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Ways to authenticate vintage watches?

T
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Hi,
I am looking to buy my first vintage omega ref# 166.0216 and see a listing on eBay. I have been weary about eBay as my method of purchasing but it seems to be a decent place to go if you know what you’re looking for. I gave added the photos of the watch to this thread. I contacted the buyer and they said that it was 100% authentic and no dial restoring has been done. Is there a way to know this 100% or is there anyone who could support with this?
 
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Dan S
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People here can help you if you post lots of good photos. In general, the best way is to pick a small number of references that interest you and take a deep dive into studying them so you can identify issues. You can start with the "learn how to fish" thread for general principles.
 
dsio
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You just have to have experience and have seen a whole lot of them really. There are simple rules and Omega has made far too many watches for anyone to be an expert in all of them.
 
Davidt
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People here are generally happy to help but you’ll need better pictures
 
T
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Davidt Davidt
People here are generally happy to help but you’ll need better pictures
Is there anything specific on the watch that I should get better photos of?
 
Davidt
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The dial as it appears redone to me but the pictures are too poor to confirm
 
efauser
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Davidt Davidt
The dial as it appears redone to me but the pictures are too poor to confirm
Yup. The applied minute markers at 11, 12, 1 and 6 look misaligned with the corresponding painted markers.
 
CBM1590
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efauser efauser
Yup. The applied minute markers at 11, 12, 1 and 6 look misaligned with the corresponding painted markers.
This. They say the devil is in the details. Get great close-ups and study them. They often reveal the subtle imperfections that are a dead giveaway.
 
T
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efauser efauser
Yup. The applied minute markers at 11, 12, 1 and 6 look misaligned with the corresponding painted markers.
I see this now, thank you!
 
Geezer
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T Tspatrick02
Is there anything specific on the watch that I should get better photos of?

Everything, but especially the dial and movement.

I found the watch you're looking at on eBay. PUHLEASE stay away. Everything is terrible and it is VASTLY overpriced at $1150.

The dial is a redial and the case is overpolished. These are not particularly rare or desirable, so if you like this style you should be able to find a much better example for less.

I highly suggest you try to educate yourself before you buy anything. Try to see a lot of example before you make a purchase. The more you see, the easier it is to seperate the good from the not so good.

On the watch below the printing doesn't look good at all. The minute hash is not aligned to the hour marker at 6, the minute hash at 8 is missing altogether.

1000021042.jpg
 
T
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Geezer Geezer
Everything, but especially the dial and movement.

I found the watch you're looking at on eBay. PUHLEASE stay away. Everything is terrible and it is VASTLY overpriced at $1150.

The dial is a redial and the case is overpolished. These are not particularly rare or desirable, so if you like this style you should be able to find a much better example for less.

I highly suggest you try to educate yourself before you buy anything. Try to see a lot of example before you make a purchase. The more you see, the easier it is to seperate the good from the not so good.

On the watch below the printing doesn't look good at all. The minute hash is not aligned to the hour marker at 6, the minute hash at 8 is missing altogether.

1000021042.jpg
Thank you very much!
 
Larry S
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+1 on Use the search function to find “Learn How To Fish” here on OF. Good beginners guide. You cannot trust the E-Bay authentic guaranty. Best way is to zero in on a few models you like and really nerd out on what good looks like. Resist buying on impulse. There are books, helpful websites and of course this forum is an excellent resource. If you come here, having done your homework and are respectful, as you are demonstrating, folks are happy to help. Blurry photos are generally a warning sign.
Edited:
 
SOG53
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Seamaster text is off. Watch is coming from area with lots of fakes.
Ebay is NOT good place to go if you are inexperienced.
Shop here Private watch sales forum also good sellers on Watches for sale with good dealers on OF
 
lejaune
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Also, the watch is in Pakistan and the seller has only 8 feedbacks. I would not want to deal with any international transactions unless it's a reputable dealer, or I can physically go and examine it. Besides, it's not a good deal price wise.
 
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