Does this Seamaster smell like a rat or...not?

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Mattsky

·May 29, 2025

Hey folks, first post on here after lurking around the forums for a few months.
I've picked up some valuable insights whilst doing so, so thanks for that.
I'm now kindly calling on your expertise to share some insight on a Seamaster, if you would.
I've attached photos - they're the sellers, so apologies for blurry quality.
The movement looks as if it's 662, which would date it from 1973, no?
Do things generally look kosher to your expert eyes?
And what ballpark number should I be prepared to stump up if it is?
Any thoughts very much appreciated, folks.

 

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Dan S

·May 29, 2025

Terrible photos, but the dial appears to be repainted at first glance. If you can get better photos, maybe we can reevaluate. BTW, production year would be based on the movement serial number, which appears to be 20M, i.e. 1963-ish.

 

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Mattsky

·May 29, 2025

Thanks for your thoughts, Dan. I will certainly ask the seller to learn how to use a cameraphone, and report back if successful.

 

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Davidt

·May 29, 2025

I wouldn’t waste too much time on this unless you have an extremely small budget and it’s very cheap.

It’s been redialed, has a very polished case, wrong crown and a tired looking movement.

 

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Passover

·May 29, 2025

Clearly a redial IMO, see this handwritten "Seamaster" text

 

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Mattsky

·May 29, 2025

Thanks chaps. Hats off for those observations from less than stellar photos. @Davidt I'm intrigued. What kind of crown should we be looking for in a Seamaster from this year?

 

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Mattsky

·May 29, 2025

...here's an enhanced close-up for the time being.

 

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Mattsky

·May 29, 2025

...and another slightly sharper one.

 

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Davidt

·May 29, 2025

Mattsky

Thanks chaps. Hats off for those observations from less than stellar photos. @Davidt I'm intrigued. What kind of crown should we be looking for in a Seamaster from this year?

The 166.001 shares a crown with the 166.002. As it’s quite a specific crown they look unusual with the wrong ones fitted and current service crowns aren’t the same.

This is what it should have.

 

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Mattsky

·May 29, 2025

Ahhhh. Super stuff. Thanks for digging that shot out.
I also think I'm wrong about the calibre. It looks like 562 (as opposed to 662) which would make sense, as it fits the early 60s date as Dan S pointed out.

 

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Mattsky

·May 29, 2025

Seller's asking for around £400, so I may just step away, frankly.

 

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Davidt

·May 29, 2025

Do not buy that watch for £400

 

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Mattsky

·May 29, 2025

Roger that!

 

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Davidt

·May 29, 2025

Even in the UK where watches are slightly more expensive than say the US, with patience you can just about find a nice 60’s Seamaster for £400. If you can up your budget slightly to say £500 you should find it easier.

 

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Mattsky

·May 29, 2025

Sage advice. Thanks for that, and for warding me off this one.