1950s/1960s Omega Seamaster

[Nick Grant]

Being a fan of vintage things I'm interested in buying a 50s or 60s black faced Seamaster. There seem to be a number for sale on ebay from £300-£600 but a lot of them are in the far East and I am concerned about authenticity. Is there any way to ensure that these are genuine without actually seeing them in the flesh? Anyone know any good places to buy a Vintage Omega?

[andy tims]

Nick Grant said:

Being a fan of vintage things I'm interested in buying a 50s or 60s black faced Seamaster. There seem to be a number for sale on ebay from £300-£600 but a lot of them are in the far East and I am concerned about authenticity. Is there any way to ensure that these are genuine without actually seeing them in the flesh?

About all you've got to go on is the sellers track record.

Nick Grant said:

Anyone know any good places to buy a Vintage Omega?

The established UK watch forums would be my suggestion.

[disco1]

Don't suppose anyone watches antiques roadtrip? One of the dealers got an 18k gold 60s seamaster at an antiques shop for £80 and only got £160 at auction depsite the interest/bids, the bargains are out there to be had! After watching this I wouldnt mind doing some hacking around for something similar myself. You'd be mad to spend £300 on fleabay.

[Suinimtao]

Not that I have bought from them, however Austin Kaye on the Strand (London) seem to always have quite a few for sale So might be worth a try or having a look on their website.

[GC8]

Theyre usually nasty watches in very poor condition; given mediocre dial re-finishes, commonly in a desirable 'military' style. I wouldnt buy anything from India or the rest of the third world, for much over £20.

[blueg33]

I bought my Seamaster Auto from ebay about 5 years ago for £80. Its a 1963 watch and has the correct calibre, case, hands etc. It is in very good condition and I wear it daily. The only fault is that the dial has been replaced by one from a manual watcyh, so it doesnt say Automatic (I missed that point when it was auctioned - doh) having said that my watch maker says it is a good watch and the case and movement numbers match.

So ebay is a gamble. Personally I am happy woth my watch and have bought others from ebay all of which are genuine (one was a real bargain, bought for around £100, valued at £1500 plus by my watchmaker.

[Miguel Alvarez]

GC8 said:

Theyre usually nasty watches in very poor condition; given mediocre dial re-finishes, commonly in a desirable 'military' style. I wouldnt buy anything from India or the rest of the third world, for much over £20.

Someone else said something similar. what's wrong with watches from India (as a rule)?

[TonyHetherington]

Must admit I've seen a few older Omegas and the cost of them (barely £100 if a little over) means you have little to lose and puts you in the price point of "if you like it, buy it", rather than trying to consider future value or worth.

I've a Speedmaster BroadArrow as my special watch, but something for every day is really tempting me.

[EPH]

I have seen a few nice looking vintage omega on ebay, unsure whether to buy them though? dont want lumbered with a fake piece of tat.