Need help choosing vintage watch!
So... I've found those 2 Lucerne watches on an auction.
Both models are going for ~50$ each.
Now, I absolutely love the texture on a champagne dial, but the numbers on a silver sunburst is just chef's kiss for me.
I know that it's a 100$ for both watches, but I don't think I want to own both tbh.
It's really a tough point for me, because I usually pretty sure what I like and what I don't like, but this time I think I would be equally happy owning both.
Now, my thought process is:
I have 3 brushed steel watches, but I only have 1 gold plated.
I really love this case shape, and I've found vintage Omega Geneve, silver dial, so I'd rather bought an Omega. It goes for 350$ and I think there's some value in here.
I'm an absolute sucker for a linen dial, and it's not as popular anymore, but a sunburst dials are everywhere
But on the other hand, the hour markers or numerals for me easily could make or break the whole watch, and those 12 and 6 numerals are just PERFECT.
So yeah. What do you think? Should I go for first or second? Or should I even bother with those watches?
EDIT: With a vintage watches, it's not always need to be bind to occasion for me. So I guess any of those 2 would have any sentimental value for me. I just think it's a beautiful watches and I just want to look at those)
Musician, sound engineer, software developer and aspiring watch collector. Fan of vintage watches and old-fashioned clothing. Chef of faux patina.
Only buy working watches and your a few steps safer into the minefield. A well serviced vintage and you have a better chance of making it through wallet intact..
If I were the person buying it, I’d go with the first one with the champagne dial. 👌
Only buy working watches and your a few steps safer into the minefield. A well serviced vintage and you have a better chance of making it through wallet intact..
Yeah, those watches are serviced and working.)
I wouldn't be bothered with a broken watches.)
If I were the person buying it, I’d go with the first one with the champagne dial. 👌
Yeah, because this texture is gorgeous!)
And will help me get through while I'm figuring out finances for a Champagne Dial spirit 37)
Yeah, because this texture is gorgeous!)
And will help me get through while I'm figuring out finances for a Champagne Dial spirit 37)
I’d love to have a vintage Omega Seamaster with a champagne dial.
I’d love to have a vintage Omega Seamaster with a champagne dial.
I love vintage jumbo case seamasters. And I'm crazy about Omega F300 Constellation!
I love vintage jumbo case seamasters. And I'm crazy about Omega F300 Constellation!
Oh yes that Constellation is a beauty
Pop the back - seriously if they are pin-pallets walk away and don’t look back.
This might be of use…
Pop the back - seriously if they are pin-pallets walk away and don’t look back.
This might be of use…
they are a pin-pallets indeed.
So I guess now it's just a gamble with a 50 bucks on how much time is left for those watches. It's a shame, really. I'll think a bit, do I really want it in my life or not.
Ah, that's a shame, I really like those two.
Thanks for such meaningful advice, appreciated!
Silver Sunburst, SS!! 😇🤷🏽♂️
Pop the back - seriously if they are pin-pallets walk away and don’t look back.
This might be of use…
They didn't brag about their jewel count.
That is the first lesson.
They didn't brag about their jewel count.
That is the first lesson.
True
(D) 25
I know you do not want both but why not buy both, wear them and then pick the one that makes you feel the best. After that sell or gift the other one? You would have the benefit of know you had made the right decision and added bonus of having gotten to enjoy both.
That being said my gut reaction was I like the silver dial better on the "quick look standard" I gave both to begin with. After looking at both for a few minutes the champagne dial quickly grew on me and I still liked the silver dial.
Just like @Porthole mentioned, I can attest to avoiding pin-pallets. I have two pin-pallet watches in my collection (one Lucerne and one Oris) and I can tell you from trying to piece together an old Baumgartner 866 movement (probably the most common and cheapest pin-pallet out there) that they are a nightmare to work on.
I didn't have this knowledge back when I bought mine, and I haven't paid the price for it yet. I don't wear them often, which might come into play here. Armed with this knowledge now, a pin-pallet watch would have to cook for me and massage me for me to consider buying it, but that's just my two cents.
If I found myself in this dilemma, I'd either save up for the Omega, or, if the new watch urge is rearing its head, take a look at some Lanco watches. I know quite a few of their models used seventeen-jewel FHF ST96 movements, which feature jewels on the pallet fork. Even though I seldom see a Lucerne here, I just have to be honest and say it's not always worth the risk.
*Note: didn't know where to include this, but my Lucerne (Digital Jump Hour) features a Baumgartner 582 branded "Basis Watch Co." Those two might feature the 866 or something similar, although one can't always be sure, because brands like Lucerne just bought up movements and cased them. One model may have a Baumgartner, the other may have a completely different ébauche. Try and do as much homework as you can to make an informed decision.
Just like @Porthole mentioned, I can attest to avoiding pin-pallets. I have two pin-pallet watches in my collection (one Lucerne and one Oris) and I can tell you from trying to piece together an old Baumgartner 866 movement (probably the most common and cheapest pin-pallet out there) that they are a nightmare to work on.
I didn't have this knowledge back when I bought mine, and I haven't paid the price for it yet. I don't wear them often, which might come into play here. Armed with this knowledge now, a pin-pallet watch would have to cook for me and massage me for me to consider buying it, but that's just my two cents.
If I found myself in this dilemma, I'd either save up for the Omega, or, if the new watch urge is rearing its head, take a look at some Lanco watches. I know quite a few of their models used seventeen-jewel FHF ST96 movements, which feature jewels on the pallet fork. Even though I seldom see a Lucerne here, I just have to be honest and say it's not always worth the risk.
