Hi all,

I came across this '64 SMDV on a site called Quality Vintage Timepieces which seems legit (https://omegaforums.net/threads/quality-vintage-timepieces.50872/) but I just wanted to run it by the more experienced folk for some general feedback.

Year: 1964
Case model: 166.020
Calibre: 562 24 jewel mechanism
Case width: 34.5mm

It all looks there except there are some scratch marks on the dial and the crystal is brand new and a tad too shiny. The Hippocampus logo is missing from the caseback but I believe this wasn't too uncommon. Some were left blank for personal and presentation engraving.

Have I missed anything?




As always, thank you for your pearls of wisdom!
Candle00

 

Looks like a nice example. The lugs look sharp, though there are a couple tiny damage spots. The back of the case looks very polished for some reason. The asking price of $1050 is quite excessive in my opinion, but that's to be expected from a dealer. The fact that it's been serviced is a plus. Good luck if you decide to negotiate for it.

 

Ya it's a pretty decent example of a reference that has exploded in popularity recently IMO. Looks freshly serviced. $1050 is steep though. Not sure what's going on on the back of the watch.

 

all good except no horse on the back!

 

I've just come across this one on eBay. Some slight patina and aging which adds to the character. I doubt it would sell for the price of the dealer watch at $1050.

The seller adds that 'he doesn't have the right tools to show the movement' so hasn't detailed the case ref. Red flag? He does have 100% positive feedback and specialises in vintage watches.

 

Because of the case design these top-loaders are tricky to open up, you need a crystal lift and you have to remove the crown/stem, so most people don't try it. In my experience, having owned several with monocoque cases like this, USUALLY the movement is in good condition. However, if you see any evidence of moisture ingress into the watch, i.e. oxidation on the dial or around the stem, weird dial degradation, etc. be very careful and insist on a movement pic before considering a buy. IMO you can do better than this one, to me the dial is not particularly attractive and the hands are darkened by some kind of corrosion.

 

Thanks Gordon. I think I'll heed your advice and pass up on both of these. Despite the high price point on the first SMDV I could've potentially been swayed had it had a Hippocampus caseback. The search continues!

 

You've probably gotten this advice before but keep an eye on the private watch sales section of the forum. These come up with fair regularity and have the added advantage of being vetted and critiqued by many members of the community. If you have a timeline and need one for a gift or something similar and don't have the luxury of taking your time keep posting and asking questions. Happy holidays.

 

Time for the pedants to rise @Gordon Heavyfoot .

The first (and maybe the second) one is the "Monocoque" case where the movement is accessed by removing the bezel/crystal assembly with a case knife after removing the crown/stem assembly.

The somewhat similar "Unicoc" style is the one where the removal of the crystal with a crystal lift is used.

You can usually spot a Monocoque case by the small gap between the bezel and the case (under the crown if it's been correctly assembled).

 

From one pedant to another, feel free to pedanticize at any time! Sometimes the devil is in the details. I think I see what you mean. In watches like some of the Dynamics the crystal itself is removed using a lift (or compressed air) to access the dial/movement, whereas in the Devilles the entire bezel containing the crystal is removed with a bench knife? Appreciate the clarification. Is there a technical name for the Dynamic-type case? Unibody?

 

While we are in a pedantic mood, I'll just add that the case design does tend to assist with protection from water, but it does nothing to protect the movement from wear due to lack of servicing. So if you mean "good condition" in that there is no corrosion damage you may be right, but if you mean good condition overall, I don't think the case design comes into play at all.

Cheers, Al