Come and share your Vintage watches

[siodee]

Got to stage of uploading the images of the watches to photobucket but  unable to link it to MWF.
Will have to consult Scot.C. as to next step. Not very  computer savvy.

Hope to see your vintage collections  ....Not bad, getting more and more vintage collectors member here...

[corporateangel]

I know you guys like rare vintage models so I thought I'd show you my Vacheron Constantin 222 (one of 120 pieces made by VC in Steel/Gold).



Someone said to me the other day "Why are most of your watches in your collection older ones?", I explained that the reason for this is that no one can confuse them for a fake, everywhere I look there seems to be replicas/reproductions/fakes and the thing that I find amusing is that 90%+ of the time you can spot the fakes instantly and 99.9% when you get a chance to have a close look!

[corporateangel]

My Omega Golden Seamaster ref 168.023 and the Omega La Magique side by side.



Further information about the Golden Seamaster can be found here http://www.mediafire.com/file/nodtlhugz4j/GoldenSeamaster.pdf - its one of the true officially documented Omega 'Grail' watches

and the Omega La Magique here http://www.chronocentric.com/forums/omega/index.cgi?md=read;id=58042



Someone said to me the other day "Why are most of your watches in your collection older ones?", I explained that the reason for this is that no one can confuse them for a fake, everywhere I look there seems to be replicas/reproductions/fakes and the thing that I find amusing is that 90%+ of the time you can spot the fakes instantly and 99.9% when you get a chance to have a close look!

[siodee]

Wow, the Omega La Magique is very thin, how is it compare to Piaget???

[corporateangel]

The Magique is thinner than the 'manufacture de haute horlogerie Piaget' ultra thin.

The Magique was made in 1981 and only 261 were made, at the time it was the thinnest watch in the world and was retailed at some ridiculous amount from what I can recall. The watch became known as the Phantom as people had heard of it but very few had actually seen it. The watch was so thin that many snapped, so how many of the original 261 are left is anyone's guess?!

Mine's a Cal 1357 18k gold

Here is a side view showing the thickness:



What really wowed people was the see through face and floating hands - this is my actual watch below

[Hellkite]

That has got to be one of the most intriguing watches I have ever seen. I doubt I will dare hold it if I even got the chance. Such a rare piece! Now where did the movement go with the see through dial? Genius!

Sigh, not much of that kind of workmanship left today..

[siodee]

It is really amazing, thinner than Paiget, how you set the time?? is it quartz??? you are so lucky to have one 

[corporateangel]

Thank you for the kind comments Hellkite and I am so pleased you appreciate the watch. Its regarded as one of Omega's greatest pieces of watch engineering and one that I will hold onto for many years to come.

Hi Siodee, yes its a quartz
(There is a small button right hand side just below half way)

[siodee]

Thanks for the clarification, I wonder what kind of battery it use?? and the small button is to turn or to press??

[corporateangel]

To be honest I haven't got the answers, the watch only came back last month with a new battery, I've never risked trying to open the back to have a look so I have no idea what the battery size is. I have also never played around with the button as its now set to the correct time and I'll leave it that way!
The watch just sits in a big safe and never sees the light of day except when it needs to be photographed or caressed!

[Watchnewby]

Wow! That is some really "Cool" collection you have there, corporateangel!
Thanks for sharing.

Cheers.

[Hellkite]

To be honest I haven't got the answers, the watch only came back last month with a new battery, I've never risked trying to open the back to have a look so I have no idea what the battery size is. I have also never played around with the button as its now set to the correct time and I'll leave it that way!
The watch just sits in a big safe and never sees the light of day except when it needs to be photographed or caressed!

Do you send it to omega here for service or Switzerland? Perhaps the next time it is due for a battery change, you can request for some pics of the movement. Being such a rare watch, I'm sure they'll oblige! 

[siodee]

To be honest I haven't got the answers, the watch only came back last month with a new battery, I've never risked trying to open the back to have a look so I have no idea what the battery size is. I have also never played around with the button as its now set to the correct time and I'll leave it that way!
The watch just sits in a big safe and never sees the light of day except when it needs to be photographed or caressed!

Wow, you really handle with care, is the watch very fragile???

[engkow]

sayang, keep in the big safe, wear it one in a while, never seen so thin and see thru watch. it unique beautiful.

[corporateangel]

I posted some new pics yesterday on an Omega forum of my 'Perfect' La Magique and thought it only right (as I live here in Malaysia) to post them on here. Its quite amazing when you look at how advanced this Omega watch is. This is a true grail watch - reason being that there were so few made in the first place (just 260 in 1981), I know for a fact that hardly any survived and are mostly in private collections and quite simply you can't get one even if you tried!

[khanwooi]

I posted some new pics yesterday on an Omega forum of my 'Perfect' La Magique and thought it only right (as I live here in Malaysia) to post them on here. Its quite amazing when you look at how advanced this Omega watch is. This is a true grail watch - reason being that there were so few made in the first place (just 260 in 1981), I know for a fact that hardly any survived and are mostly in private collections and quite simply you can't get one even if you tried!







and my Vacheron Constantin 222 - one of 120 produced

how the hand move? i tot the center is a glass, wow that nice

[corporateangel]

Hi

Here is some nice information courtesy of Antiquorum that explains more about the watch - hope this helps.

