Hi all

Hoping to get some suggestions for a second hand or vintage Omega.

I really like the style of some of the older model Seamasters - the simple, plain styling and lack of complications and other frills. Specifically, 1960s Seamaster 600s with black dials...

However having viewed / tried on a couple I just can't get on with the sizes - 34 / 35 / 36mm cases just feel (and look) too small on my wrist. I'm not a fan of the huge or bulky watches common these days, and not really keen on complicated chronometers (I do quite like the Speedmaster but for me its just too busy).

Are there any older Seamasters in a larger size? i.e. 39/40/41mm?

Or any suggestions for other models or for that matter non-Omegas in a similar style?

Thanks!

 

I don't think there are any three hand Seamasters from the 60s which are 39mm+. Perhaps your best bet would be the new 1948 Seamasters released by Omega? They are 38mm.



Or maybe looking outside the seamaster range? There are various references from the 50s which are 39mm, such as the 2545-1 (as sold here: https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-2545-1-super-jumbo-39mm-cal-283-1948.70545/)



Or you can look at a chronostop range? But stylistically very different.

 

If you do a search on eBay, you can specify the case size.

 

Not all sellers measure or know so that can exclude a lot of viable options

 

Ones like this are about as big as your gonna get for the vintage stuff, 38mm.

Seller is a member here.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/293014871455

 

True, but such a search can the OP an idea of what is available.

 

And don’t discount the size until you really give it a shot (which requires buying one unfortunately). I wore nothing under 39mm for over a decade and when I went down to a 36 I thought us was tiny. I now have over 30 watches ranging from 32-36 and love all of them for different attire (the 34’s fit perfectly under a shirt cuff)
If you wear it everyday for a week, it begins to feel very natural and going back to 39+ feels like wearing a hall clock. The silver Seamaster’s from the 60’s have very slim bezels and are all dial and crystal, they wear much larger than their size would convey. I say, if you love the look of the earlier Seamaster’s, buy a solid example (like from the classified’s here) so you know your getting a well cared for watch, and force yourself to wear it every day for a week-I am confident you will be a convert. If not, you can sell it without much if any loss.

 

You can have a look at some oversizes from the 50s... are not Seamaster but the look so nice: 2545, 2505, 2609 with honeycomb dial...

 

Lots of people are harping about diameter ... and forget that what really count are the proportions and shape of the whole thing. Particularly the shape of the lugs, the dial diameter and the bezel thickness. Compare the shape of some monobloc cases (DeVilles, Seamaster) with thin lugs with other having a smaller diameter but much beefier lugs, the smaller ones will appear larger.

Is can be surprisingly hard to appreciate the shape of a watch if you base your judgment on pictures only. You will have to try some models to see if they really please you. Also, leather strap or steel bracelet can change you perception quite a bit.

Have you tried / seen those references:

166.032/168.023 - 166.028/168.022 . Twin references because they were also proposed in chrono rated versions. I fell they are much beefier than other classic Seamaster references (around 36-37mm, thick lugs).

 

Personally I don't feel that a thick beefy case necessarily gives a larger wrist presence. To me, it is more the size of the dial, and therefore references with thin bezels have a larger visual presence. So if I am considering a watch with a smaller diameter, I want to avoid wide bezels.

 

What they said is good advice . Also, get the measurements without the crown, not all sellers exclude that. The Zenith Sporto is a good example of an apx 34mm watch that wears larger (for all the reasons above), but it’s at a much lower price point, and is not a complicated dial, like you are looking for

 

This is a great example and the price is right considering it has the box and bracelet.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/minty-omega-seamaster-de-ville-w-bor-and-boxes-serviced.95865/

When I got my first deville, I was shocked at how large it felt for 34.5, it felt huge with that large domed crystal and gleaming silver dial. But is lays flat on the wrist and is one of the most comfortable watches I own. I feel the BOR bracelet extends the lines of the watch beyond the lugs and makes it appear much larger than on a strap.

 

Thanks all, this is all really useful and interesting advice.

That new 1948 model is beautiful, though I'm keen on getting a black dial model (and my budget is c.£1000...)

I think best thing to do is get to a shop specialising in vintage Omegas and see some / try some in the flesh. If anyone knows any good place in London (UK) please do say! (I am aware of the one on Burlington Arcade which I intend to visit).

Thanks again

 

Under $1k it ain’t gonna happen. Original black dials are rare as black wasn’t very popular back then. If you want a larger vintage watch, your in the Chronograph territory and not dress watch. A majority of the black dials you see out there are redials. If you don’t mind a redialed watch, then it could be a good way to get into vintage cheaply- but resale value will be hurt by the lack of originality if you choose to sell.

 

Real men wear 30mm watches! This was a man's size in 1936...

 

I will add, the pull through strap helps bulk them up a bit. I have them on a couple vintage 32mm watches

 

Thanks again all for advice, which I've taken - although I went in a slightly different direction...

I decided to get a www MOD issue Omega (i.e. 35mm), from a reputable dealer which hasn't been redialled (doesn't have the original hands, but look to be contemporary replacements which I gather is quite common and doesn't detract from the look. So hopefully will hold value reasonably - I paid more than my supposed budget of £1000 (£1625).

I have one question which I'm hijacking my own thread to ask! I didn't check before ordering - do these have removable spring bars so that you can fit standard straps? Or are you limited to pull through / NATO straps?

Thanks

 

If it’s a real MOD, they are fixed. But there are many companies that make 2- piece straps designed for fixed bars, you just need to research. They usually have a screw type (looks like a rivet) and are typically called “aviator” style, or have a butterfly clasp underneath that you push through a hole in the leather and fold out under the strap- looks like a regular strap from above.

Here is an example of my screw type

 

Let’s see some pictures, please.

 

Most '50s and '60s Seamasters (other than the SM300 of course) top out at 35mm but If I can echo S.H. above. The 166.032 and its chronometer rated brother are rather more substantial and at 37mm just about big enough to feel modern, while being undeniably vintage. Here is mine, a sparkle dial on a FOIS 19mm strap and a rather out there blue and white Nato: