Agreed - blue chip chronometers and dive watches are a safe bet regardless of the case metal, but I think the solid gold Constellations of the 50's will out-earn them by a little over the next decade.

Mid level specialty watches like the Soccer Timers and Chronostops seem to be steady too.

If you want to fool around with the equivalent to penny stocks in vintage Omega, the late 60's Constellations, particularly the undervalued C-cases and front loaders have huge potential. Nearly all except solid gold can be found in mint condition for under $1000, sometime 2 excellent examples for that price. Also, the 10xx series might be the next to take a small leap in value. Considering you can get them for a comparative song right now it's a low risk gamble. I'm talking about the Seamasters, Constellations & Seamaster Cosmics with or without integrated bracelets. These are great entry level Omegas and will always have some demand.

Like we've all said, as Omega upgrades their current line the vintage pieces will appreciate.

 

I'd consider all of the watches I own to be the best investments.

How do I get to be a moderator?

 

Or Australia.

Easy now, it only stinks when it gets above 70.... or when the bodies aren't buried deep enough.

 

Any Omega with a rotating bezel, larger than 38mm and that does not need a battery is a good investment.

Pre moon speedies regardless of year or ref.

Constellations in mint condition.

And of course anything that is actually "rare" like seamaster pie pans, seamaster chronometres, country specific editions.

 

Yeah, man!

 

lol

 

For investment you always need to buy 'best of breed' ie. an excellent original example of the model. Good 2915's have got be a good bet, if the average value of vintage Omega's doubles over the next decade then you've turned your $50,000 into £100,000 and as MSNWatch said, I can see them getting there. But take a look at the price of a 2913 and that's got to be undervalued at the moment, so a good choice.

Of course all the 321 Speedies will do well, but I think the 145.022-68 and 145.022-69 models (the first ones with the cal.861) are also undervalued at present. After those models, only the limited edition Speedies will increase in value over the norm.

No one has mentioned the mighty Ploprof yet! With a high original sales price and aimed primarily at professional divers, very few were sold. Couple that with its incredible history and ultimate vintage 'tool' watch looks and its got to be a real winner, despite them not being cheap today. A true legend!
Most of the other Omega dive watches are also superb value and can surely only go up in value, the 300 being the most popular and a bargain when compared to Rolex.

At the bargain basement end, how about a Chronostop driver 'under the wrist' model? I just picked this one up for £200, just needs a new pusher but is otherwise a nice example (this picture was taken just at it arrived, no cleaning etc..)



At the end of the day I just buy what I really like safe in the knowledge that good examples of vintage Omegas should all prove a good investment - if I can bear to part with them!

 

And lets not forget the ploprof also has value as a boat anchor, artillery round, door stop, and maybe for olympic curling.

I really want to be the guy that finds a complete 2915 at a garage sale for a quarter. I read those stories (kinda like Penthouse Forum) and it kills me to see some of the buys, but I HATE to go to garage sales. So if any of you are at a garage sale and see a 2915 for under a buck, please pick it up for me, and I'll pay you double your cost for your trouble.

 

I always image my find will be a Zenith. Who wants a watch made by a TV maker anyway? Gonna happen one day.....

 

Ouch, Zenith TV's.. In my early days in Radio TV electronics I used to have to fix those things. Unlike vintage watches, TV's now days, actually most consumer electronics, are throw aways. The professional gear is not a whole lot better. One now replaces entire "modules" instead of actually troubleshooting and fixing something. The only Quartz watch I own is the GMT/UTC module on my Chronomat.