zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

: Question regarding forum formats, how best to market a piece?
: Noticing this forum is not for advertising yet the
: "ChronoTrader Sales Forum" must list as "wanted
: or for sale", how do I best get an honest value? I
: purchased an Omega Seamaster Chrono automatic stainless day/date
: new while in the U.S. Navy in Japan in 1968 and my wife had it
: serviced for our 25th anniversary 10 years back after it sat in
: a cigar box for quite a few years. (so much for the beads of
: rice bracelet, gone!). Seems the rare occasions I wear the watch
: I bang up the crystal (replaced at least 3 times) and am
: accustomed to a Tag Hueur old stainless Pro 200 Meters I've had
: since the early 90's. Messing on the web the last few weeks I've
: gotten totally confused on Ebay and sites that purchase watches
: and then find a resale market. Locally here in the Chicago
: suburbs I popped in two places and one offered 600 and another
: 150 yet I've seen prices of a grand + on sites like Collectors
: Weekly. One jeweler, Old Father Time, suggested I not wear it as
: the automatic movement should be dormant if not always going.
: Does that make sense? In addition, apparently folks think you
: might be selling a fake old Omega on Ebay so not sure how to get
: around that either?
: The closest I've seen to my watch is on a site called Omegaphilia
: so I think it's a caliber 564 but stainless, not gold as in that
: site's picture.
: If anyone has any suggestions where I might get an honest
: value/price it would be appreciated. Bob Rush, Orland Park, IL

First, educate yourself about your watch. What is the basic data?

Brand: Omega
Collection: Seamaster
Model/case number: engraved/stamped inside the case back
Functions: ?? like chronograph, date, chronometer
Movement -- open the watch and get the calibre number (3 digits) and movement (8 digits)

With that basic data, find comparisons on Ebay and the various sales forums.
Ebay -- only look at completed auctions which actually resulted in sales; the volume of transactions there is unequaled anywhere else
Ignore retail sales websites -- the prices are overblown and often include inaccurate data
Sales forums -- try to find completed sales; prices are marked up so they can be marked down.

Remember, in the preowned market, a retailer will only offer to buy from you at a wholesale price -- but you can sell for retail on Ebay or a Sales Forum.

The single most important selling point: good photographs that include all the needed information.
Clear photos of the face, case back, crown, movement and inside of the case back.
Watches with photos sell; watches without photos don't. Watches with good photos sell for more, often a lot more.
Good descriptions, with details on the watch and why you are selling it also help.

Good luck