Vintage
G99's acquisition of a 1964 Omega Seamaster 600 reference 136.011 with a caliber 611 movement offers a compelling narrative on the value and accessibility of vintage collecting. His experience of finding a 'bargain' and successfully bringing it back to life underscores the enduring appeal of mid-century Omega pieces. This post provides a practical example of how collectors can acquire quality vintage watches without exceeding modern budgets.
i have been trying not to buy anything else for a while not that any of you will have noticed any slowing down 
this one was an absolute bargain which it would have been rude to ignore. a seamaster 600 ref 136.011 with the 611 date movement. i thought this would be nice to keep my 601 non date model company.
it was advertised as having been stored for 30 years, working, winding, but occasionally stopping. i was happy to take the risk that it just needed a service and the auction ended up at far less than most people pay for a strap. it arrived yesterday and i was mightily impressed. the only reason i could see that it was stopping was that the back end of the second hand was sticking on the minute hand and either moving the minute hand or stopping the movement. i played with the crown a bit to move the hands around to try to readjust the second hand which seemed to work and its been working pretty much perfectly all night on my wrist and now on the table beside me. its off for a service tomorrow, but here are some pics of it as it stands now.
excellent dial with just a very small amount of spotting.
its got a few scratches on the back, but hey, i remember when i was pleased to wake up with the same thing
a virtually spotless movement.
it just shows that if you know where to look you dont have to spend a lot of money to buy a nice watch. this is the main reason i am being steered back to vintage pieces because all the new pieces are way out of my budget. i know some might say it is better to have a small number of high quality pieces rather than a large number of cheaper pieces. each to his own i say and i would also argue that 1960's Omegas are good quality pieces so i get the best of both worlds, quality and quantity.
enjoy
Graham
The Omega Seamaster reference 135.011 is a notable example from the Seamaster 600 series, distinguished by its manual-winding movement and straightforward time-only display. This reference represents a period when Omega focused on robust, reliable timepieces for everyday wear, offering a more accessible entry point into the Seamaster collection compared to its more complicated siblings. Its design emphasizes clarity and durability, aligning with the practical ethos of the Seamaster line during the mid-20th century.
This particular reference features a stainless steel case, typically measuring 34mm in diameter, housing the Omega Caliber 601 manual-winding movement. This movement is known for its reliability and a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. The watch is fitted with an acrylic crystal, providing a classic aesthetic and a degree of impact resistance. Water resistance was rated at 30 meters, suitable for daily wear and protection against splashes.
For collectors, the 135.011 appeals to those seeking a pure, unadorned Seamaster with a well-regarded manual movement. Its non-date configuration offers a clean dial presentation, often in silver, which enhances legibility. The reference fits into the broader Seamaster lineage as a testament to Omega's commitment to producing dependable watches without unnecessary embellishments, making it a solid choice for enthusiasts of vintage Omega timepieces.
You will never stop collecting '64 wathces, my friend! Another amazing catch! I admire your efforts to gather such lovely pieces. Congratulations are in order. Best, 50 quids, you're the King! Nicolas
what can i say my friend, its an addiction that fills the lonely hours between waking and sleeping :) it also fills the safe with enjoyment and potential investment. best the boy from 64.
... after doing more and more homework on those 1960's Omegas. indeed Omega made a lot of great movement with very reasonable cost during that time . among all my Seamaster 600, i have one with date function, but housed with cal.613. pic is attached to share with you. stefan
thats a nice 613 Stefan. i think i've seen it before in another post. IMO you cant beat vintage Omega for the best quality for the money. i look at other brands and the prices are very high for something that doesnt look to be any better although they are on my list as i would like to diversify. i'm thinking that 2 600's are all i need. 1 date and 1 non date. best Graham
look forward to our mini GTG in a few weeks..:o)
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