Hi there, I've been speaking to a reputable antiques dealer in the UK about this piece and just looking to get some general feedback on quality/value/condition as this is my first purchase. Year: 1966 Movement: Automatic Case: Stainless steel case with Seamaster Hippocampus logo on the back Dial: Original silvered dial with baton hour markers and a date aperture to 3 o'clock Calibre: 562 24 jewel mechanism Case width: 34mm Case ref: 166.020 The dealer confirms that the crown, crystal and band have been replaced from the original and that the watch has been recently serviced. I was originally keen on this exact model with a black dial but they're so hard to come by and prices seem to be inflated because of the Don Draper association. Any thoughts/comments/feedback would be much appreciated! Thanks,
I would request a sharp, in focus, hi-res picture of the movement before considering that watch any further.
It's upwards of £500. The dealer is well-respected and is even travelling to meet me in person. What do you think is a fair price considering everything?
From your pics, the dial looks original, but it's hard to judge the condition. From a UK dealer, £500 isn't a terrible price, but I'd want to see if in person or get better pictures.
I also think price is fair considering a dealer. All dealers claim watches have been serviced, I would want evidence as that could put an extra £200 - £250 on the bill.
I will let the more experienced folks here trump me, but I always take it with a large grain of salt when folks say a watch was serviced. Unless I see significant evidence of the service, I'd consider it unserviced.
I once had someone claim they had completely serviced my watch. I took it to a much more trusted watchmaker 2 months later, and they found the watch hadn't been touched as far as servicing. The lessons you learn....
The watch looks ok to me. Though photos off-focus, dial appears to be original. Matching movement of cal.562/ref.166020. My best offer will be not exceeding GBP450. Hope it helps. Good luck !
For that money I'd want the crown to be original. But if you are in a hurry to buy, it's a fair dealer's price.
do you think it was really serviced recently? I don't think so. There is a lot of dirt between the glass and bezel and on the case back. The stem end look oxidized.The seconds hand is too rusty. The crown is not original. Not a good example for this price.
Thank you all for this. Very helpful. I've spoken with the seller and he's happy to provide a copy of when the watch was serviced including the date. He mentioned that all the staff wear the watches for a period of time so they can ensure that they're keeping time within a reasonable parameter but perhaps that could all be fluff. He's a well-known dealer so I don't think he'd try pull any tricks. Perhaps that's just wishful thinking....
Well-known or well respected? Everyone can do as they want, but personally I don't trust most people when they "service" the watch.
Both. To his credit, he said the watch has been 'overhauled' as like you he doesn't like to use the word "service" so apologies for misquoting in my original post.
My advice is to be patient and see if something else pop ups elsewhere or on the forums here. Good luck!