Found: 3 Watches That Prove Omega Is the Best Value in Vintage Timekeeping

You’d be hard pressed to find a better entry into vintage collecting.

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For a brand that has for so long been the closest rival to Rolex in terms of innovation and name cachet, vintage Omega timepieces are hugely undervalued. Granted, there are plenty of rare and iconic vintage Omegas out there that go for big bucks at auction (various iterations of the Speedmaster come to mind), but the core models from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s that were made in huge numbers — Seamasters, De Villes, Constellations and the like — can be found easily for around $1,000. If you’re looking for an entry point into vintage collecting, you’d be hard pressed to find anything better.

Omega Constellation

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What we like: The Constellation came in various shapes and sizes, but this cushion-cased example from late in the model’s run is a great example. The seller claims it’s all orginal and that, with some proper servicing, it should keep time in accordance with COSC standards.
From the seller: Everything is original, including dial, crown and signed crystal (95 percent scratch-free). The watch has just been serviced, runs strong and is keeping great time.

Omega Seamaster

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What we like: Though most associate the Seamaster name with Bond and burly dive watches, many early Seamasters were humble, water-resistant dress watches. Today you can find any number of Seamasters from the ’50s and ’60s in great shape for a song, like this original one from 1967.
From the seller: All original. Extrememly light wear for its age. Keeping time.

Omega Chronostop

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What we like: The Chronostop is the chronograph simplified. Instead of having a running seconds hand and subdials, the Chronostop has one seconds hand activated by pusher that works as a 60-second timer. Further, the gray dial, orange hand and torneau case are emblematic of early ’70s watch design.
From the seller: Very clean original gray dial with applied silver indexes, white print and detailed minutes and seconds outer track. Powered by automatic 865 caliber movement. Recently serviced.