Hi all,

This is my first post here, and I have been reading through this forum after delving into a new interest of vintage watches. I must say, the vintage watch world is very overwhelming given the vast number of altered watches on market. I have been looking at vintage watches for a number of weeks and placed a few bids on eBay, but the fear of less than authentic timepieces, especially after reading the horror stories on the forum, has left my confidence shaken.

What really brought me to vintage watches is the size and elegance. I own a number of modern divers and military watches - nothing too fancy: Seikos and Hamiltons. The weight of these modern-sized watches annoys me over the course of the day, especially when I spend plenty of time typing on the computer for work. I notice that I am taking my watch on and off periodically due to the cumbersome object sitting upon my wrist. Also, the size of a modern watch couples poorly with dress cuffs, specially French style, as the watch seems to always have difficulty sliding beneath the shirt.

Anyway, I think that a vintage piece would be a classy and functional accessory to my formal business attire and would be more comfortable to wear. The Seamaster has caught my attention due to the embossed logo caseback, clean and classic dial, and the reliable, well-made movement.

In my search, I am finding an expansive range of prices for the vintage Seamasters, and I am having difficulty deciphering the differences. I know that I want a steel watch because gold on my pale, pasty skin yields a sickly, horrible look. I would think that steel would cost less than gold. Is a $500.00 budget reasonable for a decent specimen? I am searching mostly on eBay, but should I be looking elsewhere? The eBay business certainly makes me anxious, as there are plenty of questionable examples up for auction.

Thanks for your help.

 

That's a well thought-out post, no doubt you'll find a specimen to your liking. I'd say that a $500 budget is enough to get a very decent specimen, especially if you start out with a common variety - figuring out which references are common and which aren't takes experience and it does require experience to competently navigate sales places such as eBay.

For an example of a reference that is not very common and very reasonably priced, look here: https://omegaforums.net/threads/1950s-omega-seamaster-2577-waffle-dial.44106/

 

Might also be an idea to determine the size of watch you want. Above mentioned Seamaster is around 34mm and a very nice example. Some Seamasters and Constellations from the 60/70s are a little larger. So, wrist size might help with some recommendations.

 

Thank you for the advice. My wrist size is 7 3/4 inches, so I am thinking 34mm on larger would be best. I like all silver - case, indices, hands with a date finaction, if possible. Time to scour the web!

 

$500 is a good starting point but think $500 - $700 as always better to overpay a touch for a finer example.
By searching in the under or up to $500 you may miss a great deal of a fine watch at $650

 

I can go over 500 for the right watch. In the back of mind, I am thinking about saving for a Speedy, so I am judicious with my short term expenditures.

Too good to be true?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/182247534629Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

No, looks reasonable. Bit of corrosion on the movement, but I cant see any rotor scuffing on the caseback. These 1020 calibres are fast beat and you would need to factor in a service if you purchased it.

Its not a classic model, a bit later than many collectors would aim, but serviced every four or five years it may be fine.

 

Seems about right.

But you better make up with yourself if you like an older vintage or you want to wear a 70's watch. No offence, but don't just buy it because it says "Seamaster" and is relatively cheap; buy it because you like the model.

 

The watch caught my eye due to its aesthetics. If I get this one, I will probably stay on the hunt for an older vintage model. Or, perhaps a Longines Conquest with more age.

 

Great first post, way better than most.

Try looking at the private watch sales section and watch sales section of the forums. I have seen some nice watches in your price range over the time I have been here!

 

Excellent first post! Welcome aboard. You can check the private sales forums here: https://omegaforums.net/forums/private-watch-sales/
Browsing through and found these listings - great examples that all fit within your budget.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/1969-omega-seamaster-cal-601-updated-info.43719/#post-516313 (needs a strap; in great condition)

https://omegaforums.net/threads/1976-longines-conquest-1570.39326/ (from @ConElPueblo, and is a Conquest! )

https://omegaforums.net/threads/longines-vintage-19a-automatic-caliber.44205/

https://omegaforums.net/threads/fs-eterna-vintage-kontiki-20.43904/

https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-longines.44207/#post-522623

P.S Get an avatar or the admins will find you one!