What is “rare” (aka, “scarce”) in vintage Omegas?

cristos71 · May 16, 2018

connieseamaster
There was a smaller 120 than the 30mm version? Learn something new every day.

I thought there were three sizes, though I'm not really that well up on the ladies models so could be mistaken 😉

Rman · May 16, 2018

connieseamaster
Do models where you're pretty certain you're the only source of pictures count?

I have yet to see another orange and black one in 10 years of indifferent googling. Plenty of black, red, and blue ones, though. So not rare, maybe exotic?

This example of yours appears to be a sun bleached red bezel swapped onto a black dial version.

Screen Shot 2018-05-16 at 6.43.35 AM.png

cristos71 · May 16, 2018

Rman
This example of yours appears to be a sun bleached red bezel swapped onto a black dial version.

That was my thinking too..

Vintagewtchzilla · May 16, 2018

... and even rare doesn't mean high value.

@tyrantlizardrex is absolutely right you have to do your homework alone alone in MWO u will find a lot of "rare" from quantity watches. real life is different thing there are models produced wich are only hard to find in a great quatlity ....

connieseamaster · May 16, 2018

cristos71
That was my thinking too..

Rman
This example of yours appears to be a sun bleached red bezel swapped onto a black dial version.

Wrong, gentlemen. It used to be a pure orange, but anodized aluminum bleaches quickly so what you see is about 10 years of wear on what used to be a safe queen. On the under side (protected from sun), you can see the original tone of orange

Davidt · May 16, 2018

cristos71
I thought there were three sizes, though I'm not really that well up on the ladies models so could be mistaken 😉

Just 2 sizes of Seamaster 120 isn't there? The full sized 37mm version, and the mid-sized/ladies version.

Ludi · May 16, 2018

Mag I suggest 50’s black dial constellation to be uncommon as such a dial were especially made upon customers request if I recall well

Got one as a matter of fact, from 1953, untouched, with original box, papers... and OEM elephant leather strap like new. Uncommon at least I guess (?)

Edit : pictures as this post is useless without them 😁

BenBagbag · May 16, 2018

I find watches are only rare when they are being sold. 🙄

Fredrik (Swe) · May 16, 2018

Still haven't seen another picture of this (only mentioned in moonwatch only). Rare,probably. Super expensive? Probably not.

gatorcpa · May 16, 2018

tyrantlizardrex
What you seem to be asking is two things, and trying to make it one thing:

1) What makes a vintage watch desirable?
2) What makes a watch rare?

One does not equal the other.

There are hundreds of styles of Omega ladies watches which were produced in quantities of tens or hundreds that you can buy today for gold scrap or less because there is no demand for them.

On the other hand, some Constellation and Speedmaster models were produced in the hundreds of thousands or millions and sell today for huge amounts.

In watch (as in many other types of) collecting, the demand tends to control the supply to find the equilibrium of price.
gatorcpa

Edward53 · May 16, 2018

I don't share @tyrantlizardrex's understanding of rare meaning that not many were produced in the first place. If thousands of something were produced but all except a few dozen are reasonably believed lost, destroyed, worn out etc. then it may not have been "rare" once but it certainly is now. Doesn't matter whether it's watches, stamps, 19th century Army boots or whatever.

BenBagbag
I find watches are only rare when they are being sold. 🙄

As in "we buy junk and sell antiques".

tyrantlizardrex · May 16, 2018

Edward53
I don't share @tyrantlizardrex's understanding of rare meaning that not many were produced in the first place. If thousands of something were produced but all except a few dozen are reasonably believed lost, destroyed, worn out etc. then it may not have been "rare" once but it certainly is now...

I get what you're saying 100%, things can become rare if few are left.

But in the case of vintage watches, I'm particularly thinking Rolex here, a lot of them are still around... they're just not necessarily for sale.

Sure there are some models which were produced in low quantities to begin with, but most stuff... can be found if you have the cash/time to spare. 😁

fnzeee · May 16, 2018

tyrantlizardrex
Wow. So epically self entitled.

Read what I wrote.

Rare, is the not the same as "hard to find in X condition".

Rare implies there weren't many to start with.

"I am looking to create a list of specific models, variants and features of vintage Omegas that are varying degrees of hard to find."

