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Inherited Seamaster De Ville Automatic

Laurence
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I have just inherited a couple of watches and whilst cleaning my late aunt's flat I discovered this in a carrier bag. A jeweler kindly cleaned it up for me free of charge. However, I have put a new strap on it, and when I wear it stops and starts. I would appreciate any advice and information about this that anyone could give me you could give me about this lovely watch.
Thank you.
(photos attached)
copy20200731_162811.jpg 20200731_162834.jpg copy20200731_162847.jpg copy20200731_162911.jpg copy20210427_232741.jpg 20210820_010542.jpg
 
SkunkPrince
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That watch is filthy, so nothing was cleaned up, unless that's before pics!

Fairly good condition, definitely worth a few dollars. It needs internal servicing, which involves complete disassembly, cleaning, reassembling, oiling, and replacing of certain parts that contribute to water resistance (it is a Seamaster, after all!).

I hope you choose to adopt this watch for yourself. It's a lot like getting a puppy. You spend and spend but the happiness is completely worth it. If you imagine $500 you will be more or less in the right neighborhood. Totally worth it.

Let us know where you are so we can recommend a place to get this watch serviced.
 
Laurence
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SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
That watch is filthy, so nothing was cleaned up, unless that's before pics!

Fairly good condition, definitely worth a few dollars. It needs internal servicing, which involves complete disassembly, cleaning, reassembling, oiling, and replacing of certain parts that contribute to water resistance (it is a Seamaster, after all!).

I hope you choose to adopt this watch for yourself. It's a lot like getting a puppy. You spend and spend but the happiness is completely worth it. If you imagine $500 you will be more or less in the right neighborhood. Totally worth it.

Let us know where you are so we can recommend a place to get this watch serviced.

I was with a friend in Wales and I just popped in to a local jeweler to see if they could get the lug holes unblocked for me. When I returned an hour later the lady said that she couldn't do it, but had kindly cleaned all of the green gunk off for me. I live on the North London/Hertfordshire borders and previously used Antiques and Modern in East Barnet. I am willing to see if you have a better suggestion.
 
Laurence
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SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
That watch is filthy, so nothing was cleaned up, unless that's before pics!

Fairly good condition, definitely worth a few dollars. It needs internal servicing, which involves complete disassembly, cleaning, reassembling, oiling, and replacing of certain parts that contribute to water resistance (it is a Seamaster, after all!).

I hope you choose to adopt this watch for yourself. It's a lot like getting a puppy. You spend and spend but the happiness is completely worth it. If you imagine $500 you will be more or less in the right neighborhood. Totally worth it.

Let us know where you are so we can recommend a place to get this watch serviced.
 
20210820_013406.jpg 20210820_013414.jpg
SkunkPrince
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Very nice! I am in USA but UK people when they awaken will share many respected places.
 
DNX
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I use a chap in the UK named simon freeze, he serviced my vintage omega (see other thread) earlier this year and I asked him for some additional work and the watch looks amazing - for a 52 year old watch it keeps time (after the service) as good as my 2021 Speedy...

Simon has his own YouTube channel recently and produces his own watches too.

I can get you his details or you can look them up, but I would certainly highly recommend his work, as others did for me when I was looking.
 
Laurence
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DNX DNX
I use a chap in the UK named simon freeze, he serviced my vintage omega (see other thread) earlier this year and I asked him for some additional work and the watch looks amazing - for a 52 year old watch it keeps time (after the service) as good as my 2021 Speedy...

Simon has his own YouTube channel recently and produces his own watches too.

I can get you his details or you can look them up, but I would certainly highly recommend his work, as others did for me when I was looking.
Thanks. I will try to find his details.
 
Laurence
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Laurence Laurence
Thank you
The first jeweler I took it to about getting the lugs unlocked wanted to buy it for himself and offered me £600
 
Dan S
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Laurence Laurence
The first jeweler I took it to about getting the lugs unlocked wanted to buy it for himself and offered me £600

Very fair offer given the condition IMO.
 
nkhandekar
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These Seamaster devilles are lovely, and classic watches. I have had one or another since 1989 and would not be without one. I agree with Dan S about the price you were offered, but remember after cleaning and servicing it, the jeweler would double that price when they put it up for sale.
 
Laurence
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Dan S Dan S
Very fair offer given the condition IMO.
DNX DNX
I use a chap in the UK named simon freeze, he serviced my vintage omega (see other thread) earlier this year and I asked him for some additional work and the watch looks amazing - for a 52 year old watch it keeps time (after the service) as good as my 2021 Speedy...

Simon has his own YouTube channel recently and produces his own watches too.

I can get you his details or you can look them up, but I would certainly highly recommend his work, as others did for me when I was looking.
I found this link, but it's Simon Freese. http://www.simonfreesewatchmakers.com/services/ Is this who you meant?
 
Syzygy
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Correct, Simon Freese is proper spelling. Use the search function here and you'll find many threads referencing his work, which is top notch.
 
impalla62ss
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The crown is original and it would be good if you can keep it. They can be difficult to find. Replacement crowns are common though.
 
wilderbeast
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I use Stefan Stefansson of Vintage Watch Fever (Essex, but accessible from the Central Line and he parcels pieces up well for posting). He’s worked on most of my watches and would treat this well.
 
ConElPueblo
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If you are looking to sell, go back to the jeweller who offered you £600 - you won't find a better deal anywhere soon.
 
Laurence
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wilderbeast wilderbeast
I use Stefan Stefansson of Vintage Watch Fever (Essex, but accessible from the Central Line and he parcels pieces up well for posting). He’s worked on most of my watches and would treat this well.
I emailed him earlier today and he has already responded, unlike anyone else.
 
wilderbeast
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Laurence Laurence
I emailed him earlier today and he has already responded, unlike anyone else.
Glad to hear - he’s a lovely guy with an enviable collection. He’s on Instagram as @ursmidur
 
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