Help wanted Omega Seamaster 166.010

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VisionOmega

·Oct 5, 2021

Hi there members!

Only recently I took my first steps here on this lovely forum. A lot of people already helped quick start and look into the right direction in my search for a clean and classy Seamaster or Constellation.

I have been keeping an eye on Chrono24 and today I came across this Seamaster shipping from Japan.

My Japanese is not that good but Google translate tells me there should be some significant damage on the hands and the watch is far from serviced. That’s maybe also why the price is €785.

I am very curious what you make of this and if it’s a good bargain / buy?

 

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SkunkPrince

·Oct 5, 2021

I have one, so I feel qualified to comment. If that is the watch you're getting, I would pay quickly and run. The only "issue" I see is that the crown is not original, and I wouldn't necessarily expect it to be, because it was discontinued long ago, and the replacement looks more original than many others.

It hasn't been abused and wears its original finish as well, so I see no reason to avoid it.

 

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MtV

·Oct 5, 2021

Just to add something that’s probably obvious, but factor in the import duty. You’re quoting the price in € so it might well be ~20%. The seller is one of the largest Japanese dealers though and regularly offers pieces at reasonable prices. I don’t see any reason not to get it, if you like it.

Bracelets from Japan are often relatively short by the way, but even if it is you can get spare links for it.

 

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lindo

·Oct 5, 2021

The seller is reliable in my experience. This is a nice example: not easy to find in this condition.

 

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140dave

·Oct 5, 2021

I see quite a few Japanese listing that call any patina of the dial and/or hands "damage". Not sure if that is a translation or a market preference-thing.

 

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sonicosa

·Oct 5, 2021

lindo

The seller is reliable in my experience. This is a nice example: not easy to find in this condition.

I didn't realize Closer sold watches on Chrono24 as well. I've purchased 2 watches from this seller in the last couple months and had a great experience.

 

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Dan S

·Oct 5, 2021

I agree that Japanese listings often have translated language that makes minor issues seem major. This is a high-volume seller, but they generally seem to show good photos and describe things accurately. It's a common reference so you can probably find plenty of comps for pricing. The watch looks better than average to me, and I'm not seeing any red flags.

 

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impalla62ss

·Oct 5, 2021

I also have purchased several watches from Closer, and was very happy with the seller.

 

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ckhaing

·Oct 5, 2021

impalla62ss

I also have purchased several watches from Closer, and was very happy with the seller.

same experience with closer from ebay japan

 

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Spruce

·Oct 5, 2021·Sunburst dial fan

I agree with pretty much everything said before.

I also bought a 166.010 from Japan through Chrono24 and am very pleased with it. I think mine was a different seller but the price was comparable. I wore it and posted it yesterday.

One further point that I found interesting was that two other sellers offered my watch on eBay at twice the price. I assumed that had I not already seen it on Chrono24, they would have bought it from the Chrono24 seller and sold it on to me for a profit.

 

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apsm100

·Oct 6, 2021·Noob taxpayer

I would pass due to the spotting on the dial.
But the price isn't too bad.

 

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VisionOmega

·Oct 6, 2021

Awesome feedback guys, much appreciated! I am hesitant on pulling the trigger on this one to be honest.

Will you guys think that there is a better watch for this price or slightly higher but still under 1K showing up anytime soon? It also stated that the watch runs +28 seconds a day. What would a servicing cost approximately?

@apsm100 you think these spots are too obvious? I have seen worse so not sure what is reasonable to expect here.

 

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apsm100

·Oct 6, 2021·Noob taxpayer

VisionOmega

Awesome feedback guys, much appreciated! I am hesitant on pulling the trigger on this one to be honest.

Will you guys think that there is a better watch for this price or slightly higher but still under 1K showing up anytime soon? It also stated that the watch runs +28 seconds a day. What would a servicing cost approximately?

@apsm100 you think these spots are too obvious? I have seen worse so not sure what is reasonable to expect here.

It really depends how picky you are; you won't know what patina you like until you own a few pieces.
The spots will only be really noticeable in certain light as well.
This reference with bracelet and mint dial would be hard to find under 1K though!

 

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apsm100

·Oct 6, 2021·Noob taxpayer

Playing with the lighting can be a great (albeit limited) way to visualize patina.

 

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VisionOmega

·Oct 6, 2021

Interesting @apsm100 !!

 

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lindo

·Oct 6, 2021

If you have doubts about this one, Closer has several similar Seamasters here https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_dmd=2&_ssn=closer0924&store_cat=0&store_name=closer0924&_oac=1&_nkw=omega seamaster rice bracelet.

You can keep hunting elsewhere for a cheaper one in the same condition, but I like the one you are looking at. If I did not already have a number of comparable Seamasters I would be happy to get it myself.

 

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VisionOmega

·Oct 6, 2021

Just like with good wines, above a certain price the noticeable increase in quality will only be marginal even if the price increases significantly.

Do you guys think there is such a price point for these watches as well?

 

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VisionOmega

·Oct 6, 2021

By the way, still very much in love with your watch @Spruce

 

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SkunkPrince

·Oct 6, 2021

apsm100

It really depends how picky you are; you won't know what patina you like until you own a few pieces.
The spots will only be really noticeable in certain light as well.
This reference with bracelet and mint dial would be hard to find under 1K though!

My dial is also spotted like this and when you're wearing it, it's barely noticeable.

 

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VisionOmega

·Oct 6, 2021

@lindo thanks for the tip! You also happen to know a renowned eBay seller with a constellation collection?