Hottest Vintage Omega I've Ever Seen

[GQBaller]

This Omega supposedly dates to 1945. The leather band is brand new (color goes great with the black dial).

What's the assessment of all you watch experts? Is this thing worth $350, assuming it's in good condition?

 

[Vintage Gent]

I can't speak authoritatively on such matters, but I'd probably want to see a picture of the movement to make sure you're not getting a Faux-mega.

 

[Eustace]

It doesn't appear to be worth that amount. Please tell me where I might find it so that I could ask to pay less.

 

[AscotMcPocketsquare]

Originally Posted by DapperDave

It doesn't appear to be worth that amount. Please tell me where I might find it so that I could ask to pay less.

seconded

 

[JPYPSU07]

Looks a little too good to be true.

 

[borderline]

I can't imagine this would be authentic, i.e. totally original. The hands look wrong, the crown is way too big...and who knows what is inside.

 

[GQBaller]

Here's a picture of the movement. My eBay link isn't working. Just type "1945 Omega Seamaster" into the search box.

 

[Shikar]

It was sealed in a vacuum for 60yrs....

Regards.

 

[Douglas]

Pretty watch, and I'd be proud to own it at $350. However, note the following:

It is almost definitely a re-dial, however, meaning the dial has been re-painted and is not the "original" dial. I say this because the condition of the dial is far better than the apparent condition of the movement. Movement doesn't look bad to my amateur eyes, but you will want a watch person to look it over if you buy it.

IMPORTANT: Get the case number and the movement calibre and make sure they match by going onto the Omega database. I think you have to write in and get a password, but it is well worth it. Take it from a guy who's bought a Frankenwatch. Do not buy any Omega without knowing the case's serial number and comparing it all on the database. Do not buy any Omega where the seller is hesitant about showing you both the calibre number and the case number, because they are putting one over on you in that case.

EDIT: I'm not so sure that crown is original either, which is not necessarily a disaster, but you may want to take into account that you may have to put a more "correct" crown on it at some point. I only say this because the crown just looks too new, and is not signed.

 

[Douglas]

Also, I just checked the listing out. No photo of the inside caseback (which would show the serial number) already makes me dubious. Not that that's definitive, but it's a warning. Let the buyer beware. I would not buy without that photo, and most reputable eBay dealers know to show it for that very reason.

 

[Levator Superioris]

It looks NOTHING like my seamaster from the early 50's... the case looks similar but I suspect the knob was replaced. The dial also seems fishy, are you sure you found a similar one from the Omega site? I was handed my Omega down from my grandfather, I'm 100% certain to it's legitimacy.

Also the only black face seamasters from that era I have seen are from WW2 used in the British military, the knob is different and there is radium paint on the dial. I would ask for confirmatory details before plopping down that much change.

Finally I do not see a hint of a omega imprint, on the crystal. Even old omegas had the faintest imprint of a logo on the crystal right over the pins that move the hands. Those photos are wayy too clear for a 1950's watch unless major surgery had been performed.

 

[Hany]

At this price just enjoy the fact that you have a nice watch on your wrist although it has probably been played with regarding the dial and crown.

 

[acidboy]

Originally Posted by Douglas

Pretty watch, and I'd be proud to own it at $350. However, note the following:

It is almost definitely a re-dial, however, meaning the dial has been re-painted and is not the "original" dial. I say this because the condition of the dial is far better than the apparent condition of the movement. Movement doesn't look bad to my amateur eyes, but you will want a watch person to look it over if you buy it.

.

+1 But at $350 I don't think the seller would go out of his way to have this authenticated by Omega. Personally I'd pass on this just to be sure I'm not getting some replica.

 

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by acidicboy

+1 But at $350 I don't think the seller would go out of his way to have this authenticated by Omega. Personally I'd pass on this just to be sure I'm not getting some replica.

Yeah, I'm not suggesting the seller would authenticate it himself/herself. However, he/she knows enough to be able to take the caseback off - he could have taken a simple photo of the inside caseback and a clear photo of the movement from head-on. The fact that he neglected to tells me a lot.

I don't think it's a replica, per se... it'd be too much to set up a line to make replicas of a design this old. But I sure think it could be a conglomeration of older Omega parts, which is not worth much at all. For the straight aesthetics of the watch, irrespective of the Omega name, $350 is a lot to pay for a watch. Think about it - without an Omega emblem on it, would you pay $350 for a Chinese watch with an automatic movement that looked like this?

 

[butkusrules]

I would just be worried about the size. I was gifted a vintage Stowa that was killer in the pic but in real life was just way too small to enjoy. Keep that in mind especially in the age of 48 mm Pilot watches.