Time to be honest; I am staggered by the ability of people on this forum with regard to vintage watches. I am trying to learn about watches in general, I would say that my knowledge at present sits comfortably on a pinhead with lots and lots of room to spare.

I try and look at all the posts requesting advice on a watch, I try and work out if is it real or is it fake, is it original or has it been altered, and I haven't got a clue. I look at the OP's images and think that's a nice watch, only to follow the thread and find out that the dial is repainted, the hands are wrong, its been re-lumed and badly, the case is polished to within an inch of its life, this is wrong or that isn't correct. It's unbelievable how big and deep this knowledge pool is.

Over the next few weeks I am going to see if I can find a birth year watch, 1961, so its definitely fits in the vintage category, I'm am going to look at Omega and Longines as they are brands that I have in my collection and that I can relate to but am open to suggestions, my budget would ideally be less than £1k but there is a small stretch if it is the right watch.

What am I looking for, that is the big question, my thoughts would be towards the style of the early Omega Seamaster, or Longines Flagship watches. What suggestion would others make?

This will be my first venture into Vintage watches so want to try to get it right first time, I am based in the South East of the UK.

If you have time to offer suggestions and guidance it would be appreciated, I look forward to any comments or feedback that you have. Thanks.

 

First off, “ability” isn’t the right word for the people of OF - we’re the same as you, we’ve just spent a lot more time learning.

My biggest recommendation is to take your time and read a lot. Having to buy a watch within a couple weeks doesn’t lend itself to patience, so is that a hard deadline? If you can quickly narrow in on what you like, then I recommend being patient and waiting for a nice example. Your budget is high enough to where you can get nice examples of most vintage Longines and Omega models if you are patient.

A few of mine produced in that general timeframe that can be found in nice condition within/near that budget..

 

Martin,

I realize it would be a drive, but google the Oundle Clock Shop in the Midlands. The proprietor (Gary) is a really knowledgeable and fair man and would be an ideal POC to call once you know what you are looking for. Bought my first pieces from him, can’t recommend high enough.

 

The best advice we can offer you is to slow down, and take the time to educate yourself on what to look for before spending your money. So grab a comfortable chair, a glass of your favorite beverage, and enjoy these threads:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/condition-condition-condition-and-other-pieces-of-advice.1716/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/horology-101-understanding-your-watch.76731/

If you're still here after that, then dive into these threads:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/wruw-today.567/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/hor...luential-automatic-wristwatch-calibers.76549/

Don't be afraid to ask questions about watches other collectors are wearing. Join other watch forums. Buy a book or two on marques that interest you. Review the watches for sale on this forum. The right vintage watch for you has been patiently waiting for decades for you to find it; a little longer won't hurt.

 

Those old Seamaster can come with a wide variety of shapes, and dials. Not all were plain white. You may want to browse the forum to get some ideas...

 

Thank you for feedback it is appreciated. These are beautiful watches, no I don't have a fixed timespan to buy the watch so will be happy to look around and wait for the right watch to come up.

 

Good idea, looking and learning will be beneficial, thanks for the feedback.

 

Grab a chair, yes got that, glass of favourite beverage - not sure a glass is sufficient, many glasses over a few nights may be more realistic, thanks for the reading material, much appreciated.

 

Great starting point, thanks for the heads up.

 

This isn't a Flagship but it is a spectacular looking watch from a very good seller. https://omegaforums.net/threads/red...automatic-stainless-steel-signed-crown.97913/

 

I think we were all like you at one point (some of us more recently than others)- we have to start somewhere. Before I joined the forum I saw many and acquired a few watches that I thought were lovely only to discover they were not- a expensive lessons but now that I have learned to see I can’t unsee and have become far more discriminating when I buy. But I learn more every day I am here.
The forum classifieds are a great safe place to pick up something like what you are on the hunt for and you not only get a good watch, but build friendships.

This is a prime example of what you are looking for at a great price. Although slightly older than your birthyear- is era appropriate.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/red...inless-steel-signed-crown.97913/#post-1282688

 

Hahaha! We posted the same watch at the same time!!!

 

I beat you by a minute.

 

I’m a big fan of the 9000 series Longines Conquest with production starting in 1954. Here are a couple of photos of my 1954 stainless example. The beefy case, bold markers, distinctive script and of course the wonderful enamel caseback medallions add up to a great package in my opinion. If you’re not in a rush, you should be able to find a good one in your price range and birth year. They are far less plentiful than Seamasters, but of course that’s part of the appeal. Good luck, be patient, be picky!

 

Isn't that the truth. The honest ones of us would all admit those sort of errors. Sometimes cheap, sometimes expensive. Always educational

 

Just remember there is plenty of brands in the price range you have at $1000

Gave up sticking to a single brand and now have plenty to choose from.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/found-it-fun-without-a-date-or-a-brand.38423/

 

Thanks for the link, its a great watch and fits nicely with the 'look' that I am after but too early for a birth year watch

 

Just proves the saying 'great minds think alike'

 

Yes, good call, this would be a contender, thanks for the suggestion.

 

More than happy to consider different makes, I only mentioned Omega and Longines as my preferred choice as I have two Omega's and one Longines, all three are good watches. I am going to browse the for sale forums and see what is available but also to help me understand what I should be looking for.

Its going to be fun