You want a list of specific models... you've seen a copy of A Journey Through Time, right? You are aware that Omega has produced watches on a huge scale for over 100 years?

Again, if you want to build a list, then you need to put some effort into researching that list - and for the umpteenth time that I will write this on this forum: Asking people to do your homework, is not research.

Are all lizards trolls, or are you just a special breed. You have stated you do not agree with my offer to collect and compile input from members in order to create a reference for all. As you are against the entire concept, CAN YOU HAVE THE DECENCY TO PLEASE STAY OFF THIS THREAD?

Edward53 · May 16, 2018

Sometimes a watch is rare, sometimes the same watch isn't. Early Constellations aren't rare, but they are when they come in genuine NOS condition with box and papers.

tyrantlizardrex · May 16, 2018

Edward53
Sometimes a watch is rare, sometimes the same watch isn't. Early Constellations aren't rare, but they are when they come in genuine NOS condition with box and papers.

So a common watch (ish) in rare condition?

I'll buy that. 👍

fnzeee · May 16, 2018

Rman
OK lets tone it down.

As others have said you are almost attempting the impossible here.

Omega has been in operation for over a hundred years and has produced millions of watches and hundreds of references. What is scarce and what is desirable can be subjective and hard to define.

Omega has produced some monstrosities that exist in very low numbers too. I'm trying to remember a thread where a new member thought he had the world's rarest Omega. Although I've never seen another, it was a horror of design elements and didn't get the reception he wanted. I assure you no-one is trying to find one. The Omega "Holy Grail" is another example that is pretty divisive in the community, but not readily available in great numbers.

The reason that you will see some resistance (see above) to creating this "list" is that it demystifies this rich experience of diving into the research and study that each of us do based on our individual interests.

As you spend more time here what is uncommon and truly special will become obvious to you.

Have fun. 😉

Thank you for respectfully stating your view here. I have no doubt this is somewhat of an impossible mission. But isn't that the spirit of Omega, to go beyond where others have before? Whether its to the moon, in the sea, or in the movies and pop culture. I get that its a tall order, but wanted to try anyway. But, I will kill the thread if the popular view here is that this is negative for the community...I do not want to piss off a bunch of people, and did not have any ill intentions here. To me there is no risk of undermining the exclusivity or mysticism, as I think Omega will always have these qualities. My hope was to create a reference to help more people know about and appreciate the rarities and nuances. Perhaps, in the spirit of moving forward constructively, the more experienced members can suggest sources of research for this topic? I am happy to "do my own research".

But whatever I say, people like lizardwhatever will just try to enforce their will and hijack my thread. It is truly unfortunate that is the response to someone trying to compile a reference to give back to the community.

BartH · May 16, 2018

Ludi
Mag I suggest 50’s black dial constellation to be uncommon as such a dial were especially made upon customers request if I recall well

Got one as a matter of fact, from 1953, untouched, with original box, papers... and OEM elephant leather strap like new. Uncommon at least I guess (?)

Edit : pictures as this post is useless without them 😁

Jeeezzz, that's nice! 😲

fnzeee · May 16, 2018

Ludi
Mag I suggest 50’s black dial constellation to be uncommon as such a dial were especially made upon customers request if I recall well

Good one...I will add to the OP.

tyrantlizardrex · May 16, 2018

fnzeee
Are all lizards trolls, or are you just a special breed. You have stated you do not agree with my offer to collect and compile input from members in order to create a reference for all. As you are against the entire concept, CAN YOU HAVE THE DECENCY TO PLEASE STAY OFF THIS THREAD?

Steve,

Since you signed up on the third of May, all you've done is ask members here for their advice/knowledge without actually adding anything of your own - and when called out for it, you react this way.

If suggesting that you stop leeching the forum, and go build yourself the list that you want makes me a troll, then fine, that's what I am.

Again, I ask the question (which you ignored) - Have you seen A Journey Through Time?

This is, although imperfect, a collection of most of the watches produced by Omega up until the publication date (2008?).

This would be a good place to start.

Rman · May 16, 2018

fnzeee
Perhaps, in the spirit of moving forward constructively, the more experienced members can suggest sources of research for this topic? I am happy to "do my own research.

You are asking for water from the middle of a lake.