Hi, I’m a new user on the forum and have been rapidly trying to educate myself in identifying an original Omega from a fake, looking for vfm, good reputable sellers of Vintage Omega preferably seamaster watches. This is for a combined pressie for my sons 21st and getting a 1st class honours degree, which we think is worthy of a once in a lifetime present from us. I’ve been looking on foweyriver, chrono24, parkersjewellery etc and with so many choices I’m a bit lost. Our budget is around £1000. The one he really likes is the SUPERB OMEGA SEAMASTER AUTOMATIC CALIBRE 562 MENS VINTAGE WATCH C1961, but it’s more than we really want to pay and reading various threads they seem to suggest that they are expensive, over polish/restore them and if we are going to spend such a large amount we want to make sure that it is the right watch. Any advice is greatly received. Thanks in advance, sorry if I’ve posted this in the wrong forum.

 

Hi and welcome to the forum!

First, I would like to congratulate you for your son's great performance. Second, 1000GBP in vintage dress Omega can get you a long way.
The huge amount of options can be, in fact, overwhelming. I would suggest looking around here, on the private watch sales. There, you can find great and honest pieces at a reasonable price.

Nevertheless, I'm sure there are some other partners here aswell. Who knows, maybe someone is trying to sell a piece you might be interested!

If you decide to go other ways, I would recommend reading this thread: https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/

Anyhow, good luck with your hunt!

Best,
Javi.

 

You know the dial is repainted?

 

Hi, no I wasn’t aware, it doesn’t mention that.

 

Thx Javi, I will have a look at the private sales and the link.

 

The add is saying the dial has been restored and the case polished. Most black dials from the 60's are'nt original but are repainted.

 

I'm going to recommend this watch. The price is right, the seller is very reputable and the watch is stunning. https://omegaforums.net/threads/red...automatic-stainless-steel-signed-crown.97913/

 

Ah ok thanks, I wasn’t aware of that, but it does explain why we can’t find many!

 

From a collector's standpoint, the "The dial is quite superb having been fully restored." and "A new glass has been fitted and the case has been professionally polished so it is in superb condition." are huge red flags in terms of its collectability value. These mean the case was polished, the dial redialed, and most likely an aftermarket crystal. And although the watch may look new and shiny, the major parts that give the watch its value, heritage, and look have been modified. For the money, you can find an honest watch that hasn't been heavily modified.

 

Thank you I will have a look.

 

If a redial is not a problem you can buy it. A lot of people do. But paying plus £ 1000 for a repainted dial is ridiculous. If you really want a glossy black repainted dial on a 50/60's watch, which IMO is ridiculous, it's better to buy a cheap omega and let it be redialed by a professional...

 

Even paying plus £ 1000 for a original seamaster (in the same style as above) is ridiculous...

 

Thanks, I think I get your message

 

Just post your findings here and members will help you. Good luck finding your watch!

 

I think the more you look at, the more you'll see that the original dials will appeal. It's just experience that means we don't generally like the refinishing of watch dials as they don't approach the details and look of an original. It isn't easy though.

You're obviously in UK - I'm in Somerset. In which county are you. If you buy from someone outside of the EU, you will pay HM Customs full VAT (20%) plus another 2% approx for charges. This will be in the customs declared value.

And congratulations to your son for the Honours degree - a heck of an achievement.

Cheers, Chris

 

My son really likes this one to - spookily his initials are AB
https://www.vintage-wristwatches.co...20s-round-silver-vintage-longines-watch-3850/

Any thoughts?

 

Thx Chris, in the UK, so I’m primarily looking here, but have noticed a lot from around the world. As he’s only 21, he likes the shiny clean ones .... whereas my husband would probably be very happy with one that has done the rounds!

 

30mm case size is extremely small

 

Apple Watch v1

 

Lol, he doesn’t like Apple