Watchmaker advice - don’t buy vintage Omega

[BOMFUNKMC3]

Hi all. I was looking at a Constellation 168.017. My favourite C shape. Ahead of making a purchase I contacted local watchmaker as I wanted to service/valet the watch and get an idea of cost. I was surprised to the response. Strongly advising against the purchase of a watch that age. It would not be cost effective and some parts required for service would be obsolete. It really put me off. The watch I was set to purchase was in good condition. Has anyone else experienced this? Should I have ignored advice and persevered?

 

[Fallout Boy]

Where is your watchmaker located? Is he certified by Omega? Which level?

 

[Maganator]

All vintage watches have some difficulties in terms of parts and service costs - some more than others. It is part of the deal when buying vintage.

It seems to be odd advice for a watchmaker to give to be honest.

 

[S.H.]

It probably means that the guy doesn't want/know how to work on vintage omegas... Within certain limitations, a bit like old cars, these watches can be worn.

But you did the right thing : find yourself a watch repairman you trust before buying vintage watches. 👍

Keep looking for one.

 

[redpcar]

I've given that advice to many people. 1. I know they will wear it like it was a new Seiko quartz and then bitch to me daily how it's not holding up. 2. When they break it, they will complain about the repair delay and price. God forbid, ask me for a watchmaker reference.

Not all people should be wearing vintage watches, Omega or any other. Like vintage cars (insert any other vintage item you want here), they are finicky. Care and understanding is needed.

Your watchmaker might have made the assumption that you would be unhappy with the 1970's durability / maintenance costs of a vintage Omega. If this is your first vintage watch, he might be correct. As a beginner, I made many mistakes and it cost me.

That said, if you have your eyes wide open with the maintenance and care needed (and can afford it), love the watch, go for it. Find a good Omega repair facility.

 

[Aroxx]

I wouldn’t worry about it. The 500 series Omega movements are rock solid and parts are available. Find a good Omega certified watchmaker and buy that lovely C-case.

 

[Spruce]

And, if you come across one, post it here before you buy/bid for it.

Ideally, get sharp photos of the dial, the case and the movement together with any seller's information about price, when it was last serviced and any general information.

 

[Maganator]

redpcar

I've given that advice to many people. 1. I know they will wear it like it was a new Seiko quartz and then bitch to me daily how it's not holding up. 2. When they break it, they will complain about the repair delay and price. God forbid, ask me for a watchmaker reference.

Not all people should be wearing vintage watches, Omega or any other. Like vintage cars (insert any other vintage item you want here), they are finicky. Care and understanding is needed.

Your watchmaker might have made the assumption that you would be unhappy with the 1970's durability / maintenance costs of a vintage Omega. If this is your first vintage watch, he might be correct. As a beginner, I made many mistakes and it cost me.

That said, if you have your eyes wide open with the maintenance and care needed (and can afford it), love the watch, go for it. Find a good Omega repair facility.

This is all perfectly reasonable and I hadn't considered this angle.

 

[Larry S]

You wear vintage when, it’s not raining or snowing or hot as hell* you are not exercising, you are not swimming, boating, skiing etc. You have well sealed modern watches for these purposes. You must have a good watchmaker at your back.
*Well maintained Rolex Oyster vintage excepted.

 

[sotelodon]

Larry S

You wear vintage when, it’s not raining or snowing or hot as hell* you are not exercising, you are not swimming, boating, skiing etc. You have well sealed modern watches for these purposes. You must have a good watchmaker at your back.
*Well maintained Rolex Oyster vintage excepted.

I didn't realize the hot as hell part. Actually live in a zone of 40-45 grades in summer and I have a 176.005 and a 176.002. This sounds dangerous

 

[spacemission]

That watchmaker is an aficionado.

 

[Dan S]

I suggest that you avoid vintage watches, unless I'm selling one, of course. 😗

 

[Spruce]

Larry S

You wear vintage when, it’s not raining or snowing or hot as hell* you are not exercising, you are not swimming, boating, skiing etc. You have well sealed modern watches for these purposes. You must have a good watchmaker at your back.
*Well maintained Rolex Oyster vintage excepted.

…… or mowing the lawn? 😉

 

[p4ul]

……..or diving to 50m? 😉

 

[rendo]

If he is advising you to avoid vintage watches in general, I get it. But if he saying to specifically avoid an Omega as a vintage watch, I don't agree with that. NOS, new, and used parts from donor watches are not that hard to find. I don't think servicing vintage Omegas is any harder than other Swiss brands either.

I would guess that he doesn't an Omega parts account.

 

[gbesq]

Just out of curiosity, where is this watchmaker located? He sounds like a guy that I once heard similar excuses from. No name is necessary. If in the U.S., the state will suffice.

 

[Canuck]

Wear a disposable watch as a daily driver. Avoid vintage unless worn for best wear, and worn with ultimate respect. It is not possible to have a $500.00 accident with a $50.00 watch!

 

[steversaurus]

I've never had a watchmaker that wasn't able to find parts for vintage Rolex/Omega. Vintage Seiko on the other hand...

 

[Wat-1]

B BOMFUNKMC3

Hi all. I was looking at a Constellation 168.017. My favourite C shape. Ahead of making a purchase I contacted local watchmaker as I wanted to service/valet the watch and get an idea of cost. I was surprised to the response. Strongly advising against the purchase of a watch that age. It would not be cost effective and some parts required for service would be obsolete. It really put me off. The watch I was set to purchase was in good condition. Has anyone else experienced this? Should I have ignored advice and persevered?

I've had a very similar response from a independent specialist watch maker he's actually turning work away because he can't get the parts.

 

[Archer]

B BOMFUNKMC3

Hi all. I was looking at a Constellation 168.017. My favourite C shape. Ahead of making a purchase I contacted local watchmaker as I wanted to service/valet the watch and get an idea of cost. I was surprised to the response. Strongly advising against the purchase of a watch that age. It would not be cost effective and some parts required for service would be obsolete. It really put me off. The watch I was set to purchase was in good condition. Has anyone else experienced this? Should I have ignored advice and persevered?

Honestly, this is nonsense. This has a 560 series inside, for which all parts are available from Omega. The case also has parts available - crystal, crown, case tube, etc..

Larry S

You wear vintage when, it’s not raining or snowing or hot as hell* you are not exercising, you are not swimming, boating, skiing etc. You have well sealed modern watches for these purposes. You must have a good watchmaker at your back.
*Well maintained Rolex Oyster vintage excepted.

It's actually fairly uncommon that I cannot restore the water resistance on a vintage watch. it happens, but most of the time by replacing the seals, the water resistance is restored, at least to some degree.