Hi All, Preface: The higher quality images (front, back, side marking) are not from my potential watch but from the other individual referenced below and are used as reference. The lower quality are from the seller. He is an older gentleman that might not have the best camera on his phone. Thanks or taking the time to ease my nerves on a potential purchase. I have the opportunity to buy this watch, but after reviewing the omega website https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-seamaster-cosmic-st-166-0023 I am under the impression the (ST) 166.(0)023 only was available in steel. The metal guide says ST is steel and I can't find any other omega reference to a 166.023 that is gold plated. I was able to find another individual on Watchuseek https://forums.watchuseek.com/f20/omega-seamaster-cosmic-automaticgold-2565210.html who had one and no one brought up red flags about case material. The gentleman I would be buying from claims it was his uncle's presentation watch from the military he has had for 40+ years. The engraving ATFU, from research, is military slang for someone constantly making mistakes, further assuring me he is truthful about the origins of the watch. He says it runs and has never been serviced because "it is in near mint condition and doesn't need it." I will probably get it serviced for new lubrication and any orings/gaskets it may have but want to keep as many original parts as possible. My biggest concern is about the case material and was hoping to find someone who knew more about the watch and its production. Any advice on the price range for a watch like this would also be helpful. If you have any other concerns with the watch feel free to speak your mind. Thanks in advance,
Can't really comment on the condition based on the provided photos, but it's clearly and correctly marked 40 for 40 microns gold-plated. For pricing check eBay SOLD listings.
I am confused by the photos. Are the first two of a different watch, and the rest from the one you are considering?
The first three are from a differnt post i found on a different forum. These photos were of much higher quality so I added them for reference. The final three photos are from the watch I'm considering.
I see that the case is correctly marked, but from my research I was unable to find anywhere that stated the 166.023 came in any material other than Steel. My main concern is if a gold plated case was ever made for the 166.023.
Did Omega ever produce a gold plated 166.0023? So my main concern is the omega website only has a reference 166.0023 in ST there is no (listed) version of the 166.0023 that ever came gold plated. Is this simply a lack of information on Omega's vintage catalogs/records?
Omega's database doesn't cover all variations, far from it. This one has all the relevant markings and a cursory search on Google images will most likely yield a number of gold plated models.
Thanks, that is what I wanted to hear. I have seen a few online from random searches but wanted to make sure they weren't fakes or known replicas.
You'll struggle to find decent replica/fake vintage Omegas unless you're looking at Seamaster 120/300s. By far the most common way of fiddling with authenticity is frankened watches.