Good morning. First time posting here so please take it easy on the noob. I'm considering taking a run at this vintage Seamaster. From what I have been able to find on my own, it looks like the hands may have been replaced which I think I can live with. The price is very affordable...maybe too good to be true? What are your thoughts? Looking for experienced feedback on the visual condition of the movement and authenticity of the watch overall.
Hi and welcome here! Hands are wrong as you already realized! Crown is correct, movement looks OK and the SN is in the correct range. How about the "G" in Omega - is there a scratch on the dial? Which is the price? Good luck
First of all: Welcome to OF. What’s the asking price for the Seamaster? That’ll play a big role in determining if this is a good deal. Hands are certainly incorrect, as you’ve stated. Personally, with a case that is a little on the meatier side, I’d prefer the original, wider hands, but aesthetics are very subjective. Is the yellow on the rotor just a reflection of rub? Also, I noted that the regulation of the movement looks like it sure hasn’t been serviced in a while, so you might have to factor that in in the equation. Serial# seems to be correct for the ref, though.
Thank you guys for the quick and detailed feedback. Gosh I miss the days of forums for hobbies! The price is well below $500 And I am mentally preparing for another couple hundred bucks for a service at my local Omega certified horologist.
500 USD is no bargain for an unserviced 166.010 with wrong hands... Is there a scratch on the dial on at the "G" in Omega?
The 166.010 is a good one to have; mine is with my watchmaker right now. There are a cubic crapton of them out there... you can find a better one.
As of now, the price is about half that. But...if the consensus is that the dial is not original and has also been swapped, I am probably less attracted to the watch. Hmmmm
At $250 I'd be half-tempted to buy it and send it to Omega, but they don't have those crowns anymore. You'd get an essentially new watch for $550 plus dial refinish (the factory refinish is actually pretty good) and hands for what a good vintage example would cost. But! I think you should buy this one instead: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Po...-166-010-BF516236/324343808822?epid=666350725Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Unlike many of the 50s Omegas, like the old-Style Genèves and the Connies, this ref doesn’t trigger my sensibility for redials that much. But you’re right, especially the “automatic” is very wonky. I’d pass, I think.
It’s always difficult to tell from photos, particularly when the angles (dome, camera etc) can produce a little distortion. The case looks good. I could live with the dial - particularly at the price you quote. I’d get it serviced - I recently had mine serviced in the UK for £120. Any issues with the movement can be dealt with - the 565 is a classic. I’d fit dauphine hands. So, for under $500 you’d end up with a very wearable watch.
If you wanted the bracelet too, the Omega 3010/511 is the current version and costs $450, more or less. There might be used bracelets that could fit too.
And, and I’m sorry to be posting twice on this thread, but if Omega could be persuaded to introduce a 166.010 heritage re-issue (35mm approx) I’d be first in the queue for every variant dial on offer!!!