I found this Seamaster on ebay but has no pics with the case off and no description of ref or cal. I am an Omega newbie but to me, this looks like a Seamaster deVille, it doesn't look thick enough or the crown big enough to be a plain Seamaster. The seller picks up watches, pens and pipes from estates and sells them untouched. He is asking $450. If it is a Seamaster, like a 165.001, cal 565, I think that would be a fair price.
Any ideas or opinions on what it is or if it might be worth a chance at that price?

 

I meant to add the auction description:
"VINTAGE! Omega Seamaster Automatic Men’s Stainless Steel Wristwatch with date. Circa 1960’s. Case measures 34mm in diameter, 41mm lug to lug and has a 18mm band width. Original dial is marked; OMEGA, AUTOMATIC, Seamaster, SWISS MADE. Has ORIGINAL Omega crown. Back of case has the Seamaster logo. The HIGH QUALITY Automatic wind movement is in good running order, keeps time."

 

I would say 166.002 from around mid 60’s at a guess.
It’s in nice condition and price seems fair.
You take a risk without seeing case back and movement shots.

 

Thanks Noddyman. Looking up 166.002, I do see it as a Seamaster not a deVille. Would you agree that it is probably a 565 cal? (if original)

 

Yes Seamaster and later got renamed to Geneve, movement 562 or 565 could be either.

 

Thanks again.

 

I'm pretty sure the watch is legit with original parts and the condition is nice. Price seems ok too.

 

Thanks Folgono.
I am trying to decide between that watch and this one. It is a 1967 166.067. It is a little more money, currently about $620 but will probably reach $700 by the end of the auction. Overall, I love the condition of this watch but I am worried the dial is too pristine and may be a restored dial. I see a little patina on the hands. Also, the regulator and maybe rotor appear to be different colors than the rest of the insides.
Any thoughts on if this is an original vs restoration? Or if $650-700 is a fair price? Thanks in advance!

 

Redial go back to plan A.

 

Thanks Noddyman. I was looking for an excuse not to buy the second one.

 

Movement on the second watch is also a bit grubbier than I'd like

 

Agreed. I emailed this morning and asked about resto and service history and he claimed ignorance to both. Pass!

 

Yeah this 166.067 is definitely a redial. However for some reasons you can usually find this reference with really clean dial despite the age. I have one myself and the dial is perfectly clean, so I wouldn't dismiss this ref only on the basis that the dial is "too clean". Nice thing is that redials are usually pretty obvious thanks to the unique "sparkle" finish on the dial (some also have a circular brushing finish).

 

I think you will be much happier with the first one in the long run.

 

The second one sold for $825 so I am glad I didn't get in that bidding war!

 

You sure have dodged a bullet !

 

I got the first one for $455! Now I have to try and patiently wait for it to get here! LOL
Then I can open the back and see what it is for sure...kinda like opening a Christmas present.
Thanks everyone for the advice and help.

 

Congratulations .......... the addiction begins!!

 

Thanks! I have to admit, I already was addicted. This is my second vintage Omega. I bought a Cosmic about 5 years ago. Somehow, I got lucky and didn't get ripped off even though I did very little research before buying. I was much better prepared this time.

 

Received the watch today. It is even better than I had hoped for, inside and out. It is a 166.002 with a 23xx serial number, so manufactured in 1966. It is a 562 calibre.
I opened it up and it is very clean inside, definitely recently serviced. They did not replace the gasket when they put it back together.
So, now I have two more questions...what size gasket does it take? I am guessing a 17mm or an 18mm. I searched this forum and google but haven't found the answer yet. I have found a couple places online for purchasing gaskets, is there a best place to buy it?
I will search online for some kind of manual for the 562.