Hi guys, I've just purchased my 1st vintage omega on ebay. I'm always a little dubious when buying from ebay as I like to see things in the flesh before I buy, but felt a little impulsive. I had the idea that, knowing very little about what would constitute to a good buy or a huge mistake, I would go for a watch that I liked and would be happy wearing and happy paying for. With that in mind, I found a Seamaster Deville (see pictures). I really like the look of the watch and seemed to be in reasonable condition for the price. I have found out little bits of information by searching for the serial number etc. but it differs to alot of the devilles that I have found from the same time period and I was hoping you could help clear up a few matters. 1) The caseback has no 'seamaster' emblem (I have seen most with, but some without. Not sure of the relevance) 2) There is no day/date on the dial. Almost all others that I have found have this. 3) The serial number from the caseback doesn't seem to correspond to anything I can find online. Am I being a bit thick? 4) I've heard reference of different levels of quality of these pieces. The item description said that this had a steel case with solid gold bezel and gold-capped lugs. Does this sound normal? As I said, I bought this as it is a watch that I really do like and will wear on a regular basis, so if you have any more information for me, good or bad, it will be welcomed. Many thanks
If this is the one from alex in mexico, he is a very highly regarded seller on this forum so you should be in good hands!
It also looks like one of Kstars, who I have also has a lot of communication with and I believe is equally as trustworthy.
This is the closest I can find for you. Sometimes its easier to just put the first couple of digits into the database and have a good search through the 10-20 results. http://www.omegawatches.com/spirit/history/vintage-omegas/vintage-watches-database ents' leather strap Reference BD 165.0020 International collection 1962 Movement Type: Automatic (mechanical) Caliber number: 552 Created in 1958 24 jewels Central sweep-second hand Case 14K solid yellow gold Case back Unishell (case opening on dial side) Dial With hand-rivetted gold hour markers and gold "stick" hands. With "Seamaster" (until 1963) or "Seamaster De Ville" (since 1963) on the dial. Crystal Armoured hesalite Bracelet Leather Water resistance 30 meters
No problem. Its all on the database in the link. For all its faults, its an amazing source of information.
Sometimes there were no Seamaster logos on the back because it might have been meant to be a presentation watch but it never was given so it was never engraved. The crown is a replacement but that's an easy fix. Overall it looks good.