What’s the oldest watch you have? And why?
I sold a variety of Swiss and non-swiss brands for a long time when I worked as a jeweller. At the same time, I developed an interest in antique jewellery and watches.
So whether is cheap or expensive, working or not, 5 years old or 100+ years old, what’s the oldest watch you own? Is it a sentimental piece or something you purchased because of its model?
Just hoping to find out about some more different watches out there!
1967 Omega Seamaster DeVille. I got it FREE on Craigslist in a “free bag of watches”. Most were garbage, but I could barely make out the Omega logo. I raced across town to grab them, then right to a local AD and horologist for verification. And a service. 😊
Nicely done! The folks over at r/thriftstorehauls may appreciate that story
That is amazing…. I’m going to scour marketplaces now 😂
Wow! When was this? How much was the service? I just had my 1994 3590.50 serviced and I was lucky to find a guy and not have to ship it to Switzerland where it would have received a lobotomy and a facelift. 😬
This was 2018 and the service was $350. He was highly regarded and the price seemed fair. It required a part or two. This was at the front end of my interest in watches so I didn’t really understand what he was explaining what he had to replace. I think it lacked any shock protection and perhaps the balance wheel was broken from a drop, or something. It was very rough looking when I got it.
Fourth wheel, mainspring, yada yada. Yeah, I don’t understand all the parts either.
That’s a great deal!
From your basic description I’m guessing the balance staff broke from an impact, perhaps even a shattered or cracked cap jewel. Non shock protected watches were stupidly prone to broken balance staffs from drops.