Good day OFs!

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1962 seamaster ref. 14770 with cal 562.
This is an alternative to the ref 14701 that I posted in another thread.

It is gold capped (which I dont have an aversion for)

Case condition and movement is very good.
Is the case polished? It is hard to see as it so thin.

The crystal is a generic replacement as the original came spidered.

Is the crown original?

There is a light even patina on the dial.

Asking price is $461 with recent service and 1 year warranty and the period buckle I showed in another post (which I was going to purchase from this seller).

The ref 14770 indicates a unishell case but the seller says that the case is opened by removing the bezel first then the glass.Is that the same as a unishell? Are unishell cases an issue in terms of fragility?

I think for the age the condition of all parts is very good and the price is good too?

Although I would appreciate your valuable opinions?

Regards Neal

 

After doing an internet search it looks like the crown is not original and does not match the color of the case. The case doesnt look polished.

Is this a good price for the condition considering there are spots on the dial?

Opinions would be much appreciated

 

Hello all!

Is nobody going to reply?

I guess I'm learning which models and references are the flavour and which ones are not sought after

 

Looks good in my opinion - not redialed and the spots seems to be proof. Not dial expert.
I do not know about the crown - gold for gold plated maybe makes sense? You should cross check with some Seamaster data base.
Add 100 USD extra for some original strap replacement and I think investment makes sense. Maybe original can be refubrished?

Personally for this amount I would be considering to purchase it.

 

Commonly known as a front loader. As you probably know very common watch in the day and not as collectable as the Constellations and other models.
Still a nice entry level watch. This watch was many a newbies gateway watch to collecting

https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-omega-seamaster-de-ville-omega-ot-14770

Latter model was marked the Seamaster Deville or just Deville.

 

I have 2 old omega watches from this era in my collection. The 500 series movements in my opinion represent the best of Omega's in-house auto wind movements and although the watch is in rough shape, if it was properly serviced, the buckle thrown in for good measure makes this a good deal. I have a couple of beaters that I have and although they are not pristine, they are still working well and serving the purpose for which they were intended, some 50-70 years later. This is no museum piece but the movement is among the best.

 

It looks very nice and, for the price you’ve been quoted, I’d happily buy and wear it

 

Hey @nkb - I totally get you are eager to get your first vintage Omega and asking here is the smartest thing you can do (wish I had before I stared buying mistakes), but Seamaster’s like these can be had in much better condition for very little more than what that one is going for. I get the bargain hunting, and you say you like a little patina- which many people do, but if you decide to sell it in the future, it’s all about condition and the better the condition, the more it will retain value, if not gain.

For some perspective- this is the same year as the one you posted- only made 1 year- 1962- the Pre-Deville Seamaster. Mine came with the original bracelet which was also only made in 1962. The whole kit was $650- only $200 more than the one above.


Be patient and read much about these watches- when you spot the real diamond in the rough you can snatch it up fast

 

Oh- and the one above is very pretty and the speckles on the dial aren’t horrible- it could be a nice daily wear for the right price

 

Thanks JwRosenthal very sound advice indeed. This is why I come here to learn from you guys the experts!

Actually I do have one vintage omega. In terms of condition it is a diamond out of the rough!

A 1969 constellation 168.016 in ss with ordinal crystal and

What price would you think is correct?

 

Have we not seen this Connie?? Did I miss that? You must share!
Several have said the current price is fair, and I won’t argue that- it probably is. I was just making the counter point that for a few dollars more you can hold out and get a better example- but if this one speaks to you then grab it. At worst, if you find a better example than you can flip it for the same as you bought it or at worst lose a few bucks. If this were a Speedmaster of the same vintage in that condition, this wouldn’t even be a question -you buy it fast. But these watches are far more plentiful and cheap enough that holding out for better isn’t a proposition of possibly losing out.
Another example of patience- SM600, paid $365 on eBay- it’s damn near flawless.

 

From the same seller who is offering the seamaster above

 

I am looking for a second piece that I can use a daily wearer or "beater"

 

Paid $727 for it. Condition screamed out to me and I wear it occasionally want to keep that condition preserved. I'm flawed by the quality of the case build and the efficiency of the 751 cal movement. Just as good if not better than modern day movements IMO!

 

You sure you want something so similar as your second piece?

 

That's a good point you make! I was thinking that too! I should probably go for something different!

 

That Connie is wonderful!! I have always loved those two-toned hands.

FYI, the factory bracelet for that Connie is awesome and they come up often for very little money (if you aren’t a bracelet guy, this would make you one). I have one on my 1967 Seamaster technical dial and it fits very well. I remember seeing it in a catalog on your Connie, but can’t find the catalog pic now.

 

I don’t see that Connie and a gold Seamaster being too similar at all.