I am in trouble
I was just walking throuhh town and passed infront of a watchmaker. They/he sells mostly vintage pieces. Prices are high but the quality looks amazing and people seem amazing.
I saw this Omega, handwound beauty from the 50s which wasn't worn since ages and is why the condition is in such great shape. I tried it on and it looks absolutely stunning with that strap. I don't need a watch but i guess this is the case for everyone here :p
Anyone here with experience with old Omegas? What to look out for & tips are very welcome.
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Tizian
Collecting watches for 5 years, trying to have a diversified collection of beautiful and fun pieces for every occasion. Collection: Seiko 6139,, JLC Triple Calendar, Tudor BB58, Explorer ii (Polar), C...
Zurich, Switzerland
Member since
Last active: 7 months ago
17.78 cm
Oh man I wish I can advise but I’m I. The same boat!! Stumbled upon this a while back and was going to buy it it but the bracelet was sized too small for my wrist and no extra links in sight since it old an all…
Oh man I wish I can advise but I’m I. The same boat!! Stumbled upon this a while back and was going to buy it it but the bracelet was sized too small for my wrist and no extra links in sight since it old an all…
Wow that looks soo cool!!!
Wow that looks soo cool!!!
Isn’t it!! But I’m a bit weary about vintage watches 😰
Supposedly it's a minefield for people that are concerned about collectability and authenticity and all that jazz. All I know is that I have two friends. One has two vintage Omegas (Seamasters from late 60s or so) that he probably got from eBay and has never serviced or anything and they run fine about a decade later. The other guy keeps buying new ones and having them break and getting upset by repair costs and replacing them.
My opinion is just that Omega used to make such gorgeous pieces. As far as I'm concerned, vintage Omega is the only Omega (and the Speedmaster never existed).
Supposedly it's a minefield for people that are concerned about collectability and authenticity and all that jazz. All I know is that I have two friends. One has two vintage Omegas (Seamasters from late 60s or so) that he probably got from eBay and has never serviced or anything and they run fine about a decade later. The other guy keeps buying new ones and having them break and getting upset by repair costs and replacing them.
My opinion is just that Omega used to make such gorgeous pieces. As far as I'm concerned, vintage Omega is the only Omega (and the Speedmaster never existed).
You are not the first person to say "vintage omega is the only omega" :)
DO IT!!
Real talk, though. If the price is right, the watchmaker can verify authenticity (no movement swaps/mismatches, no redial, no painted dial, etc), and it runs well, then you gotta buy it. Oh, and if it speaks to you, of course!
Also, I’d love to know what model this is so I can buy one for myself! Lol
The YouTube channel Omega Enthusiast has excellent videos that are good resources for buying vintage Omegas. He also sells his own! https://www.omegaenthusiastltd.com/
https://youtu.be/pW6uKYuCkJc
https://youtu.be/oEhv9LKBKPY
https://youtu.be/Pa-cbkpGlrQ
https://youtu.be/gGxgi32pF2s
Real talk, though. If the price is right, the watchmaker can verify authenticity (no movement swaps/mismatches, no redial, no painted dial, etc), and it runs well, then you gotta buy it. Oh, and if it speaks to you, of course!
Also, I’d love to know what model this is so I can buy one for myself! Lol
The YouTube channel Omega Enthusiast has excellent videos that are good resources for buying vintage Omegas. He also sells his own! https://www.omegaenthusiastltd.com/
https://youtu.be/pW6uKYuCkJc
https://youtu.be/oEhv9LKBKPY
https://youtu.be/Pa-cbkpGlrQ
https://youtu.be/gGxgi32pF2s
I echo this advice: research and verify. Omega vintage is really tricky because often they are cobbled together from genuine Omega parts that are mismatched.
I echo this advice: research and verify. Omega vintage is really tricky because often they are cobbled together from genuine Omega parts that are mismatched.
@tizi13
Here is what I was able to find.
According to the serial number on the movement; it was manufactured between 1947 & 1950. It is clearly Omega Caliber 280 and the movement is definitely legit. I was able to find a case match for that timeframe but not for the dial and hands. You will need to look closely at the dial and hands with a loupe to further evaluate and determine if they are original. That may be the defining factor.
@tizi13
Here is what I was able to find.
According to the serial number on the movement; it was manufactured between 1947 & 1950. It is clearly Omega Caliber 280 and the movement is definitely legit. I was able to find a case match for that timeframe but not for the dial and hands. You will need to look closely at the dial and hands with a loupe to further evaluate and determine if they are original. That may be the defining factor.
John , always with great info! I think this watch is beautiful.
@SurferJohn You 'da real MVP.
One last thing: with vintage watches, you buy the seller, not the watch. In 100% okay spending a hefty premium to buy a quality piece from a reputable watchmaker who stands by their work. While it’s possible to get good deals from random sellers online or at estate sales, I have the opinion that cheap vintage watches are cheap for a reason. I’ll gladly pay extra for a watch in pristine condition, unpolished case, original unpainted dial, all matching numbers/parts, and recently serviced.
