Quote:
Originally Posted by hud 91gt
Now I have something to work towards to replace this one! What's the market value of those these days?
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They range quite a bit... the 1950s and earlier ones are similar aesthetically but use a different movement, they are called "bumpers" and are worth $150 - $250 for an unrestored but halfway decent stainless example. The one I posted is an early 60s model and they are quite a bit more desirable, they are worth $300 - $500 for an unrestored stainless model and up to around $1200 for a "like brand new" restored one. It's worth noting that there are tons of reputable watchmakers who restore these watches but not using 100% original parts - sort of like restoring a classic car but using wheels from a slightly different year, etc. They look great and are functionally perfect but are from a collectability perspective, not quite as valuable.
These are all automatic watches. The one thing to watch out for is that dress watches in these time periods were MUCH smaller than now... 95% of those watches from that vintage are around 35mm in diameter and 10mm thick.
A "cheap" (and mediocre condition) 50s bumper:
1954 Vintage Omega Seamaster Men's Watch Stainless Cal.334 Bumper Automatic 34mm | eBay
A "cheap" 60s automatic:
Early 1960s Vintage Omega Seamaster, Automatic | eBay
A fully restored 60s automatic with some gold (this is not an original dial, but a good reproduction with the additional Tiffany's logo which is definitely a negative on the value). Great looking though...
SPECTACULAR 14K SOLID GOLD TIFFANY DIAL SEAMASTER DAY/DATE - SIGNED 6X SERVICED | eBay
Mark