*Note: didn't know where to include this, but my Lucerne (Digital Jump Hour) features a Baumgartner 582 branded "Basis Watch Co." Those two might feature the 866 or something similar, although one can't always be sure, because brands like Lucerne just bought up movements and cased them. One model may have a Baumgartner, the other may have a completely different ébauche. Try and do as much homework as you can to make an informed decision.
I very rarely say this, but I do mean it, Baumgartner movements can f**k right off. They are nasty pieces of work. I inherited a few from my grandfather amongst some lovely watches, and even at such a young age, I developed an aversion to them.
The one thing I will say about an Oris movement, it’s impressive for what it is. I’ve had long-running issues with my Oris Star ChronOris with a cal.725. A monopusher stopwatch pin-pallet? What was I thinking. I’ve got a working Leonidas Easy Rider as well, that’s going to be a difficult watch to rehome…
I very rarely say this, but I do mean it, Baumgartner movements can f**k right off. They are nasty pieces of work. I inherited a few from my grandfather amongst some lovely watches, and even at such a young age, I developed an aversion to them.
The one thing I will say about an Oris movement, it’s impressive for what it is. I’ve had long-running issues with my Oris Star ChronOris with a cal.725. A monopusher stopwatch pin-pallet? What was I thinking. I’ve got a working Leonidas Easy Rider as well, that’s going to be a difficult watch to rehome…
I agree. That 866 I had taken apart and put back together again only to take apart again is still sitting in pieces because I don't want to relive the nightmare of aligning those gears. They are the cheap Chinese quartz movements of vintage watches.
I love my Oris pin-pallet. It keeps great time, even though the second hand moves like a mechanical watch for half of the dial and then jumps around almost like a quartz watch for the other half. The watch has seen better days, but it's sentimental and emotions are blinding. I was surprised to find out when I researched before buying it that the fifteen-jewel version of the calibre inside mine also earned chronometre ratings.
It's a special pain not everyone will understand. A bridge for the pallet fork; a bridge for the balance. Everything else comes on one big dinner plate. I will never take bridges or jewels for granted again.
Just like @Porthole mentioned, I can attest to avoiding pin-pallets. I have two pin-pallet watches in my collection (one Lucerne and one Oris) and I can tell you from trying to piece together an old Baumgartner 866 movement (probably the most common and cheapest pin-pallet out there) that they are a nightmare to work on.
I didn't have this knowledge back when I bought mine, and I haven't paid the price for it yet. I don't wear them often, which might come into play here. Armed with this knowledge now, a pin-pallet watch would have to cook for me and massage me for me to consider buying it, but that's just my two cents.
If I found myself in this dilemma, I'd either save up for the Omega, or, if the new watch urge is rearing its head, take a look at some Lanco watches. I know quite a few of their models used seventeen-jewel FHF ST96 movements, which feature jewels on the pallet fork. Even though I seldom see a Lucerne here, I just have to be honest and say it's not always worth the risk.
*Note: didn't know where to include this, but my Lucerne (Digital Jump Hour) features a Baumgartner 582 branded "Basis Watch Co." Those two might feature the 866 or something similar, although one can't always be sure, because brands like Lucerne just bought up movements and cased them. One model may have a Baumgartner, the other may have a completely different ébauche. Try and do as much homework as you can to make an informed decision.
I've asked seller to send me photos of the movement, but I didn't get it yet and I'm pretty sure it uses Brac 196 pin-pallet movement, judging by what I've read on Ranfft
I did not find the champagne dial watch tho, I've searched by image and basically found different listing on different auction platforms from this exact seller.
I'm suspecting that those watches are new old stock, but at this point in time, I don't think that is a pro, tbf. I don't have an access to the watchmaker right now, so I really don't know.
Price isn't that big, so I might as well gamble on it and see what happens.
I have a couple of Omegas on my mind a f300 IWC(and I really want a f300 watch) and a Grand Seiko, but I just wanted to add a nice bright dial to the collection.)
Anyway, thanks a lot for your help!) I'll think about all this in the morning, 3am isn't the best time for watch related decisions
I've asked seller to send me photos of the movement, but I didn't get it yet and I'm pretty sure it uses Brac 196 pin-pallet movement, judging by what I've read on Ranfft
I did not find the champagne dial watch tho, I've searched by image and basically found different listing on different auction platforms from this exact seller.
I'm suspecting that those watches are new old stock, but at this point in time, I don't think that is a pro, tbf. I don't have an access to the watchmaker right now, so I really don't know.
Price isn't that big, so I might as well gamble on it and see what happens.
I have a couple of Omegas on my mind a f300 IWC(and I really want a f300 watch) and a Grand Seiko, but I just wanted to add a nice bright dial to the collection.)
Anyway, thanks a lot for your help!) I'll think about all this in the morning, 3am isn't the best time for watch related decisions
Avoid the f300 as well. I have a Seamaster f300Hz, I might as well have poured my money into the sea. You need to have a lie down…
Silver dial gets my vote! Definitely more stylish imo!
Avoid the f300 as well. I have a Seamaster f300Hz, I might as well have poured my money into the sea. You need to have a lie down…
wow, how Is it that, almost every watch I like except for the usual suspects has an awful movement?
You've pointed out that whoever goes on a vintage market should be prepared to let go of the watch they really like, but it hits kinda hard, not gonna lie.
I love vintage mechanical omegas, and I figured my way around their movements with ranfft, but one step outside of this zone and I'm landing on some crap.)
I'm glad I didn't make any moves last night and just get some rest.
❤️ it - my baby - Lucerne Sports Tachometer (Vintage 60/70's)Found this watch in my mum's loft. Had it when I was a kid, not been used in 40+ years! Picked it up gave it a shake (not expecting it to work!) kicked straight back into life! That is real "quality" from an "ordinary Swiss watch" really "built to last", what is more environmentally friendly than a still working 50 year old product?