@@rochester212 Any item can be a collection if the owner knows their history. Even cheap old Chinese imitations can also be a collection, as this is part of watchmaking. But a ton of gold bars of the same type is expensive, but it is not a collection.
I am certainly glad i took my time when looking for my first vintage Omega. While on vacation, I found one in a shop that was WAY overpriced, had an obvious redial (though i didnt notice at the time), and had an aftermarket crown, among other things. That watch stuck in the back of my head, and i almost went back to the shop twice during the vacation to get it, but ultimately passed on it (thankfully). I did get the shops name/number and took several pictures of the watch, in case i ended up wanting to have it shipped. I came back home, took my time researching it, and realized all of the things that were incorrect on it. I waited about 8-9 months, and finally found a watch that was perfect. Extremely thankful that i was patient and didnt rush to purchase. Moral of the story, I would always suggest to take as many pictures as you can, go home, do research on it, then make your decision then.
Thank you for sharing. Patience is definitely vital when it comes to buying a vintage watch. Take your time to do plenty of research and comparison to fully understand what you are about to buy. I would say 80% of so-called "Omega specialists" are not really specialists. So you really cannot take their words and why I am not on the Omega forums. Too many of these so-called specialists. Very stubborn and won't listen.
Please don't, I found a Omega quartz De ville gold plated watch head in a mixed bag of watches I bought from auction for a 10er. Popped a battery in and worked. That was my first ever omega and is probably responsible for my addiction to this date 🤪
Great video! I just bought my first vintage automatic at 33yo, and I feel more confident after watching this. I want to buy watchmaker tools and a clone 2824-2 or two from China so I can learn. Timepieces are really timeless and fascinating, look at the digital world we live in today and still a bunch of us are just getting into mechanical watches... I wish I had got into the hobby before when I was younger...
Thank you for sharing! I did make a video on watch tool if you go through my past video. But those are basic tools. Certain tools I recommend that you stick to Swiss quality to get the job done correctly.
The most important point I learned is to find a seller who knows the brand he is selling and can be trusted. There is no way, unless you spend countless hours learning about a specific model and have handled many watches, that I could ever know enough how original a vintage watch really is. Thanks for making this video and showing us you really know vintage Omega watches! I will definitely reach out when I am ready to buy a vintage Omega.
I would have added a section on "frankenwatches". Watches which are somewhat correct but have swapped dials, hands, crowns, and sometimes even entire movements. This is extremely common for Eastern Bloc watches as almost all sizes for movements were standardized within and sometimes between brands. This can make Eastern Bloc watches very cool to customize but almost impossible to find in original configuration.
I collect as well. I have several vintage pieces that are in fantastic shape that I only wear occasionally, but my favorite vintage watches have obvious wear and show their age, so I’m not afraid to daily it.
I just bought my first watch! A gorgeous Omega Geneve 136.102 from 1972. I probably overpaid and rushed and got scammed. but it looks great! And has recently been serviced.
Sooo...basically the hours it would take for me to accumulate this wealth of knowledge is far greater than just buying from an honest dealer who will give you the real goods from the get go. Saving a few hundred bucks on what could be a franken-watch is not a good use of my time for a watch I will buy only once? Great video again! Thanks.
That would be up to you bud. How would you know if a dealer is honest? Majority only started the business maybe 3-5 years ago. And if a dealer sell all sort of brands, do you think they can be an expert? There are good dealers out there, but best to put some effort to self education. It is part of the fun for a lot people who are looking to buy an old watch.
So much great info! If I may add, always make sure there’s an option to return the watch (especially for online purchases). I’ve missed things in the excitement of finding a new watch, only to discover issues after purchase.
Many thanks for an informative video tutorial! Another thing to look out for is a vintage watch missing the crown and stem, and sold “as is”. You might think this is a bargain- just need to source the new parts. But sometimes the movement does not belong to the case, and the case tube doesn’t line up with the keyless works. So you end up with a movement with no case, and a case with no movement. Definitely a long long project!
Now you getting very technical. Haha. But very good and thank you for sharing. Best to buy a complete watch in great shape. You’ll be a happy owner for years to come.
I really like how in-depth you go in this video! Just to add some of my views - personally, I don't mind case refinishing as much as I dial refinishing. I think that as long as the case looks good, and retains its original shape, I may still consider buying the watch. If it's been polished so well that I can't tell it's been polished, I'm happy with that case. However, dial refinishing is a dealbreaker for me. I don't see myself ever buying a watch with a refinished dial. The main reason for this is that it really diminishes the value of the watch. In addition, refinishing, most of time time, looks like refinishing. It doesn't match the overall condition of an old watch.
I just came across this video as I am looking info about my grand father watch that I found after he passed away. The watch is an Omega from 1967 unfortunately is not running and I spotted some replaced parts. I am not an expert but wanted to bring the watch to his original state. Thanks for your video so many interesting tips re watches "badly" fixed
WOW and Thank You are only words i can say now to express my thankfulness for your educational video. Hope one day I will be able to add Omega Vintage to my collection.
