Call for Help: Possible Seamaster 166.010 or 168.024

cnjackson

Hello All! I would love to have your help in assessing a couple of possible 168.024s.

I fell in love with this reference (and the 166.010) as soon as I saw it, and it has come to feel like time to make a move! (I know there is another current thread asking for help with a 166.010.)

The discussions on that other thread have made me wonder if the watches I am looking at (also from Chrono24 and also from Japan) are overpriced.

I would be very grateful for your thoughts on these listings (I hope I am allowed simply to link?):

https://www.chrono24.com/omega/sea-master-chronometer-168024-166010-cal564--id20891112.htm
Seller tells me the watch runs +15spd, which seems pretty good!
Is there a bad gap between the lug and endlink on the 6 o'clock side? Or am I just seeing things
Is this price excessive?

https://www.chrono24.com/omega/sea-master-chronometer-168024-166010-cal564--id20213740.htm
This one is a little more pricey.
I'm waiting to hear back about its current gain/loss per day.

Finally, for watches this old, does the chronometre label (168.024) make a great deal of difference over the 166.010?

Thanks so much: I really love these references, and I am grateful in advance for your help and advice! 😀
Chris

efauser

Photos, not links.

Caliber561

IMO $1700 is too much for either of these. While they are fairly good examples, (no redials, incorrect replacement parts) you can probably find examples of the same reference at a similar condition for about $300-500 less.

Also, there's no point in asking about what spd the movement is running at because the watch will probably need to be serviced, and you can have your watchmaker regulate the movement to your daily wear patterns so it runs at nearly 0.

For watches this old, the Chronometer designation doesn't 'actually' matter that much. It was commonly the case that contemporary Omegas with non-chronometer movements were built to the same standard as their chronometer counterparts. So in the hands of a good watchmaker, even standard series 55X-75X family movements can perform just as well as a chronometer.

Dan S

I wouldn't necessarily expect that they will keep better time (since that depends on many factors), but I do think that many collectors appreciate watches that were made to be chronometers.

impalla62ss

You could get it serviced three times for that difference in price. Also, I'd be wary of a watch that has a claim of a recent service without a receipt.

MtV

„..or is running at service spec“

Translation: I’ve had it adjusted, but nothing else was done to the movement. That plus as outrageous price would mean a pass in my book.

cnjackson

Thank you, Impalla62ss! I guess I didn't think a good service for a vintage omega could be had for just about $200.