Hi, folks! Decided to take the plunge on the rabbit hole that is Vintage Omegas. Still learning much about this corner of watch collecting and was wondering if i could get your thoughts on this piece i'm thinking of getting:


These are the specifications on the sellers posting:

Vintage Omega Seamaster De Ville cal. 601

Price: USD375

- fresh manual wind cal 601 movement

- fresh champagne dial and hands

- omega signed crown

- keeps good time

- brand new AF Swiss crystal (only part of the watch changed apart from strap)

- black vintage style leather strap

- case 35mm


What do you folks think? Does the watch look genuine all bits and worth the price? The seller hasn't opened it so no way to check the movement accdg. to him. Based on the pics, does it look like one piece and not a frankenwatch?


Thanks!

 

Hi AJ,

welcome here on OF.

I see some things I don't like:

Minute hand is corroded / dirty / damaged and lost it's inlay

Spotting on the dial

Is there a brownish discoloration at 5 - 7? Maybe rust?

When the crystal is new, is there a scrath at 11?

Crown is not original and I'm not shure if the crown is a correct replacement.

Just my two cents...

 

That model should have a genuine Omega crystal, not an AF generic crystal. Be prepared to have it thoroughly and professionally service if you buy it. Add the service cost to the purchase price, and you might give buying it a second thought!

 

The spotting on the dial and hand corrosion are indicative of moisture damage. As the saying goes -
You get what you pay for. There are nicer examples out there if you have your heart set on this particular reference. While some like a bit of “patina” on a dial - this one crosses the line into damage. Can’t help but worry about the state of the movement and what it could cost to service/repair. Ask for movement pics before you decide and before your $375 cross-hair turns into a money pit. The seller’s description of the hands being “fresh” is misleading to say the least. When in doubt - always check under the hood.

 

Most people don’t have the ability to show the movement in watches with front loading cases, so I don’t really blame the seller for that. As mentioned above, it’s not the most attractive example, but if you personally don’t mind the appearance, the price isn’t bad for a SS 35mm SMDV. Personally I’d pay a bit more for a nicer looking one, but that’s a matter of taste and budget.