masteroftime
·It has been over a year since many of you helped light the fire that is collecting vintage Omegas. For that, I am eternally grateful. I have slowly amassed a small collection that I have to say I'm quite proud of. I recently added two watches to my collection and I only want to retain one, so I have a small dilemma and I would appreciate your honest perspectives.
A few months back I bought the steel Seamaster ref 14700 pictured below. I almost exclusively collect watches with date indicators, but the decent condition of the watch, interesting case shape, and the relatively low price attracted me, so I bought it from a collector in Mexico.
According to this smaller collector/dealer (who has become a friend), he bought it from a wealthy family friend who had it in her safe for a few decades, so everything is in relatively good shape. I got it as pictured and added the BOR bracelet upon receipt (but will likely switch it out for something else). Recently, I came across the gold capped variety also pictured. It was the same price and although I was turned off by the mediocre condition of the case, the crosshair dial looked almost perfect. I ultimately purchased it.
Although the dial on the steel version is in good shape, it has some patina that is visible when you look at it closely at an angle (pictured). It is somewhat insignificant, but slightly bothers me and in the back of my mind I've always wanted to add a crosshair dialed watch to my collection. I figure I could switch out the dials, retain the steel watch with crosshair dial and sell the gold capped version.
Are there any issues with this practice? Does anybody have any strong thoughts against switching the dials? Does anybody know if the steel version came with a similar crosshair dial at any point?
Thank you!
A few months back I bought the steel Seamaster ref 14700 pictured below. I almost exclusively collect watches with date indicators, but the decent condition of the watch, interesting case shape, and the relatively low price attracted me, so I bought it from a collector in Mexico.
According to this smaller collector/dealer (who has become a friend), he bought it from a wealthy family friend who had it in her safe for a few decades, so everything is in relatively good shape. I got it as pictured and added the BOR bracelet upon receipt (but will likely switch it out for something else). Recently, I came across the gold capped variety also pictured. It was the same price and although I was turned off by the mediocre condition of the case, the crosshair dial looked almost perfect. I ultimately purchased it.
Although the dial on the steel version is in good shape, it has some patina that is visible when you look at it closely at an angle (pictured). It is somewhat insignificant, but slightly bothers me and in the back of my mind I've always wanted to add a crosshair dialed watch to my collection. I figure I could switch out the dials, retain the steel watch with crosshair dial and sell the gold capped version.
Are there any issues with this practice? Does anybody have any strong thoughts against switching the dials? Does anybody know if the steel version came with a similar crosshair dial at any point?
Thank you!
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