Dear Omega Forums,

I have been in the market for a Vintage Omega Seamaster Deville for a couple of weeks now. I'm in no rush to buy one. I would rather wait for the right one.

I stumbled across this 14ct solid gold case Deville. The reason I find it interesting is that it has allegedly been in one family since new and kept in a box for the last 30 years. It comes without the strap and buckle, and the glass is severely scratched.

The seller sounds very honest and helpful, however it wasn't possible to see pictures of the inside of the watch. The seller is unsure about the movement but believes it's the 552. The seller has asked a watchmaker to open it up to take pictures (on my request), but he felt it was too risky because the watchmaker told him about the risk of breaking the glass in the process.

I have tried my best to evaluate whether or not this is a decent purchase with the limited knowledge I have about vintage Omegas. I have assessed the logo, writing etc. on the dial and to my eyes it looks like it has not had a redial. The case it self does not look too polished either. I'm sure there is something I'm missing, but alas I feel too ill-informed regardless of how much I read about the subject on this (fantastic) forum. I have a feeling it takes years to sort the bad ones from the good ones at a glance.

I'm very interested in hearing other vintage Omega connoisseurs opinions
and any reply is greatly appreciated!

Thank you so much for your time.

https://www.chrono24.dk/omega/seamaster-deville--id11428213.htm

Best regards and greetings from Denmark!

 

Looks like a great buy, it's probably a Ref.165020 with a Cal.562.
Case and Dial are okay. Crown signed, if the price is right, why not.

 

Hej Søren

Everything checks out - the price is about what I'd expect to see one of these go for in this condition. Note that it is not a 14K case, but 18K - that is far from a bad thing

The story about checking the movement sounds very reasonable to me and the movement is fairly robust and spares aren't that difficult to find, so should it need attention it won't be too expensive.

If you end up purchasing it let me know and I'll help you find a good watchmaker.

Best,
Troels
Aalborg.

 

Certainly not a 552 as stated in the advert

 

Looks nice, and I agree that it's difficult to get sellers to open these one-piece cases. I'm too lazy to look up the conversion to Kr, so I won't comment on the price. ;-)

 

Thank you all so much for replying so quickly! I was expecting to be told that I was completely off the mark

Good to hear that the dial and case are ok and of course the signed crown.

I'm surprised that it is 18K instead of 14K, but this is just great news.

Thank you Troels for helping me find a watchmaker. I'll be sure to send you a message if I need it

Is it easy to get a matching buckle and strap for the watch? Do you recommend something in particular for a Deville?

 

To be fair, that is the usual procedure

If you zoom in on one of the photos in the listing, you can see that the hallmark on the back of the lugs resemble a head - that's the head of Helvetia, a nation symbol of Switzerland and, more importantly, the 18K hallmark used on these.

Shouldn't be too difficult, but not something that is particularly essential either.

 

That's great news. Thanks again for your words of wisdom!

 

Wow - good eye!

 

Why are people saying this is not a 552? Of course it is!

ETA: or was this an ironical post?

 

I may need to service my Polerouter with 218-2 movement in the near future. Do you know a US watchmaker who may do it in a reasonable price?

Thanks in advance!

 

No - I had two watches mixed up

Sorry, I am in the EU. Plenty of great, inexpensive watchmakers here

 

I am now the proud owner of this particular watch! Speaking of recommending watchmakers. Do you know any on Zealand by any chance?