What’s your thoughts on this watch please omega 135.041

LesXL

Let me start by welcoming you to the hobby!
As a first vintage buy, I'd stay away from the above watch.
Dial has corrosion spots here and there which is never a good sign when you got water/humidity damage.
Case isn't that fresh either, and movement will need service.
So, adding the auction and shipping fees to your buying price, you'd have some extra costs to envisage.

As a first buy on a low budget, I'd recommend to start looking at some other brands that are attractive and less also great heritage, such as Tissot, Certina, Eterna etc.
It will give you a first look into the hobby, and you can take time to learn prior to invest a larger amount of money into watches from more "prestigious" brands like Omega where vintage world is complex and full of traps too.

That said, you are at the best address to learn, and interact with other members to build your knowledge.

Welcome and good luck!

Spruce

If you can get it for €100, then I might be tempted.
I’m a huge fan of the 135.041 case and, for that matter, their automatic brothers 165.041 and 166.041. I think that the case is a classic and wears bigger on the wrist than many other 34.5/35mm watches.

The 601 movement is an accurate and long lasting work horse of a movement from a period i regard as a golden age. If I bought it, and having had a quick look at the movement, I’d probably forgo a service and just wear it. If it needs a service later, I’ll cross that bridge then.

The hands look okay for the watch, although the crown is a replacement, so that probably means that it’s visited a watch repairer who may have lubricated or even serviced it.

The real problem is the dial. For €100, I could probably live with it. As a starter watch it’s probably a good bet.

Parts are much more readily available than more esoteric watches and in the UK I’d expect to pay about £80 plus postage and parts.

Still, as ever, it’s your call.

If you go on eBay, you should be able to get a 601, 552 or 565 for around £250-350.

wagudc

If you really like the watch, get it. However, plan to spend another 300 Euros (or something like that) on a service. Do you like it at 400 euro? Maybe wait a bit, spend 300 euro on a nicer watch, have it serviced, and then you are in for 600 Euro for something much better.

My advice in general: Buy a watch because you really like it, not because you can afford it.

Spruce

If you can get it for €100, then I might be tempted.
I’m a huge fan of the 135.041 case and, for that matter, their automatic brothers 165.041 and 166.041. I think that the case is a classic and wears bigger on the wrist than many other 34.5/35mm watches.

The 601 movement is an accurate and long lasting work horse of a movement from a period i regard as a golden age. If I bought it, and having had a quick look at the movement, I’d probably forgo a service and just wear it. If it needs a service later, I’ll cross that bridge then.

The hands look okay for the watch, although the crown is a replacement, so that probably means that it’s visited a watch repairer who may have lubricated or even serviced it.

The real problem is the dial. For €100, I could probably live with it. As a starter watch it’s probably a good bet.

Parts are much more readily available than more esoteric watches and in the UK I’d expect to pay about £80 plus postage and parts.

Still, as ever, it’s your call.

If you go on eBay, you should be able to get a 601, 552 or 565 for around £250-350.

wagudc

I don't think that this will have troubles. The movement looks OK. After a service, it will be good to go. Some people really like the aged look of a dial like this. It is a bit like a well worn oak table, or a pair of Levi's. I think about pairing it with a strap that plays off these features. Something in suede leather, or cork. Unless you get documented evidence of a recent service, you should plan to have every watch serviced (assuming you will be wearing it).

STANDY

Welcome to the forum.



it’s not going to cost 500 to service.


These are my thoughts for a newer person to vintage watches.

100 plus probably double for a service and wear it on a nice strap it’s a beauty for a little budget.

But it’s only a 150 if you ever want to sell it but worn for 5 years after a service it’s a bargain and something you could give away for free and still be in front.

I would buy it for 100 for a first foray into vintage if I was you. It’s a good watch for 100 and it will make you smile every time you wear it and will always have that first vintage watch charm even when you start buying better examples later on.

Where are you in the world as someone may put you onto a watchmaker that will look after you.

wagudc

Don't worry about the mechanics, as others have said parts are available. I said 300euro for a service assuming some extra parts need to be replaced, it might cost less. It sounds like you like the watch, go for it! @STANDY has good advise.

wagudc

I think his recommendation is to go up to 150, if you plan to keep it for some time.

kkt

Staying away just because it will require service will keep you from ever buying any used watch. You should assume that any used watch you buy will need a service, unless the seller presents you with a receipt from a recognizable watchmaker saying what was done and dated within the past four years.

Tomdutchman

Welcome to the club 😀.
I'm one of the kind of people that enjoy a nicely aged dial. I have a Genève 131.019 with a 601 movement that I bought running like it was on speed for about €180,- on holiday in Denmark. Including a nice 60ies omega Watchbox.
Still, in the grimmy condition it was in, the purist would not have spend this amount of money.😉
Fortunately I have a watchmaker that is very good and that has fair prices, so I took the risk.
If I were you I personally would pay up to €150 for the watch. I think a revision (if needed) for a manual wind movement like that should be possible for €100~€150. Depending, ofcourse, on where you live and what kind of watchmakers you have at your disposal.
Its important with this hobby to find a reliable and good watchmaker that doesn't cost a fortune to bring your watches to.
The 601 movement in mine had a bend hairspring and after a quick repair, some lubrication and the fitting of the right omega crown it is still running now without problems. Its a shame these do not have see through backs because the movements just look so nice.
Good luck for you and let us know if you got it, or if you start hunting for another one 👍