Thank You so much for your advice! It was so thorough that I now understand what to look for with extreme precision! I actually noticed that one of my vintage Omegas, a Geneve with a sky-blue dial (ref. 166.0173)had actually had the corners polished down. I am not sure how much it affects the value but honestly I still am very happy with it especially since sky blue/Tiffany blue dials are trending this year.
Happy to hear that. I believe I still have one like your as well. Take good care of it. It's a very nice watch. 166 should make your watch the automatic version.
Very appreciate for your time and effort putting in this video! I always support your videos on you tube and posts on Instagram. I myself own 2 vintage omega watches and I love them so much.
I am very, very thankful for this video! Buying vintage watches is really something else in terms of needed knowledge, but it just makes so much more fun to search them! Thanks for everything my friend!
The last part of the video is extremely useful!! I was considering asking for a mineral crystal replacement on my omega. But it makes totally sense using acrylic crystal. And it actually looks better. Thanks for sharing your knowledge
Hi Omega Enthusiast, it is just a pleasure to hear your tips , from a experienced collector you are. Your videos are professional done and the quality is superb. Thank you for share you experience with us. You watches are mazing I never see a variety of watches in such conditions. I am saving to buy me an Omega Constellation 2852 automatic. Cheers from Italy
Woooow, This is a most see. Lv all your videos, but is the best for beginners (and me).... This is why I only buy my watches from OE! All watches totally authentic and run absolutely perfect, lv every watch I have bought from you.... YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!
Thank you! I am always happy to assist you! I'm glad this video is getting more attraction and attention. Some of the steps I point out in this video is common sense, but a lot of people tense to skip it.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with vintages pieces, very impressive little little details about ownership of your new vintage piece, i had made multiple mistakes owning my first vintage pieces, so i Thank you for taking the time to educate me, now i own several vintage pieces..im also new to your channel,all way from St George Utah, viva watch making, looking forward in the future to own one your vintages pieces, but for now I'll keep watching..until next episode..my friend im focusing on Gruen Curvex watches and many other's..
Perfect video at a perfect time. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge. I'm looking at a 1960s Constellation and this video has been very useful. Have a 👍🏼
Thank you for the comment. You should watch a few episodes in the “constellation” playlist. You’ll get to learn more about vintage 1960s Constellation.
Very informative video! There are so many flawed vintage pieces on the market. Or maybe I should say most of the vintage pieces on the market have different issues, big or small. Some significantly affect the value some are not as critical. Knowledge / experience is the key to spot the issues. That's why we need your expertise :)
Many thanks my friend! I think it's about time that we need to see more of these kind of videos, getting to the point instead of pointing out what is good to buy etc... You'll need to first understand the product that you are about to invest into. I can always tell someone to go and buy a Constellation with caliber 561 movement, but if he/she select one that is not properly serviced, it's going to be a bad purchase.
@@TimelessHistoryChannel Definitely need more videos/articles like this. Getting to know different dial, case, hands, movement combinations is the process of acquiring the knowledge; it usually takes lots of time. If I want to save time and avoid bad purchase, I'll just buy from your site. ;)
Excellent video of explanation of watches be they Omega, LeCoultre, or other makes, your presentation was very helpful and your explanation was just perfect. Thank you!
Thank you for producing such informative, intelligent, interesting, and detailed content. You have a beautiful, classic collection, you have excellent taste, as your collection is very similar to my own, lol, just larger. I look forward to shopping your store.
Haha, thank you for the comment. It's all good my friend. Your collection may not be as big as mine, but I bet they are also just as beautiful or better. Please take your time and I'll be more than happy to assist you when you're ready.
Very nice and informative vedio I recently start collecting vintage watches and having a small number of watches, but I will peruse your tips in my next purchase, all the way love from Pakistan
Thank you so much for this💓! I’m going to do more research...I love vintage Omega Seamaster De Villes and want these to be my collection...I want to make sure I approach each piece as thoroughly as possible
You're very welcome. There are many Seamaster Deville case models. Many of the imported models will come in gold filled case and powered by 17 jewels movement only. There are automatic and there are manual wind. Some will have date while some will not. And some will have regular date set while those from the later 60s to early 70s will have quick set. And a great place to ask questions is on the Omega forums where there will be many specialists to assist you.
12:30 what's the setting in the lower subdial... stuck hour subdial hand ? 19:20 try to buy a Speedmaster that comes on a time-period correct steel bracelet instead of leather strap
The center long second is the second timer, to the right is the minute, and the bottom is the hour timer. The left sub dial is the regular second hand. Actually, I like my speedmaster to be worn on a strap. Personal preferences especially for someone with a smaller size wrist.
Life hack- How to: first vintage watch. Step 1: acquire face mask and screwdriver. Step 2: rob gradmpa of his watch. Step 3: Congratulations, you now have your first vintage watch.
@@TimelessHistoryChannel btw you mentioned in the video that dial refinishing is a topic of a separate video. Do you have that video or do you plan to upload such video?
@@oganovdavid To make a video about dial refinish would take a very long time as there are just too many examples to talk about. There are bad dial refinish and there are the amazing dial refinish. You can find some of these dial refinish topic from watching my "watch wrong" or "daily watch wrong" playlist. I do point out the basic. And for those who are supporting me on Patreon, I do post examples of dial refinish there as well. And of course, my patron can always ask me questions there as well.
