Community Stories

Bought a beat up watch because I couldn’t pass

Walrus
Posts
10,766
Likes
52,885
Hello hope everyone is well. I came across a 1965 omega seamaster deville. I’ll try putting up a pic but if films worse than it looks. The crystal is not original and is beat. The dial itself has some scuffs and worse The back is engraved “to Dave, mom and dad 1965”. Someone offered it to me for 40 bucks and couldn’t resist. This isn’t a flipper, I know with the engravings and rough life it doesn’t have much going on but the thought had was brining it back to have as a nice beater. I couldn’t check out the movement it’s a front loader. It does run but it has a horrible speidel band that I can see removed some material on one of the lugs. Wanted to see if anyone knew the ref. On this so I can hunt down a new crystal? Even though this is not a special watch or money maker I was thinking as long as I don’t need more than a service and crystal a shouldn’t be spending much more than it’s value.
6A7C392C-470B-45D9-95A9-FF97772FD9F2.jpeg
 
Dan S
Posts
24,263
Likes
54,031
I think you may be under-selling the watch. With a new crystal (and better photos), it may turn out to be pretty nice. All the shadows from the scratches on the crystal are making the dial look bad.
 
Walrus
Posts
10,766
Likes
52,885
Sorry I know the photo is bad I’m in transit now. Most of those dial marks are reflections from the beat crystal. Case is prob so-so but when you come across things like this if they are running I figure it’s worth a shot. Do you usually stay away from such things. I’ve gotten a few like this before and brought them back to life and sold or kept them.
 
DaveK
Posts
5,082
Likes
15,701
Sometimes we just want to save the proverbial dog that follows us home. These can be special.
 
Walrus
Posts
10,766
Likes
52,885
Dan S Dan S
I think you may be under-selling the watch. With a new crystal (and better photos), it may turn out to be pretty nice. All the shadows from the scratches on the crystal are making the dial look bad.
Oh you think so, i was thinking as long as the service doesn’t require anything other than a service I’m ok. Do you know the ref or caliber? I think I read these were only made for a few years but my research thus far is lacking.
 
Dan S
Posts
24,263
Likes
54,031
To be honest, I'm not knowledgeable enough about these models to know the reference off the top of my head. Also, I can't really see the watch very well from that photo. The lugs are cut off at the edges.
 
Walrus
Posts
10,766
Likes
52,885
Dan S Dan S
To be honest, I'm not knowledgeable enough about these models to know the reference off the top of my head. Also, I can't really see the watch very well from that photo. The lugs are cut off at the edges.
Yes I know I was trying to show the dial. I’ll put up better pics I want to get this damn stretchy bracelet off. My concern at the moment is hoping I can find a crystal as my watchmaker is good but has a very high mark up on original omega parts. Well so in your opinion Dan it’s worth trying to bring it back.
 
Dan S
Posts
24,263
Likes
54,031
I think I'll reserve further judgement until I see better photos of the dial and case. 😉

But for $40, I have a good feeling about it, and I think you're probably safe in making a modest investment. As long as the engraving is well done, I don't think it will hurt the value too much. The sentiment is appealing, and it's nice to have the year.
 
Walrus
Posts
10,766
Likes
52,885
Ok here is a shot at the engraving I’m in a bad spot but it
image.jpg
 
Shabbaz
Posts
4,997
Likes
18,549
Walrus Walrus
Do you usually stay away from such things. I’ve gotten a few like this before and brought them back to life and sold or kept them.
Nope. Before/after
 
Screenshot_20191002-070528_Gallery.jpg Screenshot_20191002-070539_Gallery.jpg
Walrus
Posts
10,766
Likes
52,885
Shabbaz Shabbaz
Nope. Before/after
Wow that came out perfect. If I can get it too look half as good as that I would be pleased. Something tells me this dial won’t but I’m sure it’ll be much better
 
aprax
Posts
337
Likes
1,003
I would guess it is a ref. 165.020. A new crystal should do wonders.
 
new_heuer
Posts
432
Likes
334
Will be worth 10 - 15 times your original purchase price with a crystal and service. Nice pickup
 
rob#1
Posts
2,011
Likes
3,396
That looks like it’ll scrub up fine; a bargain for $40.

That’d be a birth year watch for me, if only my name was Dave 😬
 
Walrus
Posts
10,766
Likes
52,885
aprax aprax
I would guess it is a ref. 165.020. A new crystal should do wonders.
Are you confident enough about the reference that I can seek a crystal based on it?
 
JwRosenthal
Posts
16,307
Likes
44,994
Awesome pickup Walrus- those are the kind none of us would pass up. Even if it were beat, the movement is worth more than that.

So glad you have the Seahorse back. When you said engraved, I thought is was the plain back with engraving which I would pass on (unless $40$), but that engraving wouldn’t bother me at all- as long as it has the Seahorse.

You have a watchmaker that did your Connie so you’re golden with having someone who can service it.
 
Walrus
Posts
10,766
Likes
52,885
JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
Awesome pickup Walrus- those are the kind none of us would pass up. Even if it were beat, the movement is worth more than that.

So glad you have the Seahorse back. When you said engraved, I thought is was the plain back with engraving which I would pass on (unless $40$), but that engraving wouldn’t bother me at all- as long as it has the Seahorse.

You have a watchmaker that did your Connie so you’re golden with having someone who can service it.
Thanks JW I had the same thought about the engraving but yes the way it’s done around the logo gives it a positive loop. I’m bringing to the same guy who did my constellation, dynamic and a few Hamilton’s and bulovas, he is slow but decent. My only real concern will be something funky with the movement but it’s been running since I picked it up yesterday so that is a positive sign I hope.
 
aprax
Posts
337
Likes
1,003
Walrus Walrus
Are you confident enough about the reference that I can seek a crystal based on it?
I am pretty confident, but let's do a deal: If you find an OEM one and your watch isn't a 165.020, PM me and I'll take it off your hands ...
 
Walrus
Posts
10,766
Likes
52,885
Anyone know how “waterproof” this seamaster is if the service is done right
 
15 More Posts...
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

McKinley

Have you ever bought a watch because of the man who owned it before you?.....

McKinley Open Discussion
aap
aap
Posts
25
Views
5K
kidkimura

What to do with a beat up 165.014

kidkimura Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
gemini4
gemini4
Posts
7
Views
1K
cvalue13

Just fished a beat-up Flightmaster 145.026 (911) out of the Bay - advice on rehab?

cvalue13 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
SpikiSpikester
SpikiSpikester
Posts
17
Views
6K