Advise on buying my first vintage watch - seamaster 166.002

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Twoone

·Mar 12, 2020

Hi guys,

I joined the forum recently, but have been reading for a while. I own some modern watches, but Im now ready to buy my first vintage watch and I prefer a 60s seamaster.
Just found a nice looking watch, but as im new to vintage watches its very hard to determine if the price is good and if it has original parts.

Details: Seamaster 166.002 from 1966. Cal 565

From the pictures the dial looks original to me and the movement seems te be in a good clean shape. Also i found the small omega omega logo on the plexiglass.

I should be able to buy around € 800 - € 900

Can those expert here help me out? 😀

 

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Vanallard

·Mar 12, 2020

Welcome! You should be able to find one for approximately half the asking price.

Keep an eye out in the sales section.

Here's a nice example if you don't mind the factory replacement dial:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-seamaster-2577-6.108798/

 

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Dan S

·Mar 12, 2020

One usually likes to see straight on photos that haven’t been tampered with, and better lighting. That said, I don’t see any obvious problems.

 

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Noddyman

·Mar 12, 2020

Around €600 would be a fair price for this watch imo.. At €800 it’s not that big a pill to swallow, especially if you don’t have the time or inclination to search out a better deal.

 

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Twoone

·Mar 12, 2020

Thank you all for your opinions! Maybe i just need some more patience to find the right watch for the right price.

I also found a nice one with a black dial which is a ref 165.003 with cal 552. It looks nice to me but i learned that especially for those black ones a lot of redialed versions are out there. What are youre thoughts on this one? Price should be around € 700.

 

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ChrisN

·Mar 12, 2020

The black dialled watch seems to be missing the bezel (the gold part that goes around the outside of the crystal). For me, you don't need to look further as that should stop you buying it.

Regards, Chris

 

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Twoone

·Mar 12, 2020

Well now that you told me, its quite obvious... Thanks!

 

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X350 XJR

·Mar 12, 2020·Vintage Omega Aficionado

Aside from the missing bezel the case shows extreme wear to the lugs and the dial is refinished.

 

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Twoone

·Mar 12, 2020

Clear. I might just overthink sticking with the 166.002 I originally posted and overpaying a bit or just look around a little more 😀

 

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Spruce

·Mar 12, 2020·Sunburst dial fan

I think you may be best off looking around a little/lot more 😀

 

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TexOmega

·Mar 12, 2020

Plus it has a generic replacement crown.

 

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Edward53

·Mar 13, 2020

I think the first one is pretty decent, overpriced IMO by about 300 Euros. That's a collector / ebay price - most dealers would ask a 4-figure sum. You also have to factor in a service. If you like the watch, your decision depends on what is more important to you: the time, effort and uncertainty of finding another in similar condition at a lower price (could take six months, could be next week), or the money.

That black one is just nasty. Something bad seems to have happened to the 7 marker.

 

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Twoone

·Mar 14, 2020

Thanks again all! I managed to get the price down a bit and decided to go ahead on the 166.002 as it is from a dealer which happened to be close to where I live. Now waiting for the watch, cant wait to wear it

 

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Peter_from_NL

·Mar 14, 2020

One other factor to consider is the service history. If it was recently serviced it is also worth a chunk out of the asking price.

 

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DaveK

·Mar 14, 2020·Yoda of Yodelers

Show us some pics when it arrives 👍

 

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DJG2645

·Mar 14, 2020

Look forward to seeing pics when it arrives 😀

 

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Twoone

·Mar 17, 2020

Its on my wrist! Im actually quite happy, it looks amazing for me as a vintage newbie.

 

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DJG2645

·Mar 17, 2020

That looks really smart and welcome to the club! Enjoy wearing it with pride 😀