@tizi13
Here is what I was able to find.
According to the serial number on the movement; it was manufactured between 1947 & 1950. It is clearly Omega Caliber 280 and the movement is definitely legit. I was able to find a case match for that timeframe but not for the dial and hands. You will need to look closely at the dial and hands with a loupe to further evaluate and determine if they are original. That may be the defining factor.
Wow thank you!!!
@tizi13
Here is what I was able to find.
According to the serial number on the movement; it was manufactured between 1947 & 1950. It is clearly Omega Caliber 280 and the movement is definitely legit. I was able to find a case match for that timeframe but not for the dial and hands. You will need to look closely at the dial and hands with a loupe to further evaluate and determine if they are original. That may be the defining factor.
SJ,
Where can you get one of those guides?
SJ,
Where can you get one of those guides?
Mine is the 2018 Edition, I haven't seen a newer version in years.
Mine is the 2018 Edition, I haven't seen a newer version in years.
Thank you Sir!
That's gorgeous! Has to be one of the best vintage dials I've seen in a little while.
The most important thing is how it makes you feel.
awesome piece btw
I’m always wary with vintage Omega, sorry. Unless its specific models, the more generic ones can be a minefield.
Now, I agree with buy the seller, so if your watchmaker is decent he should be able to give you some insight. I assume he’s serviced it, so find out what he did and what his cover on said works.
What is the price, because that’s the other point as well? LaLaLand messed up the vintage Omega market up, so just be aware it’s probably overpriced.
No advice from me! Just a little envy :-) that’s a beauty!
Buy the seller but that looks beautiful...
I’m always wary with vintage Omega, sorry. Unless its specific models, the more generic ones can be a minefield.
Now, I agree with buy the seller, so if your watchmaker is decent he should be able to give you some insight. I assume he’s serviced it, so find out what he did and what his cover on said works.
What is the price, because that’s the other point as well? LaLaLand messed up the vintage Omega market up, so just be aware it’s probably overpriced.
I've also learned what the service cost can be on some of these vintage Omegas. When I was at my boutique yesterday, I saw the sales rep. wearing the one I had told him about previously (good price at a used showcase I had previously visited). He said that it would have been a $1400 service through the company...😮. I probably would have had a trusted watchmaker do the service, but yikes.
I've also learned what the service cost can be on some of these vintage Omegas. When I was at my boutique yesterday, I saw the sales rep. wearing the one I had told him about previously (good price at a used showcase I had previously visited). He said that it would have been a $1400 service through the company...😮. I probably would have had a trusted watchmaker do the service, but yikes.
10 years ago I got the quartz movement of my grandfather’s slim Seamaster replaced by a third party in the UK but using the correct movement. I paid almost £400, the Omega premium was an additional £125 and a trip to Switzerland with no discernible deadline. Welcome to vintage Omega, you can check in but you can never leave.
Thank you all :) after sleeping on it i am not ready (yet) to do the move into vintage watches, at least not this old. I read a lot and watched some videos and I have to say i don't think that this is for me. It is beautiful but with my current watches i can bring them to the AD to get repaired no issue but with a piece like this.. it is much harder to find the right pieces, it will take time and cost a lot of money.
Thank you all :) after sleeping on it i am not ready (yet) to do the move into vintage watches, at least not this old. I read a lot and watched some videos and I have to say i don't think that this is for me. It is beautiful but with my current watches i can bring them to the AD to get repaired no issue but with a piece like this.. it is much harder to find the right pieces, it will take time and cost a lot of money.
As an aside, and as a friendly bit of advice, don’t discount vintage altogether if you like it but there are so many brands offering heritage pieces that you don’t really need to dip into said market to get that look. At the same time, “brands” are going to cost $$$, and complicated and rarer movements are going to hurt when servicing and repair. Omega have started limiting parts, repairs need to go through them now, and that’s annoying when they are particularly popular and prevalent, and the unwary are going to get clobbered down the line. I run on around £150-180 a full service for a manual Swiss ebauche of 15J + and up to £250 for an auto. Provided the watch has decent everything else to keep such an investment sensible, vintage is fine. Look at some of my other posts, I did a breakdown on my 1936 Vertex recently, it can work if you are smart and picky.
This is the website to visit for vintage Omegas and information:
https://www.omegaenthusiastltd.com/
He also has a great YouTube channel with massive amounts of information about vintage Omegas:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW6uKYuCkJc
Main question: when was the watch last serviced … vintage is amazing but you have to make sure they been maintained
Main question: when was the watch last serviced … vintage is amazing but you have to make sure they been maintained
The watch has just been serviced by them. They are very experienced when it comes to vintage watches. Maybe some day and maybe not a +3k watch but something more affordable to start :)
The case and movement correct but my only concern would be the dial and hands. Look way too good 🙃. I suspect a redial at some point, but who cares. If you like it and it sings to you buy and enjoy! More💪to you.