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First Omega Seamaster - what to prioritise?

teddywebster
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Hi everyone,

I'm a first-time poster and looking to buy my first Seamaster after researching vintage Omegas for about 18 months. I've found a 1964 Seamaster de Ville 166.020 that comes with the original box, papers, and strap from a reputable UK seller. https://www.blackbough.co.uk/product/omega-seamaster-de-ville-166020wzosxb/.

I'd appreciate advice from experienced collectors on:
  • Would this be a good first vintage purchase?
  • Is the inclusion of the box, papers and original accessories worth the premium?
  • Should I instead consider watches without papers and original accessories?

While I'm aware of the recommended vintage eBay watches thread, I don't feel ready to pursue that route yet as I realise that I have a lot more to learn. https://omegaforums.net/threads/rec...-watches-only-on-ebay-not-for-inquiries.1790/.

Thanks in advance for your insights.
 
Porteroso
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Part of the reason that thread you mentioned is a good idea to watch, is often the watches are highly original, and if a watch with replacement parts is posted, often what is "incorrect" about is called out.

You could do a lot worse than to watch it. Additionally, there are great watches in the private seller section. Not normally priced to be a steal, but often are still a good deal given the condition.

A lot of the guesswork is eliminated that way. Those of us just starting out are like little minnows circling a shark, hoping to score big, when we get on ebay.
 
SOG53
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What is the asking price of this watch?

Edit- I checked the link I see 1575 pounds. Watch looks orig and good, and Papers are nice but dont justify this price IMO. This is fairly common reference, but the dial is uncommon and very nice. This reference can be found for about 1/3 of this price- but condition is good and special dial and papers will increase value but not this much.
 
Dan S
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That watch looks fine, if you like it.
 
teddywebster
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SOG53 SOG53
What is the asking price of this watch?

Edit- I checked the link I see 1575 pounds. Watch looks orig and good, and Papers are nice but dont justify this price IMO. This is fairly common reference, but the dial is uncommon and very nice. This reference can be found for about 1/3 of this price- but condition is good and special dial and papers will increase value but not this much.
Thanks for replying and your advice. I had similar thoughts - appears to be a good watch but an expensive way to buy a first Omega.
 
X350 XJR
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Don't see any issues except the price, but you do have to pay a premium from a dealer.

Read this is you haven't.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/ Cover Image
Thread 'Learn How To Fish' ·
I have had a few newer members asking me for advice on how to spot a good vintage watch and what they should be on guard for. I've decided to post a little primer on how to assess vintage watches...
ConElPueblo ·
 
SOG53
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teddywebster teddywebster
Thanks for replying and your advice. I had similar thoughts - appears to be a good watch but an expensive way to buy a first Omega.
Have a look at Private watch sales thread (being sold by OF members), as well as Watches for sale- where there are some pretty good dealers with more reasonable prices. I think that is better choice but if you just want one nice watch and don't want to go through the hunt, some people just prefer to pay a dealer and not worry about it. Most here enjoy the hunt however
 
H
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When I was new to this hobby, I bought a watch pouch from BlackBough, premium quality. I didn’t buy his watches because they were out of my range 😀. They look good btw
 
Davidt
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SOG53 SOG53
What is the asking price of this watch?

Edit- I checked the link I see 1575 pounds. Watch looks orig and good, and Papers are nice but dont justify this price IMO. This is fairly common reference, but the dial is uncommon and very nice. This reference can be found for about 1/3 of this price- but condition is good and special dial and papers will increase value but not this much.

While I agree the price is high and I wouldn’t pay it, in the UK you’re going to have to be very, very patient and then act very quickly when one comes up, to get the same watch for £500. Perhaps head only, but not with the bracelet and papers.

As a comparison, I listed an early DeVille on OF, uncommon textured dial, bracelet, box and papers for £1150 2 years ago. I could have sold it 3 times within the first 48 hours.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-omega-seamaster-pre-deville-14910-linen-dial-w-box-papers-%C2%A31150-gbp.153681/ Cover Image
Thread 'Vintage Omega Seamaster Pre-DeVille 14910 Linen Dial w Box & Papers £1150 GBP' ·
Offering for sale my Vintage Omega Seamaster (Pre-DeVille) with beautiful linen dial, complete with original box, papers, receipt and beads of rice bracelet.

Terms:
Price - £1150 GBP net to...
SOLD
Davidt ·

If you’re keen on it it’s certainly not a bargain and personally I’d keep looking. But I have loads of watches and can afford to be patient and enjoy the hunt. If you want something quickly, if they’re willing to negotiate on price and have evidence of the recent service I don’t think it’s a terrible buy. I’d rather someone pays slightly over the odds for a nice example like this, than pays slightly under the odds for a redialed, overpolished dog.
 
teddywebster
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Davidt Davidt
While I agree the price is high and I wouldn’t pay it, in the UK you’re going to have to be very, very patient and then act very quickly when one comes up, to get the same watch for £500. Perhaps head only, but not with the bracelet and papers.

As a comparison, I listed an early DeVille on OF, uncommon textured dial, bracelet, box and papers for £1150 2 years ago. I could have sold it 3 times within the first 48 hours.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-omega-seamaster-pre-deville-14910-linen-dial-w-box-papers-%C2%A31150-gbp.153681/ Cover Image
Thread 'Vintage Omega Seamaster Pre-DeVille 14910 Linen Dial w Box & Papers £1150 GBP' ·
Offering for sale my Vintage Omega Seamaster (Pre-DeVille) with beautiful linen dial, complete with original box, papers, receipt and beads of rice bracelet.

Terms:
Price - £1150 GBP net to...
SOLD
Davidt ·

If you’re keen on it it’s certainly not a bargain and personally I’d keep looking. But I have loads of watches and can afford to be patient and enjoy the hunt. If you want something quickly, if they’re willing to negotiate on price and have evidence of the recent service I don’t think it’s a terrible buy. I’d rather someone pays slightly over the odds for a nice example like this, than pays slightly under the odds for a redialed, overpolished dog.
Thanks for your advice David!
 
WLW62
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Hi teddywebster,
You will get great advise on this forum.
I'm the buyer of Davidt's watch. I saw it listed, I really liked it and the price was good for me at the time. Very happy with the purchase.
Like the others have said, the price is probably a little high, but it does look nice. If you like it and you have the budget, you may want to consider it. Like David said, it's better to over pay for something nice. Less likely to have buyers remorse and a few years down the road, you will not think about the extra money. It's not like you are paying 10K for a 5K watch and this one is a little special with the linen dial.
 
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