What time is it? Watches and horology

I would like an older Airking, I have The Fear about buying one second hand though.
It'll be some or, or all of:

One watch made from four different watches of the same brand, and a bit of a Seiko
Stolen
On the wrong bracelet
Fucked

So you either need to invest the time in figuring out how to determine that any watch you're buying is none of these things (and more, as there are other, more likely and more consequential risks of buying a used watch), buy from a reputable person you trust, or use a dealer (and pay them to do this for you, at a markup obvs). There are plenty of good watches out there (not on ebay).

If you have something in mind post decent pictures of the dial and movement here (or any watch forum) and you'll get an opinion...

What don't we like about the current Airking?

May well be in the market for a new watch, and that was a possibility.

I really don't like the numerals.

This is much nicer (although I'm a bit vague on face colour at the moment):

FTW

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You are correct. That is much better.

Thanks.

You’re looking at 5500’s which are 34mm. Assuming that’s ok the main risks for vintage are that hands, crystal, bracelet or crown have been replaced, possibly with incorrect parts, or that the dial has had work on it. The latter will reduce the value by 30-50%. That last watch you posted is from a dealer so ask them if they’ll confirm this is original unrefinished dial on your receipt.
Check the watch isn’t assembled from several watches. So check serial numbers on movement are consistent with period and age and is the correct movement.
Then check for excessive polishing on the case. Polished watches have thin, rounded lugs and look anaemic. Very few dealer watches are unpolished as general public buyers hate buying a scratched watch. Collectors prefer them as it’s evidence that they’re not polished. A heavily repolished case like the one above will reduce the value by ~30-50%.

Sounds like I should ask an agent to find me a watch, for a %, as I simply don't have the time or ability to do all that.

This is all good advice but in reality I have only encountered bad rolexes on eBay and in those cases it was easy to spot.

True. Ebay is a horrible dumping ground especially for redials, not just Rolexes but Omegas, Zeniths, UGs, anything I'm in to. I can't comment on other brands but I suspect it's the same.

That said there’re a lot of perfectly nice watches on Chrono24 of all makes which have been polished to within an inch of their lives 😖

if anybody is looking or knows anybody that is looking for an Omega planet ocean bracelet 22mm let me know!!

Everybody knows 5700 > 5500

Hot.

It predates quick set dates so I get a blister on my thumb every time I set mine.

#1%erProblems

My DJ is the same. Dat click at midnight dough.

#pray4stonehedge

I’m thinking about getting a watch for my 50th birthday in January. I like the idea of getting one which was made in 1968 - the year of my birth. I’d like an Omega or something similar. Having looked online for something suitable, I have found that this is not an easy task. Has anyone any pointers? I suspect any purchase will have to be online and I don’t have a clue regarding watches. How would I know if a watch is legitimate and the mechanism is original? Should I worry if the mechanism has been changed etc?

Thanks for any advice

Not related to authenticity, etc but I was talking to a watch dealer a while back who told me that prices are bumped up for anniversary years and a premium will be charged for those seeking to do what you're looking.

For a large number of watches the date is also only approximate within a few years.

(Not what you want to hear obviously.)

Thanks. That is what I wanted to hear! I might reconsider.

Have you looked at any vintage Omega's that tickle your fancy?

Different watches have different things to look out for.

I have only seen one Omega. Plain dress watch in a silver coloured casing. Not sure what site I was looking at though. Around £850. 1968 might be a slow year for watches.

Look for a Omega Seamaster sparkle (Omega Seamaster Cal. 750). A lot of them where made around the end of the 60's

before buying post some photos here. there are many knowledgable members that can determine whether the watch is legitimate or not.

https://omegaforums.net/forums/vintage-omega-watches-help-discussion-and-advice.23/

Thanks for the info. As a starting point, opinions on this would be appreciated.

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