but I was quite surprised at the price people are asking for them.

    One such box is currently advertised on ebay with a starting bid at £95, it is in reasonable condition but it does have few small marks and the cover is beginning to peel off (link below)

    https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/233127592782

    I'd be interested in your opinion, do you think it's a worthwhile investment, could it add any value to the watch if it has the original box or is it just a bit of 'nice thing to haven' for a collector?

    Thanks in advance for info and opinions
    Mick
     
    Screenshot_20190219-125014~2.png Screenshot_20190219-125310~2.png
  2. MickWalsh Feb 19, 2019

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    I have just found the extensive thread re boxes, which has a lot of useful info within it!

    However I would still appreciate any opinions and information.

    Many thanks
     
  3. STANDY schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector Feb 19, 2019

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    We all like a box and papers find.

    Cobbled together box and papers to push a watches price up not as much.

    Some do like finding all the pieces but for me unless it comes with the purchase originally not that interested in spending the prices wanted.

    Once you have a few watches the watch box for 8 or 10 watches will be your next thread ;)

    My advice would be spend the money on a expensive Italian made leather strap. The difference will amaze you....
     
  4. Shabbaz Feb 19, 2019

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    Search for a ebay auction .You can find them cheaper. That looks to be the correct box.
     
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  5. OMEGuy Feb 19, 2019

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    Are you located in Europe?

    I have some of these boxes and if you pay for shipping I will send you one in decent condition for 0,00 €. :)

    Please send a PM if you are interested.
     
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  6. hungdangnguyen23 Feb 19, 2019

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    100% agree with this, an awesome strap can totally transform a watch so that it will punch waaay above its actual price point. All of these are from http://tuantom.com/ and are super reasonably priced, $70 each custom made to your wrist. The honey brown and green are crocodile and the dark brown is ostrich.

    52598016_329451431011334_5550088715646271488_n.jpg
     
  7. Petervl Feb 19, 2019

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    Think I would personally rather spend them on a period original strap or a original box...……….but that´s me.

    In a free World we need all kinds :)
     
  8. MickWalsh Feb 19, 2019

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    @OMEGuy that would be great, thank you kindly!!!

    Yes I live in Europe I'm in the UK; I will seen you a DM
     
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  9. jimmyd13 Feb 19, 2019

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    Seems I'm swimming against the tide ... I like to have the right box for the right watch. I pick them up every time I see them well priced. I have two on the coffee table right now: one came with the watch that lives in it - the hinges are loose in the case and I will remedy them; the other I bought from a friend for (I think) £25 and is perfect with papers for a 1966 de ville. I now have a '66 Seamaster that will be paired with it.

    The offer of a gift above is very generous.
     
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  10. CaptainWinsor Feb 19, 2019

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    I like vintage boxes but I won’t pay the crazy prices that some ask. I think they add a little something and look cool when displayed. My favorite is the Omega Bakelite box. Very streamlined and satisfies my Art Deco craving as well

    8ED1CE98-D13C-480D-AE47-FE381B1EB325.jpeg
     
    jjen, divetime, Wivac and 2 others like this.
  11. Tonyash Feb 19, 2019

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    Am not a Box fan, they take up space, people could live in the modern Speedmaster box set. And you cannot wear a box, with style anyway. The watches I keep, I wear and find it more accessible to store these in pouches but, hey, a sock would probably suffice....would need a colour system though.
    Having said all that, if box and papers are original and issued with a vintage watch I totally get this can be perceived as more collectable and, hence, valuable.
    The only “full set” I own is my birth year Smiths Astral T-105. The watch and one double sided guarantee sheet fit perfectly into their cardboard box, no room to spare. Original, space saving, vintage and recyclable packaging. Ahead of their time they were,
    As always each to their own.
    Cheers.
    Tony
     
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  12. valkyrie_rider Feb 20, 2019

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    If buying 'vintage' (around 20 years old), I consider the full kit nice to have. i.e. pictogram, warranty card, box, manual, etc.

    If buying 'antique' (30 - 40 years old), I'm more interested in the state of the watch more than anything (i.e. unpolished, keeping good time, clean caliber, good dial).

    In the gray zone between the 2 definitions, it is case by case. Anything released in the last 10 years is supposed to have the full kit in my personal view.

    I personally wouldn't buy a box separately just to make the 'set' complete for an 'antique' watch.
    :)
     
  13. MCC Feb 20, 2019

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    Good looking set, I have a definite soft spot for the old Smiths watches and yours looks like a beut.
     
  14. plongeur78 Feb 20, 2019

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    I prefer an original box but wouldn't pay the prices to make up a set, a Seamaster 600 plastic box sold for over €2000 a few days ago!
     
  15. Norfolk Feb 20, 2019

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    I’m interested in finding one for my Megasonic circa 1972. Never seen one. I like having the right box. Obsessive compulsive thing I guess as they are completely useless and take up a lot of space...
     
    MickWalsh likes this.
  16. Tonyash Feb 21, 2019

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    Thank you. Have owned quite a few Smiths over the years but this Astral is a cracker. And a keeper.
    Cheers,
    Tony