First time buyer advice needed; New Year New Watch

RikeMeid · Jan 2, 2025

Good afternoon,

Currently looking at this Omega Seamaster and wanted to test its legitimacy in parts. I don’t have the watch to hand, so unable to look in more detail.

I don’t have major concerns, but I did notice that the oscillating rotor doesn’t match those of other 562 calibre movements of this period, that I have seen. Would this be correct, has this been changed? Anything else swapped out? The seller has indicated that it’s an original crystal, dial, crown, etc. I cannot see the etched logo on the crystal myself in the pictures, are they that hard to find?

This is my first venture into vintage and although I’ve done some research, there’s just so much out there that is conflicting. So thought it may be worth running it by here.

Have I missed anything, or any potential questions to ask. The last service is unknown but told it works perfectly currently.

What would a fair price be for this piece? It is currently on the table at £530.

Advice appreciated and Happy New Year.

Spruce · Jan 2, 2025

Nice 166.002 which looks in good condition. The price is a fair one. Good choice.

The crystal may have been replaced. No big deal.

97'vintage · Jan 2, 2025

I don't see any red flags. I like this reference a lot, it's timeless. I started with a 162.002 a couple years ago! A pretty similar watch.

The plexi might not be original and non-Omega, it's very high-domed.

Price seems ok to me, you can find cheaper, you can find more expensive. It's also a question of who the seller is.

As you're new to vintage, servicing can be pretty expensive, like 300-500 Euros, depending on the watchmaker's reputation and parts/work needed. If you find an example that is serviced (and the seller can prove it), that might be worth a little upcharge.

A thing you could check: It's a 23,000,000 serial (probably from 1966), and a cal. 562. These watches exist with cal 565, too. You get a quickset date in the 565. A feature you might appreciate.

RikeMeid · Jan 2, 2025

97'vintage
I don't see any red flags. I like this reference a lot, it's timeless. I started with a 162.002 a couple years ago! A pretty similar watch.

The plexi might not be original and non-Omega, it's very high-domed.

Price seems ok to me, you can find cheaper, you can find more expensive. It's also a question of who the seller is.

As you're new to vintage, servicing can be pretty expensive, like 300-500 Euros, depending on the watchmaker's reputation and parts/work needed. If you find an example that is serviced (and the seller can prove it), that might be worth a little upcharge.

A thing you could check: It's a 23,000,000 serial (probably from 1966), and a cal. 562. These watches exist with cal 565, too. You get a quickset date in the 565. A feature you might appreciate.

Thank you for the response.

I have added additional photos to aid comments.

I had a feeling the crystal may have been a replacement.

Servicing is something I have considered and I may just need to be patient and find a more complete package which includes authentic service history.

I checked the serial number and yes, it dated it at 1966 which is why I questioned the rotor. As this style rotor wasn’t introduced until the early 70’s….or that’s what some initial research has led me to believe. You mention the quick date functionality of the 565, but can’t you hack the date of the 562 but going 9-12 repeatedly?

My main concern was getting burnt on an impulse buy, I’ve managed to negotiate a little lower on the price as it stands.

What do you make of the overall condition at face value for the age and price?

Thanks again, your advice and comments

RikeMeid · Jan 2, 2025

Additional photos

R RikeMeid
Good afternoon,

Currently looking at this Omega Seamaster and wanted to test its legitimacy in parts. I don’t have the watch to hand, so unable to look in more detail.

I don’t have major concerns, but I did notice that the oscillating rotor doesn’t match those of other 562 calibre movements of this period, that I have seen. Would this be correct, has this been changed? Anything else swapped out? The seller has indicated that it’s an original crystal, dial, crown, etc. I cannot see the etched logo on the crystal myself in the pictures, are they that hard to find?

This is my first venture into vintage and although I’ve done some research, there’s just so much out there that is conflicting. So thought it may be worth running it by here.

Have I missed anything, or any potential questions to ask. The last service is unknown but told it works perfectly currently.

What would a fair price be for this piece? It is currently on the table at £530.

Advice appreciated and Happy New Year.

Davidt · Jan 2, 2025

Evening all. This is one of my watches which I’ve listed on eBay. I’ll list it on OF in the next few days if it’s still for sale.

There is an old omega logo on the crystal so I’ve no reason to doubt the crystal being genuine. As I noted in the description the crown is an Omega service crown.

97'vintage · Jan 2, 2025

R RikeMeid
You mention the quick date functionality of the 565, but can’t you hack the date of the 562 but going 9-12 repeatedly?

It works like that with my cal. 562, yes. Doesn't take too long to cycle through a month. But the 565 quickset is a lot faster and a cool party trick, haha 😀

R RikeMeid
As this style rotor wasn’t introduced until the early 70’s

I think that's a question of what you value as a collector. Most people probably don't care too much about a later but original rotor. Therefore, I don't think you're getting burned because it.

For me, it's a question of what hurts the authenticity. And what can be restored without getting a different watch. I don't think that an OEM replacement rotor would hurt here too badly.

R RikeMeid
What do you make of the overall condition at face value for the age and price?

I think it's hard to put a price tag on vintage Omegas like this, as they aren't "Apple stocks". Each one is different. So maybe more of a question of paying a fair price than finding an exact trade value that you can rely on.

I would see a poorer example from private without any service history lower, maybe 350 Pounds. A stellar, serviced example from a dealer with good reputation might be a lot more expensive. In the high houndreds. So I think you're in the "ok" range.

Another thought: If it's a first vintage watch that doesn't have more meaning behind it, you might move on quickly and look for a more high-end vintage piece. Which makes you sell the Omega. Which would make this Seamsater a great entry. If there's more behind it, and you see yourself keeping it much longer, you could try to find the ideal example. As a 100 pounds up or down don't matter that much if you keep it for 20 years.

Dan S · Jan 2, 2025

I don't know when specific rotors were used, but when repairs are needed, parts are replaced.

First time buyer advice needed; New Year New Watch

RikeMeid

Spruce

97'vintage

RikeMeid

RikeMeid

Davidt

97'vintage

Dan S

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