Help for finding a nice Seamaster 166.010 or 168.024

cnjackson · Sep 12, 2022

Hi everyone,

I've danced back and forth on this, but I think I am almost ready to select and purchase a vintage Seamaster!

I really like the 166.010 and 168.024 models (on BOR bracelet): I think they look just wonderful!

I have hunted around on Chrono24, and there are many examples that look nice to my eye, but I am not an expert.

I wonder if there are things that I should be looking for or considering as I try to choose a specific example.

For instance, I've seen asking prices vary by hundreds of $$ and more--but it's not always clear to me what accounts for the differences. I've also seen many examples from Japanese sellers.

I'd be grateful for any suggestions you can offer!

Thanks in advance!

~Chris

Spruce · Sep 12, 2022

I bought my 166.010 on C24 in 2020 and am entirely happy with it. It didn’t come with a bracelet.

The seller asserted that it had been serviced and had good amplitude and sent me the print out - although since it was written in Japanese I merely took it as a sign of good intent.

My watch repairer subsequently serviced it. He found that the movement was good, the hands and dial were fine (although you’ll see a small scratch by the 10 indices) but he had to re-adjust the chapter ring.

I paid £561 plus import duty to the UK.

One thing I noticed was that the same watch was being offered BIN at twice the price by other Japan sellers on eBay. I assumed that the eBay sellers would have bought it from my seller and made a profit on the transaction.

cnjackson · Sep 13, 2022

Hi Spruce, What a beautiful example! and it looks great on that strap and on your wrist!

£561 is less than the examples I was looking at--so that has me thinking I'm looking at overpriced pieces. Still--not sure.

What does BIN mean?

Thanks so much! I also hope to hear from others here.

Chris

TexOmega · Sep 13, 2022

Buy It Now= BIN

cnjackson · Sep 13, 2022

TexOmega
Buy It Now= BIN

Thank you!

Spruce · Sep 13, 2022

Mine’s not a chronometer but has the very reliable 565 movement - comparatively easy to service (so I’m told) and, apparently, with parts available.

Risto · Sep 13, 2022

There are many Omegas on Timeanagram (Japanese dealer).
https://timeanagram.com/en

Your ref gives these:

cnjackson · Sep 13, 2022

Spruce
Mine’s not a chronometer but has the very reliable 565 movement - comparatively easy to service (so I’m told) and, apparently, with parts available.

Ah! Do you find that your watch keeps pretty good time--after it was serviced?

cnjackson · Sep 13, 2022

Risto
There are many Omegas on Timeanagram (Japanese dealer).
https://timeanagram.com/en

Your ref gives these:

Hi Risto, Thank you for this resource! Those watches look lovely.

It looks like prices for the stainless steel are roughly $1000-1200. Does that seem about right for these models?

Thanks again!
Chris

masteroftime · Sep 13, 2022

cnjackson
It looks like prices for the stainless steel are roughly $1000-1200. Does that seem about right for these models?

This is one of my favorite models! I think an important thing to keep in mind is that there always seems to be a premium for the 168.024. While there isn't much of a practical difference, the text and chronometer rating (when produced) makes them a little more desirable.

When I bought one (166.010) a year or two ago, I paid around $700 for one with a bracelet and original box from a Japanese seller. In my experience, the 168.024 were always around $1,000+. If you're looking to take some time and hunt for one, then I think you should be able to get a nice one below $1K. Sometimes decent ones that need a little cleaning up have sold closer to $500-600. If you want one immediately or a very nice example without hunting, then expect to pay more.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- a lot of watches from the Japanese market come with short bracelets. Make sure you're aware of sizing. Sure, you can hunt for links, but it is an added cost.
- I've seen quite a few of these with cracked bezels. Make sure to check out the bezel and ensure it is intact.
- Oftentimes, these cases aren't polished properly, try to look for good lug definition.
- These originally came with a long discontinued crown (see below). The vast majority have been replaced at one point or another. The more modern crowns as shown in some examples above is fine and correct. Some prefer the older style crown, so it is just something to keep in mind when searching.

Here is the one I have now:

Dan S · Sep 13, 2022

$1000+ might be ok for a chronometer version with a bracelet.

Spruce · Sep 13, 2022

Spruce
Mine’s not a chronometer but has the very reliable 565 movement - comparatively easy to service (so I’m told) and, apparently, with parts available.

I think almost everyone on OF will be in agreement about the quality of the 5** movements.

cnjackson · Sep 13, 2022

masteroftime
This is one of my favorite models! I think an important thing to keep in mind is that there always seems to be a premium for the 168.024. While there isn't much of a practical difference, the text and chronometer rating (when produced) makes them a little more desirable.

When I bought one (166.010) a year or two ago, I paid around $700 for one with a bracelet and original box from a Japanese seller. In my experience, the 168.024 were always around $1,000+. If you're looking to take some time and hunt for one, then I think you should be able to get a nice one below $1K. Sometimes decent ones that need a little cleaning up have sold closer to $500-600. If you want one immediately or a very nice example without hunting, then expect to pay more.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- a lot of watches from the Japanese market come with short bracelets. Make sure you're aware of sizing. Sure, you can hunt for links, but it is an added cost.
- I've seen quite a few of these with cracked bezels. Make sure to check out the bezel and ensure it is intact.
- Oftentimes, these cases aren't polished properly, try to look for good lug definition.
- These originally came with a long discontinued crown (see below). The vast majority have been replaced at one point or another. The more modern crowns as shown in some examples above is fine and correct. Some prefer the older style crown, so it is just something to keep in mind when searching.

Here is the one I have now:

Hi Masteroftime, Thank you for this really helpful post (and for the incredible picture of you and your watch. It looks great!

The context for pricing that you offer helps me get my bearings. But most of all, I appreciate your bullet points on things to look for. I feel more equipped to look at the listings that are out there.

A quick question: would you say that the example in your picture has well-polished lugs. They certainly look good to me!, but I want to try to calibrate my eyes a bit.

Thanks again!
Chris

cnjackson · Sep 13, 2022

Dan S
$1000+ might be ok for a chronometer version with a bracelet.

Thank you, Dan S: this helps a lot: It's good to know if I'm playing in the right ballpark!
Chris

cnjackson · Sep 13, 2022

Spruce
I think almost everyone on OF will be in agreement about the quality of the 5** movements.

Ah! OK--Thank you! Amazing that these 50-year-old movements can be so reliable!

Help for finding a nice Seamaster 166.010 or 168.024

cnjackson

Spruce

cnjackson

TexOmega

cnjackson

Spruce

Risto

cnjackson

cnjackson

masteroftime

Dan S

Spruce

cnjackson

cnjackson

cnjackson

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