I am not buying, only daydreaming for the time being.

I have always been interested in a vintage Omega black dial Seamaster with the beads of rice band.

Like the second pic here: https://omegaforums.net/thread...-bor-bracelet.79292/

How would someone even go about buying one of these without getting scammed?

I already know servicing them is expensive too.

One day I might talk myself into it, but in the meantime, I'd like to window shop, start learning about what they actually sell for, etc.

Thanks in advance.

Dangerous business. Even some of the best collectors have been fooled by fakes.

I'd start by thinking how I'd get rid of them after my interests changed. And then start hanging out on watch forums. RolexForum has a sub-forum on Omega watches.

Since I no longer wear a watch, I'd probably get a similarly-sized quartz watch with the same "look" first. And see if I still want it on my wrist.

Watchuseek is a good forum on watches with a robust classified section. It is a good, tight community, so a long time member and seller has some credibility just by being there.

Dave Truong. I got my 1946 Rolex from him.

quote:

How does one go about buying authentic vintage watches?

With care, extreme care and only from a reputable dealer.

That one is authentic, but someone has polished the copper coating off the plates and rotor.

It's not worth over $600 now.

quote:

Originally posted by Mars_Attacks:
That one is authentic, but someone has polished the copper coating off the plates and rotor.

It's not worth over $600 now.

I'm not even sure what parts those are. That example sold long ago but your price sounds better!

quote:

Originally posted by Oz_Shadow:

quote:

Originally posted by Mars_Attacks:
That one is authentic, but someone has polished the copper coating off the plates and rotor.

It's not worth over $600 now.

I'm not even sure what parts those are. That example sold long ago but your price sounds better!

Having admitted that you don't know what the most visible parts of a watch mechanism are, once the back has been removed, I suggest you get a 'How a wristwatch works 101' before you dip a toe into such a specialised area of collection/buying.

I just looked at a frankenwatch a guy bought made out of many Omega parts with an aftermarket case, which effectively makes a fake.

He's beyond pissed and thankfully bought it with paypal.

There are reputable dealers of used high end watches. Check out Tourneau and Govberg. As mentioned earlier, WatchUseek is an excellent forum and source of information.

The first thing I tell people when looking to buy watches from a non AD or not from a brick and mortar stores "Buy the Seller"
What this means is look at the reputation of the seller. If they are selling on one of the watch forums, Research their posts and feedback. Make sure they have been an active member of a forum and not just there to try to sell stuff. Search user name on the internet. Do your due diligence. I have read lately on Watchuseek.com about people getting scammed out of several thousand dollars.

The next part may be harder finding the watch you want. Vintage watches can be tricky. Are they worth what the owner is asking, has it been serviced and what kind of shape is it in. Can it be services based on parts availability.
If a price is to good to be true than it might be.
Join a watch forum that has a vintage section. If you find a watch you are interested in and can get clear pictures post them and ask the members opinions. If it is from a member of the forum you are on research their feed back and other things they have they posted.
When it comes to payment that can be just as tricky. Some want bank transfers only and if it is a scam once your money is transferred it is pretty much gone, so if it is a scam you may never get your money back.
Others here have also given good advice.

Good luck.

I am very confident buying pre owned from Tourneau I bought a Patek Phippe Calatrava and Rolex Submariner, both in like new restored condition.

Sounds worse than collecting Lugers.

Read the forums for a long time and research like crazy. Get lots of pics, (this is about a third of what I got when I bought this one long ago -- now long gone). Check out the buyer. Long time members are best on the various forums. Go to WatchRecon to search all forums at once. Buy the seller AND the watch.






And good luCk!

There are a lot of watch forums and Facebook groups for just about every brand, every era and every technology. When you buy a used watch, you are buying the previous owner. I have done a few deals you would not believe - traded one watch for another of equal value, cross-country, both of us shipped on the same day, had a phone call or two and checked out each other's eBay histories. Another time in Germany I wanted to buy a watch at 6pm on a Friday night from a shop that wouldn't take credit cards, I couldn't get $1800 out of an ATM and was going back to the US the next morning. Store owner told me to take the watch and wire him the money within two weeks, even gave me the VAT refund paperwork, stating I had paid cash. Better yet - his real job was a customs investigator.

Watch folks are sort of like gun folks - you just know when you're dealing with one of the good guys and when you need to walk away.

I have a friend who owns a watch repair shop in Tucson who has cracked open a few Rolex watches for someone who bought over the Internet, and found a cheap ETA movement inside.

He claims the Rolex brand is most easily faked.