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Help with first vintage watch purchase [Seamaster 166.010]

S
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Hi all

I'm looking to purchase my first Omega and also my first vintage watch (I am looking at a Seamaster 166.010/168.024 on the original beads of rice bracelet). I am based in Europe to the extent that is relevant context.
I've included photos of an example for sale (price is approximately €1100/$1200) however I'm concerned about the depth of the scratches at the sides of the case - Could these be removed with a light polish or would the case need to be refinished.

Grateful for any input or advice.

Thanks

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Dan S
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It's a rough example all around, and greatly overpriced given the relatively poor condition. The dial has flaws and the case has a LOT of damage (dings, scratches, dents, damaged brushed finish on the sides). I'd say that the condition is well below average for this reference. The crown is also not original, IMO.

For $1200, I would expect a top-notch 166.010. A 168.024 will be a couple hundred more, condition being equal.
 
S
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Dan S Dan S
It's a rough example all around, and greatly overpriced given the relatively poor condition. The dial has flaws and the case has a LOT of damage (dings, scratches, dents, damaged brushed finish on the sides). I'd say that the condition is well below average for this reference. The crown is also not original, IMO.

For $1200, I would expect a top-notch 166.010. A 168.024 will be a couple hundred more, condition being equal.
Thanks - Very helpful to get a second opinion.
 
Passover
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Hi Squishy, some quick thoughts:

The seller is in Japan, right? If yes you will have to pay VAT on the watch when importing it. For Germany (for example) this would be around 150€ on top

IMO the watch you showed us is not as bad as Dan said: Original crystal, correct BOR with end links. As far as I know there are two different crowns 'correct' for this reference, the one seen here seems to be one of them. The dial is quite clean.

A seller in the "Private Watch Sales" offered some of these 010 and 024 in the last year. He is located in Europe and his offers include a new service.

So take your time and look around what is offered on the different 'channels'!
 
Lorenzzzz
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I fully agree with Passover. Take your time to find the right watch for you which is correctly priced. If you’re on the hunt you can daily monitor the Sales section
Cheers
 
Spruce
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I bought a 166.010 a few years ago. It was advertised on both eBay by various sellers and on Chrono24 all in Japan.
Interestingly (I think) the Chrono24 from whom I bought it was asking a far more reasonable price than the eBay sellers.
So, my advice would be to look on both and get the best deal that suits you.
Go for a watch with a good dial (watches coming from Japan often have lightened images to conceal dial faults) the best case and probably a nice bor bracelet.
Remember that you will probably have to pay shipping, import duty and, whatever the seller says, a service (sooner or later).
 
Dan S
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There are 2 or 3 crowns that are common enough on this reference (and 168.024) that they might be considered correct. IMO, the OP crown is not one of them, for example it is far too small. I was going to post photos, but then I realized that the OP can easily find them by googling. Of course, one can find a replacement at a modest cost.

To be clear, my biggest problem is the case, it is too far gone and would be a dealbreaker for me. I've rarely seen a 166.010 case in such bad condition, especially from Japan. Of course, it's consistent with the badly scratched crystal, so apparently the owner subjected the watch to rough treatment.

The dial has some minor blistering, which hurts the watch a little, but on its own, the dial wouldn't stop me from buying it at the right price.
Edited:
 
SOG53
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For your first vintage watch, don’t compromise on condition wait for better example. These are plentiful and often come up on OF Private. sales.
Welcome!
 
S
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Thanks all for your advice and input. I'll take my time and continue reading up on what to look out for in vintage models and find the right example before pulling the trigger. Appreciate you all taking the time to chip in.
 
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