Learn How To Fish

w154
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It’s a ladies Omega Geneve with an incorrect replacement crown (that I’d guess belongs on a “Services” watch).
 
rdlkgliders
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This is yet another great thread.
I just joined after being a fan of Omega watches for years.
I recently was given my late fathers vintage Seamaster automatic and no very little about it.
 
Danimals
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Apologies if this was already covered and I missed it, but does anyone have some good advice and picture examples for what to look for (and look out for) when looking at the movement of the watch? I've been looking at a few vintage Seamasters but finding it difficult to determine if the internal movements are in good enough quality based on putting, scratches, discoloration, etc. Also, is the "amount" of service dates scratched into the case back a good way to judge the condition of the movement, or can that be misleading?
 
p4ul
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Danimals Danimals
Apologies if this was already covered and I missed it, but does anyone have some good advice and picture examples for what to look for (and look out for) when looking at the movement of the watch? I've been looking at a few vintage Seamasters but finding it difficult to determine if the internal movements are in good enough quality based on putting, scratches, discoloration, etc. Also, is the "amount" of service dates scratched into the case back a good way to judge the condition of the movement, or can that be misleading?

When buying a vintage watch assumes it needs a service and add 200ish to the anticipated cost price you are paying.
UNLESS there is gold plated, guaranteed, bullet proof, written evidence that it has been serviced within the last 3-5 years, then you will need that 200 later!
 
Spruce
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Danimals Danimals
Apologies if this was already covered and I missed it, but does anyone have some good advice and picture examples for what to look for (and look out for) when looking at the movement of the watch? I've been looking at a few vintage Seamasters but finding it difficult to determine if the internal movements are in good enough quality based on putting, scratches, discoloration, etc. Also, is the "amount" of service dates scratched into the case back a good way to judge the condition of the movement, or can that be misleading?

Some watchmakers mark and some don’t and there’s no way of telling. The best practice is to ask the seller and if he says it has been ask who by and for proof by receipt. Some sellers just get their nephews (😉) to waft a can of WD40 near the watch, polish the case and fit a new cheap strap.

If the answer is no, perfectly proper to ask for an additional discount. Be suspicious of ‘no returns’.

And finally …. AFTER you’ve done your own due diligence and think the watch and the price might be okay, but BEFORE you buy post here on OF, with good photos, your assessment and details of the price and some or all of OF will chip in to with views.

Also, as posted earlier, check out the OF Private Sales thread. Good luck.
 
UncleBuck
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I have a Belgian friend, Danny, that has a business "Danimals", is this you, my friend?

Jim from Bonaire
 
Danimals
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Okay great, thanks for the advice! So sounds like assuming the movement looks decent enough and is operating, a good service should get it to keep good time? Will post anything for feedback as well!

And unfortunately not Jim, I'm in the US!
 
RoadRunner73
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As stated earlier, a service by a reliable watchmaker if your choice is the best way for you to be sure that the movement has been checked and properly looked after ; he'll tell you exactly what he has found and done. Same when I buy a vintage Harley : my mechanics will systematically change all the engine fluids, the fork oil, and will do a 100% check of the whole bike as this is also safety related.
Back to a watch movement, I personnally avoid the movements whose holding screws are scratched, as it may indicate that the watch hasn't been properly looked after. But then it's down to whether you are hunting the lower or the higher end of the value range of a specific model.
 
eternalover
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Check the learn how to fish as I think there is stuff there.

Anyway my two pennys - I always look at all the screws that are visible and try to decide are they in good condition and consistent with the rest of the watch e.g. the rotor+ general condition. If they all look brand new for me it is as bad as being scratched or damaged due to clumsy efforts or being frozen and forced and maybe replaced. Interested in other views.
 
Danimals
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What about scratching/rubbing along the outside edge of the movement (guessing from a loose rotor), is that a major concern (ie potential major functional issues internal) or just something to be expected for a watch of that age? Example picture attached that I could find
 
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Spruce
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You should probably remove your post from this thread and repost it in your original enquiry thread 😀
 
Danimals
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Spruce Spruce
You should probably remove your post from this thread and repost it in your original enquiry thread 😀

Sorry, thought others might benefit from info on "what to look for in a movement" in the "Learn to Fish" thread!
Edited:
 
A
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Hi there! I just wanted to share a resource I have been putting together for months, collecting and categorizing pictures of original dials discussed/spotted online
This is a non-commercial public effort, so just pasting the link here in case it is helpful to someone https://www.vintagedial.com/
It is hard to be exhaustive given all the different types of dials, but at least it an organized starting point for reference 😀
 
Lorenzzzz
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G GSby
upload_2020-5-30_0-38-44.jpeg
Can I ask if this went through re-dial or retouch? I notice that this dial only “swiss” and not “swiss made”. Most of the examples I find on the internet is “swiss made”.

upload_2020-5-30_0-38-44.jpeg
The info you'll see below apply to Constellations. Thus double checking the years of production between your model and the ones in the picture below may help. What i can say, and it's what i remembered having read, is that it is possible for some watches to repost only the "SWISS" text, depending on the year they were produced.

upload_2024-7-1_13-48-16.png
 
C
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Just wanted to share a picture of what I believe is a blue dial undergoing a patina process.

Here’s the fully patinated example posted by Conelpueblo:
IMG_8231.webp
Here’s my watch:
IMG_8199.webp

Movement is good and running with that incredible Citizen accuracy so from that I conclude there’s no water damage going on here.
 
Brink
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I have inherited a fine Speedmaster Mark ii. I don’t know much about omegas in general, but I’ve been told that my chronograph pushers and hands are unoriginal to the watch. Do you have a suggestion on how I can restore it back to original parts without it costing a fortune? 😊
 
impalla62ss
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Brink Brink
I have inherited a fine Speedmaster Mark ii. I don’t know much about omegas in general, but I’ve been told that my chronograph pushers and hands are unoriginal to the watch. Do you have a suggestion on how I can restore it back to original parts without it costing a fortune? 😊
You will having better luck posting this question directly in "Vintage Omega Watches, Help, Discussion' thread
 
impalla62ss
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You would be better off and will get more responses by posting this to the 'Vintage Omega Watches, help, discussion. . .' thread
 
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