First time poster, looking for advice in vintage Seamaster

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blueteg

·Dec 2, 2020

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.

 

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Passover

·Dec 2, 2020

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

 

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MtV

·Dec 2, 2020

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.

 

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blueteg

·Dec 2, 2020

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.

 

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Passover

·Dec 2, 2020

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?

 

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seekingseaquest

·Dec 2, 2020

I don’t think that dial is original. Text seems sloppy and positioning of Swiss Made is off.

 

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Shabbaz

·Dec 2, 2020

This does'nt look like a original 166.010 dial

 

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Shabbaz

·Dec 2, 2020

seekingseaquest

I don’t think that dial is original. Text seems sloppy and positioning of Swiss Made is off.

Exactly.

Edit: you beat me too it...😁

 

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Shabbaz

·Dec 2, 2020

Best case scenario it's a service dial

 

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Shabbaz

·Dec 2, 2020

And not all 166.010's came with dauphine hands.

 

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SkunkPrince

·Dec 2, 2020

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.

 

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SkunkPrince

·Dec 2, 2020

Shabbaz

And not all 166.010's came with dauphine hands.

The good ones did. 😁 (I hate stick hands)

 

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blueteg

·Dec 2, 2020

Passover

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?

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

 

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SkunkPrince

·Dec 2, 2020

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=666350725

 

This website may earn commission from Ebay sales.

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MtV

·Dec 2, 2020

seekingseaquest

I don’t think that dial is original. Text seems sloppy and positioning of Swiss Made is off.

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.

 

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hoipolloi

·Dec 2, 2020·Vintage Omega Connoisseur

How it should be.

 

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Spruce

·Dec 2, 2020·Sunburst dial fan

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.

 

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SkunkPrince

·Dec 2, 2020

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.

 

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Spruce

·Dec 2, 2020·Sunburst dial fan

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!!!

 

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hoipolloi

·Dec 2, 2020·Vintage Omega Connoisseur

Spruce

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!!!

There are 166.011 and 165.011 in 36mm.