The philosophy that inspired Omega brand to open the Museum Collection was to take the historical timepiece and marry it with the latest technological breakthroughs in the watchmaking. The Omega Museum Collection comprises many exotic and classic watches from the past. La Magique is one of the most exotic watches made by Omega. Many watch collectors may have heard about it, but very few have actually seen it. La Magique or the Magic Watch is among the thinnest watches in the world at the time. Omega started the production of La Magique in 1981 and produced only 261 examples.

The extraordinary technical details make Omega La Magique one of the stylistically most interesting and slimmest watches. It is a 18 carat yellow gold quartz mystery wristwatch with mystery hands.  There are two paper-thin sapphire glass discs instead of 22 hands on the timepiece, marked with gold dust. It has 2.6 mm thin case that is rolled from pure gold ingots and comes in rectangular shape.

The La Magique has a transparent dial center with gilt colored Roman and baton numerals. As it has a transparent dial, the watch can adapt the color of its surroundings. The Omega slim Quartz movement has been used in the watch which is placed off the center. It enables the watch to be transparent and the sleeve or skin of the wearer to show through. It also has the classic leather strap with 18 karat gold buckle and it is stitched by hand and gold clasp are hand-moulded.

Apart from the refined technology, Omega La Magique watch also offers a quantity of craftsmanship. The specialized team have fitted the Cog wheels to the 0.12 mm sapphire discs. It is the real game of patience, putting together a delicate movement by hand with piece. There is absolutely no room for error in a such a slim watch.

I'm glad you watch fans appreciate my watches, as someone that is half Malaysian I am very pleased that we have watches here that are among the watch worlds true rarities, it's just a shame that I see so many fake watches with people trying to convince others that they are real.

[h.chang]

Thanks for the info. Amazing Omega!

[corporateangel]

I just wanted to let the hardcore watch fans know that my Omega La Magique is for sale on Ebay, as is my Vacheron Constantin 222.

I have decided to look into buying a boat and my wife says that I need to sell some things before buying more!

The Omega La Magique is (from the emails I have received from prospective buyers) the only one for sale in the World, I also looked online and couldn't find a Vacheron 222 for sale like mine with the grey dial anywhere, so some super rarities to add to your collection - if you have the money

The majority of my collection will be staying in the bank safe - via mutual negotiation with my wife!

If anyone is interested, lust type Omega La Magique or Vacheron Constantin 222 on Ebay

[h.chang]

Just noticed that there is a seller of a La Maqique for  spare part for less than US$500 on ebay.

[corporateangel]

Hi H.Chang

Yes you are right, but this is just the glass dial for the watch, nothing else

[Hellkite]

Just out of curiosity, what else do you have in your safe that you decided to let these 2 go?

Also, for something as rare as that, why not one of the watch auction houses like C or A.

[corporateangel]

Hi Hellkite

With regards to the Auction Houses, I know some of the heads personally of the bigger auction houses and let me just say that, I feel a little more in control doing things myself

The reason for letting these watches go is I am in Penang, most of my collectors pieces are in the UK at my other home. I really never get to see most of my bits and pieces, my wife has said that I can look into getting a boat but I have to sell some things before I go any further. We sat down and had a talk and we agreed, 3 maybe 4 watches, some of my art and some antiques. I have even agreed to sell one of my Penang treasures! http://www.ebaxxxxxxxxxxssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

It only makes up about 10% of my collection so as much as I dislike the idea - matrimonial harmony comes first!

Other watches in my collection include

An Omega 18k 1950s one off ladies watch
Asprey Chronograph Number 8 18k
Bvlgari Diagono Pro Terra Chrono CH40GGDTA 18k
Patek Philippe ref 1584 (from 1947) 18k
Patek Philippe ref 3944 (from 1986 going up for sale today) 18k
Invicta limited edition chronograph solid 18k gold with exhibition back (1 of 150)
Rado integral prestige maxi men digital/analogue R20456152

there's quite a few others mostly vintage, maybe another 10-15 but this should give some idea. And I should mention that they are ALL originals

The Patek Calatrava that I will be putting up for sale today is a stunner, absolutely mint condition, not a scratch, everything original Patek (clasp, strap etc) Archive Extract paperwork and certification from Patek and the original box - a nice present for someone at Christmas for probably less than half price!
My signature gives some background into what I do, I spend a lot of my time talking to the owners of the watch companies, this is one of the reasons my watch collection kept growing. If anyone is interested in adding a super rare watch to the collection then they can PM me or get hold of me via www.luxuriousmagazine.com

I'll be in Singapore in December for a private presentation dinner along with the watchmakers and ten of the regions big watch collectors (not saying I'm one) for the handing over of a USD$150,000+ one of a kind hand made watch to the new owner. 

[auction links removed - forum mods]

[h.chang]

Auction houses take a commission of the sale too! Was it 10 or 15 %?

[corporateangel]

In the UK auction houses charge anything from 8% up to 20% of the final sale price for selling an item, then you have VAT (Value added tax) on top