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Hi, I'm about to jump into the Omega Seamaster

jdjones
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Hi, I've always loved watches. And flashlights. And old cars and guitars and amps. I'm looking for a vintage Seamaster De Ville in both original condition and in very good condition. I've come across a Seamaster and would humbly ask for your opinion on condition and originality. The asking price is about $1,500 USD. Here are some photos:

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I've looked at others which had quite excellent redials for less than half the money. But this one seems straight although the stamped "166.020" seems very light. The case lines look sharp and the rotor appears shiny and true. Please share your thoughts on condition, originality, and price with me. I'd rather pay more for a good one than have two or three frankenwatches.

Thank you very much from North Carolina.
 
Dan S
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It looks nice overall, although the price is at least 2x what I would pay. I would say the case is just lightly polished. The bright white lume in the hands is catching my eye. This is a low-jewel movement BTW.
 
sonicosa
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I’m new to vintage watches myself, but I’ve learned you can get a lot of watch for $1,500. I think this would be better priced around $900 - 1k less.
 
jdjones
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Thank you very much for the replies so far. They are very helpful. I’ve seen redials go for $640 to $860 on eBay recently. Is the market that hot?

Does anyone recommend a reputable dealer who can help me locate what I seek at a more reasonable price?

Thank you again.
Edited:
 
Dan S
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It seems to me that Seamaster DeVille references similar to this one come up quite often in the classified listings on this forum, where many experienced collectors buy and sell watches. You can also search the forum for other threads on recommended dealers, although I think those recommendations are pretty anecdotal.
 
DaveK
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If there were great watches at great prices being sold by a reputable dealer, they’d be out of stock 😉 I think the answer to your question is for you to read all the sticky threads here https://omegaforums.net/forums/vintage-omega-watches-help-discussion-and-advice.23/, and then spend a few months reading a lot more and asking questions. Good on you for posting your potential purchase here first, keep that up. Though there are some great dealers out there, the sales forum here is really the closest thing to the reputable dealer you are seeking https://omegaforums.net/forums/private-watch-sales/
 
jdjones
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Great point on the sales forum here. Thank you very much.
 
mrbreen
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Watch looks good, though I'll second @Dan S on the lume. Looks redone. Price is insanely high though.
 
Edward53
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It is decent enough but as others have said, just too expensive. For that money I'd want a NOS 562 or 565 with BOR plus box and papers. That said, there's no easy answer to finding a good one at the right price. The Seamaster De Ville isn't a "top end" model which is possibly why its increasing scarcity has gone under the radar - it's much easier to find a good Speedmaster or Constellation on the Sales forums here, where maybe 3 or 4 SMDVs show up per year. Patience, persistence and thorough research are the answer. Study dials, hands, cases and movements and be prepared to strike when you spot the right watch.
 
dan7800
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jdjones jdjones
Thank you very much for the replies so far. They are very helpful. I’ve seen redials go for $640 to $860 on eBay recently. Is the market that hot?

Does anyone recommend a reputable dealer who can help me locate what I seek at a more reasonable price?

Thank you again.

Buy from this forum. Ebay and other venues are absolutely rife with scammers, people claiming watches to have vintage dials etc.., when in fact they are redials.
 
X350 XJR
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The 166.020 with the caliber 560 is actually a very uncommon watch.
 
Foo2rama
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Dan S Dan S
It looks nice overall, although the price is at least 2x what I would pay. I would say the case is just lightly polished. The bright white lume in the hands is catching my eye. This is a low-jewel movement BTW.
And no OXG?? Or is that behind the rotor?
 
Peter_from_NL
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Nice one. Glass not original? Very crisp back side. But, as many already stated, pretty expensive. That is more massive gold territory if you ask me.
 
jdjones
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Thank you everyone for the replies. I’m very grateful.
 
jdjones
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Foo2rama Foo2rama
And no OXG?? Or is that behind the rotor?

There's is an "OXG" on the movement in my original post. I have seen another photo which I did not post which has it. With a quick search, I now know what it means. 😀
 
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