Help identifying Seamaster Authenticity/Value

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VicM

·Dec 4, 2020

Hey guys -

I’m thinking about getting a gift for my husband and this popped up during my search. The dial is repainted and the crystal is aftermarket. Seller is asking $1200. Is this reasonable? Is this piece even real? Thanks in advance!

 

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SkunkPrince

·Dec 4, 2020

Please don't. See what various of us are selling in the private watch sales forum (I have one for sale too). It is sort of real but worth maybe 1/3 of the asking price, at best.

 

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Caliber561

·Dec 4, 2020

It's real, but I don't think anyone here would consider paying above $200 for it because of its poor condition. Does your husband specifically want a black dial De Ville? It'll be easier to find a light dial variant in good condition, and it'll run you a little over half of the asking for this piece.

 

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DaveK

·Dec 4, 2020

As Mr Skunk said, the sales forum here is a safe bet https://omegaforums.net/forums/private-watch-sales/

 

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VicM

·Dec 5, 2020

SkunkPrince

Please don't. See what various of us are selling in the private watch sales forum (I have one for sale too). It is sort of real but worth maybe 1/3 of the asking price, at best.

Thanks for the heads up! I’ll check out the private sales!

 

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VicM

·Dec 5, 2020

Caliber561

It's real, but I don't think anyone here would consider paying above $200 for it because of its poor condition. Does your husband specifically want a black dial De Ville? It'll be easier to find a light dial variant in good condition, and it'll run you a little over half of the asking for this piece.

For better or worse he did get stuck on the black dial “Don Draper” version with the crosshairs. It would be his first vintage watch so I want to try to get as close as possible.

 

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Caliber561

·Dec 5, 2020

V VicM

For better or worse he did get stuck on the black dial “Don Draper” version with the crosshairs. It would be his first vintage watch so I want to try to get as close as possible.

That is somewhat unlucky. Black dial Seamaster De Villes are exceptionally rare, and especially hard to find in original condition. You easily end up paying anywhere between $2k and $4k. That said, the screen-used prop in Mad Men was actually a redialed Seamaster. If he doesn't care for originality, and wants something screen-accurate, you could consider going for a redialed black dial Seamaster - just make sure you don't overpay.

All said, it's still is very easy to get scammed, so I concur with other forum members in recommending that you at least poke around the sales forum to get an idea of what's out there. OF is much safer than eBay when it comes to transparent selling.

 

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Spruce

·Dec 5, 2020·Sunburst dial fan

Wherever you look, see what the seller says, or doesn’t say about the watch dial. Responsible sellers will say, ‘original', ‘repainted', 'refinished' or ‘refurbished', and you pays your money and makes your choice.

Bear in mind that repainted dials will often look prettier than original dials, which may discolour after 50+ years of use.

However, don’t forget that you’re buying a watch and you need to check out the movement. The movement you post looks tired and in need of a bit of TLC. It doesn’t look as though it has been serviced recently and you’ll want it to run well so factor in the likely cost of a $200 US service.

If you note the discoloured rotor, it has an indication of wear/rub that is evidenced by the yellow markings on it. Also, the case appears highly polished which, arguably, reduces its value to a collector.

But bearing all those things in mind, and there’s a lot to consider, a vintage Omega is a great watch and a lovely and generous gift.

 

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PlainVanilla

·Dec 5, 2020

Hello!

For your information, there are no original Seamaster De Ville watches with a black crosshair dial. They never did it. All the black crosshair dials on Seamaster De Ville watches are redials. So you know, in case any seller tries to sell you an "original" dial with that feature.

 

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VicM

·Dec 5, 2020

PlainVanilla

Hello!

For your information, there are no original Seamaster De Ville watches with a black crosshair dial. They never did it. All the black crosshair dials on Seamaster De Ville watches are redials. So you know, in case any seller tries to sell you an "original" dial with that feature.

This is exactly the kind of info I was hoping to get on this forum!! Thanks so much!

 

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Caliber561

·Dec 5, 2020

PlainVanilla

Hello!

For your information, there are no original Seamaster De Ville watches with a black crosshair dial. They never did it. All the black crosshair dials on Seamaster De Ville watches are redials. So you know, in case any seller tries to sell you an "original" dial with that feature.

Wasn't this debunked on this forum? I can't seem to find the thread because there have been sooooo many threads about black dialed De Villes, but perhaps other members know what I'm talking about.

 

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PlainVanilla

·Dec 5, 2020

I'm not talking about black dialed De Villes, I'm talking about black dialed De Villes with a crosshair.

 

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alefar

·Dec 5, 2020

It shocks me that watches in such a poor condition are listed several times above their value...

 

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Caliber561

·Dec 5, 2020

PlainVanilla

I'm not talking about black dialed De Villes, I'm talking about black dialed De Villes with a crosshair.

Yes, that's exactly what I'm referring to. There have just been a lot of black dial De Ville threads, so I can't seem to find the one I'm thinking of.

 

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Davidt

·Dec 5, 2020

To be clear, if your husband wants a black dialled DeVille with crosshair, finding a genuine one is like searching for hens teeth. Your options are:

1. Buy a genuine watch which has been redialled (this is like the watch in your post). Just be aware that the collector value is almost nil due to the dial not being original and the actual value is around $400. Paying 1200 is way over the odds, but that may not be an issue for you.

2. Buy a silver dialled DeVille. These can be found quite easily in good condition for 600+. This is the option I’d go with. If I liked the look of a black dial one bit my wife went to the effort of doing some research and found out that most are basically bogus and a silver dial was the way to go, a) I’d be impressed with the effort and research she put in, and b) I’d love it as it came from her.

 

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PlainVanilla

·Dec 5, 2020

I have a silver dial Seamaster De Ville so I won't argue with that.

 

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VicM

·Dec 5, 2020

You guys have been great! Thanks for helping me out!

found this one also - about $1000, claims to be all original. I figure - it’s not a De Ville and it is several years younger but the aesthetic is similar. Thoughts?

 

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Dimitris

·Dec 5, 2020

I think for 1000usd you could do way better seamaster cosmics are not my cup of tea I consider other seamaster models to be way prettier .

 

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Dan S

·Dec 5, 2020

V VicM

You guys have been great! Thanks for helping me out!

found this one also - about $1000, claims to be all original. I figure - it’s not a De Ville and it is several years younger but the aesthetic is similar. Thoughts?

That looks like a nice watch, but the c-shape cases aren't everybody's cup of tea. Definitely not a Don Draper look IMO, although I can understand your perspective if you look only at the dial.

 

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VicM

·Dec 5, 2020

Dan S

That looks like a nice watch, but the c-shape cases aren't everybody's cup of tea. Definitely not a Don Draper look IMO.

I think my husband is looking for a great and unique piece vs. specifically the Don Draper look. It does seem like silver dial Devilles are more common than this Cosmic. Or that just me being new? Lol.