2004 Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra coaxial chronometer?

[dr_gn]

All, There was a separate thread on getting a watch for my 18 y/o son (now 19 and still no watch!).

However, he has recently found a 2004 Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra coaxial chronometer with box and papers locally for £2850.

He’s been in to the shop a few times on his way home from work to look at it and try it on, and this model and year seems to be ‘the one’. Later ones are too big for him. He likes it, which I guess is a major step forward. I think it’s almost perfect for him, personally I’m not so keen on the arrowhead minute hand - but whatever.

Online research suggests it’s a decent watch, not an investment, but also shouldn’t lose value since depreciation is done. Also that the coaxial movement may be problematic if it hadn’t been serviced, but a service should keep it reliable.

So any opinions on this watch in general?

I intend to go to the shop with him and hopefully negotiate a deal.

Apart from obvious things like scratches, what should I look for? From the photo he sent me of it on his wrist, it did look almost too shiny:



How much discount would a retailer realistically give? It’s an independent jeweller, and has excellent reviews. A lot of you guys might find this kind of price trivial, but to my son it’s significant.

AI suggests the price is the upper end of reasonable. Negotiating points would be lack of documented service history of incomplete papers/cards.

I’ve asked Nottingham Watch Co. How much a service would be; is this worthwhile in the absence of any history?

Any advice appreciated, we’ll probably go to look and possibly buy on Wednesday. Thanks.

[Macneil]

Your photo isn't that clear, but it looks like it's been excessively polished and the edges look quite soft.

There are loads of these available, if this is the watch he wants, then it might pay to look around a little and find a better example. see what good looks like.

I wouldn't pay that without the box and papers (by papers I mean the warranty cards etc). There could be many reasons why they're missing, but it would put me off.

[Chilly for June]

Price seems a bit high for that year of Aqua Terra.

I got an AT brand new in 2020 for £3300 from an AD. Admittedly that was on a rubber strap not the bracelet.

Look at this from watch finder

https://www.watchfinder.co.uk/watches/omega/aqua-t...

[dr_gn]

Chilly for June said:

Price seems a bit high for that year of Aqua Terra.

I got an AT brand new in 2020 for £3300 from an AD. Admittedly that was on a rubber strap not the bracelet.

Look at this from watch finder

https://www.watchfinder.co.uk/watches/omega/aqua-t...

That’s a totally different watch though - quartz, with a different dial.

[dr_gn]

Macneil said:

Your photo isn't that clear, but it looks like it's been excessively polished and the edges look quite soft.

There are loads of these available, if this is the watch he wants, then it might pay to look around a little and find a better example. see what good looks like.

I wouldn't pay that without the box and papers (by papers I mean the warranty cards etc). There could be many reasons why they're missing, but it would put me off.

Must admit looking at others online classed as “excellent”, they all look to be polished with soft edges. I’m used to my Explorer, which is brushed, and since it’s a similar looking watch I initially thought it was over-done.

TBF I can’t find a cheaper one of this series (2503) at a better price (with box and papers if that turns out to be correct). Loads of quartz versions that are obviously much cheaper, and a lot of later ones with a different dial and larger case.

[Jamescrs]

Had a couple of Omegas over the years amongst other luxury brand watches and personally I would say if it’s keeping time well then leave it alone as far as servicing is concerned.
Only ever had one Seamaster serviced and that was when it stopped completely.

[Regbuser]

If it has box and papers, then that appears a good price - similar watches on C24 are around that