Community Stories

Guidance needed ~ Seamaster 166.002

cosmofox
Posts
16
Likes
98
Dear Forum,

May I please ask your input on a vintage 60s 565 seamaster? I am hoping to buy this from an online seller and am preoccupied with any stated "refurbishment" of an authentic dial. Is there any version of refurbishing that does not tamper with the integrity of the dial?

Here are some pictures from a watch which has interested me and which I have enquired after with the seller:

10.PNG 9.PNG 8.PNG 7.PNG 6.PNG 5.PNG 4.PNG 3.PNG 2.PNG 1.PNG


Also, can you please let me know what you think is a fair price for this watch?

Apologies in advance for any silly questions - this is my first time buying and I am looking for a real as well as affordable seamaster to give as a gift which will last a long time. I would be endlessly grateful for any pointers you have.

THANK YOU!!
 
Gordon Heavyfoot
Posts
463
Likes
411
This watch is refinished. The vast majority of black dials from this period are redials. You've done the right thing in asking before you buy. Refinishing a dial generally doesn't affect the "integrity" of the dial itself, it is merely the process of stripping an original dial down, repainting and reapplying indices, etc. It drastically reduces value and desirability to a collector. However, if you like the look of the watch and don't overpay, go for it. Just be aware that resale value will be much reduced. I wouldn't pay more than a couple hundred dollars for that example. Keep an eye out in the private watch sales section here, many excellent examples come up for sale.
 
cosmofox
Posts
16
Likes
98
Gordon Heavyfoot Gordon Heavyfoot
This watch is refinished. The vast majority of black dials from this period are redials. You've done the right thing in asking before you buy. Refinishing a dial generally doesn't affect the "integrity" of the dial itself, it is merely the process of stripping an original dial down, repainting and reapplying indices, etc. It drastically reduces value and desirability to a collector. However, if you like the look of the watch and don't overpay, go for it. Just be aware that resale value will be much reduced. I wouldn't pay more than a couple hundred dollars for that example. Keep an eye out in the private watch sales section here, many excellent examples come up for sale.
Oh that makes me so sad. Thanks so much for the valuable input. For future consideration, how can I tell in these black dial models if the watch is refinished? I am not interested in purchasing a repainted dial. Thanks !
 
dan7800
Posts
804
Likes
896
Usually if a black dial looks like it is in great shape, it has been refinished/redialed.

There are frequently black-dialed seamasters in the for sale section of the forum. Take a look at those.

You did the right thing by asking. Welcome to the forum
 
shaun hk
Posts
1,433
Likes
1,576
Search the forum for a thread titled Learn How to Fish, it gives some great advice on buying vintage.
 
STANDY
Posts
16,765
Likes
47,451
Don't be shy in looking at other brands for a neat black dial that is not Redialed

image.jpeg image.jpeg
 
ConElPueblo
Posts
9,595
Likes
27,672
STANDY STANDY
Don't be shy in looking at other brands for a neat black dial that is not Redialed

image.jpeg image.jpeg

Top tip right there... Look beyond the logo would be my advice too 👍
 
doog
Posts
94
Likes
59
It’s a redial, but I have to say a pretty good one. The case back has been very heavily polished in order to (partially) remove the big gouge in it, and the Seamonster has suffered in the process. A few of the movement screws look a little chewed too, which would worry me. All in all, I’d avoid unless it’s a very keen price. If you can’t find a genuine black dial on the forum, consider some of the silver dials available in this reference, they survive well and appear with indices, hands and numerals of infinite variety. You can usually accommodate most tastes. Happy hunting!
 
cosmofox
Posts
16
Likes
98
You guys are fantastic, thank you for al the advice. I am happy to look beyond the logo, and even for something other than a black dial, and have had a great time browsing the FS threads here.

Re this offer, considering the redial that everyone pointed out and the heavy polishing etc. noted by doog, the price is far too heavy to consider purchasing. Thank you!
 
fjf
Posts
766
Likes
744
kKNUyq5.jpg

😗
 
Shabbaz
Posts
4,963
Likes
18,397
Gordon Heavyfoot Gordon Heavyfoot
This watch is refinished. The vast majority of black dials from this period are redials. You've done the right thing in asking before you buy. Refinishing a dial generally doesn't affect the "integrity" of the dial itself, it is merely the process of stripping an original dial down, repainting and reapplying indices, etc. It drastically reduces value and desirability to a collector. However, if you like the look of the watch and don't overpay, go for it. Just be aware that resale value will be much reduced. I wouldn't pay more than a couple hundred dollars for that example. Keep an eye out in the private watch sales section here, many excellent examples come up for sale.
Resale value is reduced for collectors. But most people who buy omega's are'nt collectors and they dont care or dont have a clue. They just want a nice looking omega on the wrist. I saw these refinished dials sell for eur 800/850 while authentic dials with patina sell for less. But on this forum you will find purist who look for authentic omega's... So dont sell here a refinished dial because nobody will buy... And tell people the truth about the dial when you sell it on ebay. Cheers!
 
Edward53
Posts
3,133
Likes
5,560
Shabbaz Shabbaz
But most people who buy omega's are'nt collectors and they dont care or dont have a clue. They just want a nice looking omega on the wrist.

And they are usually perfectly happy with their purchase until either a) they ask about it on here and it is torn to pieces, or b) they try and resell it and can't get more than a quarter of the price.
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

mkthegeneral

Help Needed - Seamaster TV Dial (Caliber 1020)

mkthegeneral Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Pixitfecit
Pixitfecit
Posts
4
Views
2K
mseamaster

Help needed: Seamaster 300(cal. 552) - is this a redial

mseamaster Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Fallout Boy
Fallout Boy
Posts
17
Views
3K
mitsospatras

Help with Omega seamaster 166.002 identify and parts

mitsospatras Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Davidt
Davidt
Posts
13
Views
524
J

Guidance needed for sale listings here on OF

Jim_ Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
jsducote
jsducote
Posts
37
Views
4K
H

First Omega Watch - help needed Seamaster Cosmic

Hellkin17 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
JimInOz
JimInOz
Posts
1
Views
2K
S

Do we think this Omega Seamaster 166.002 is legit?

Spronce Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
S
Spronce
Posts
11
Views
2K