@@TimelessHistoryChannel okay thanks for reply. I've already seen your watch wrong videos, but I don't always get what's wrong. It seems extremely hard for me even with your explanations. But I got much better with your videos. Thanks once again!
@@oganovdavid It takes time to know everything. But my videos are just there to help speed up the learning process. I had to learn everything the hard way.
Thank you. This was a very educational video and i learned a lot. Maybe too specific, but i would love to see more of your 168.017 and similar constellation references.
You can learn everything about the C case Constellation including the 168.017 reference here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6PNLQ-105wQ.html
Many thanks for the video. I made several errors that you mentioned and I may repeat them as there are many details to be checked especially if you don't take the time and perform a systematic review. I did not see any comment regarding reviewing the movement and it is also a very important factor. Would you consider rude or improper to take a timegrapher with you and check it prior buying? I would not be looking for perfection you know, but at least to see how the movement is performing. That also can help me to know that I will need to invest more money servicing the watch at once. Again, thanks for giving us a method to review vintage watches (and showing us fantastic timepieces!!!)
Thank you for the comment Fernando. To be honest, when you plan on buying a watch in as is condition, there is no point to test it on the spot. Regardless, whether it is running accurate or not, it is best to service the watch. Why I need to service all of my watches prior to listing them for sale and provide my lifetime special warranty. This way my clients will never have to worry about expensive future service cost. But I guess, you could test the watch before hand if you choose to as well. Buying one with a decent reading to begin with is better than buying one that has a bad reading.
You can learn more about this Patek from this episode: BUYING A PATEK PHILIPPE GOING TO BREAK MY BANK ACCOUNT? ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-o3dGYL38Kmc.html
I don't get a point why polishing is evil? What reason makes me feel happy when I see all scratches and dents that has been done not by me? it's not my story or relationship with the watch. it's someone else story. Do I miss something?
There is nothing wrong with polishing a watch if you cannot accept the scratches or dings on the case. Especially, if you are buying the watch to keep, then there is no issue with a case polish or even custom modify the case by adding diamonds etc... But if you are someone who is a watch collector who is looking to own a proper preserved vintage timepiece, then you'll want the case to be unpolished. And in case if you plan on reselling your timepiece, the value is much more when the case is unpolished. It is a lot easier to resell an unpolished watch compared to one that has been polished.
@@TimelessHistoryChannel Thanks for the answer! Ok, straight to the point. Do you offer that kind of service? I mean if I want clean indices and hands without any signs of oxidation or mold. And new polishing of course.
Great upload buddy 👍 I'm currently looking for a vintage watch to date back to my birth year of 1977, and I have a soft spot for omega, I like the look of the Cal.625 from that particular year, and have seen a few nice examples around the £500 mark. Would you have any advice on the de ville, or anything else you mat think I might like from the 1977 era. Take care buddy, liked & subbed as soon as I seen your RU-vid name 😉
Trying to find out more about older watches is hard. There's less info about most of them even basics like which dial options were offered or how or service the movement. I have an old Rolex 1209 and cannot learn much about it.
I have a 1954 Omega gold watch with a Bonklip gold bracelet. It has a 266 handwinding movement with its original champagne dial and a small seconds hand at 6 o'clock. I wear it occasionally. 32mm dial. The clever Bonklip bracelet is easy to use on any size wrist as it just pushes in to the right place. I wear a sterile homage to a Rolex 5513 from 1962 /1963. It has a true- to - the- original domed acrylic crystal. It has a Seagull st16 automatic movement which is accurate to +10 seconds per day. It hacks and handwinds and cost me £55. I wear it on an old Timex black leather strap. If I win the lottery I would buy the original as I love the look. I also have a 38mm Seagull 1963 with a Sapphire domed crystal. I also have several Sea-gull watches from the 1970s and 1980s nos with the Seagull ST5 and ST5D movements. I have a July1939 Soviet Kirovskie watch 43mm with a pie pan case. 9 o'clock sundial. I wear it on an old dark brown Bund strap. I will never sell this watch, so much history.
Actually, they are quite reasonable if compared with other dealers. Beside from buying a reputable seller. When you buy from me, you are 100% worry free! I am a watch maker and I know how to properly restore a vintage Omega watch. On top of that you get my lifetime special warranty which no other dealers on this planet will ever offer that to you. You're also paying for the condition and rarity of the timepiece as well. You will never see a watch on my site that show old sweat from previous owner(s), you'll never see a redial on my site, and you'll never need to worry when you received my watch that the crystal fall off (because of improper fit) or the case back gasket is dried either. :-)
Unfortunately, I do not buy those. But I believe some of my videos, I do have photo examples of poorly aged dials. A poorly aged dial is usually one that is not evenly aged or one with missing font/paint.
About 10 years ago I bought a a 1960s model wittner Geneva watch from a thrift shop for around $5 the watches in very good condition works perfectly I put a lizard skin band on it I recently went on eBay and found a watch just like it without band for $100 and believe me this watch was hard to find image search after image search in your opinion how much do you think this watch is actually worth?
