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Intend to buy my first vintage Omega, some advice highly appreciated

  1. Dimitar Kostov Regulatory Anarchist Feb 21, 2016

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    Good evening,

    I'm interested for a while in vintage watches and would like to own a classic Omega. I do like very much 1960's Automatic Seamaster De Ville for it's beauty and simplicity and after some extended research decided to buy one.

    Here's the 1965 piece which caught my eye. I did my homework and according to my humble opinion it looks authentic. The seller claims the item has the following features:
    - Case 35 mm in diameter, 18 mm between lugs, stainless steel case;
    - Automatic movement caliber 552, 24 Jewels, 165.020;
    - The dial has never been refinished in any way;
    - Crystal is not Omega signed.

    Here are the pictures from the description:

    s-l1600 (1).jpg s-l1600 (2).jpg s-l1600.jpg s-l1600 (5).jpg s-l1600 (3).jpg s-l1600 (4).jpg s-l1600 (6).jpg

    I would really like to hear some advice from more experienced Omega owners because I am an amateur myself and feel kind of uncertain about that purchase. Thank you very much for your help.

    Best Regards,
    Dimitar
     
    chrsvl likes this.
  2. Hijak Feb 21, 2016

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    Hello and welcome to the forum Dimitar!

    Besides the case being a little polished and a replacement crown, it looks original to me. The crown is considered a wear item and may have been replaced during a service in the past. Here is my SMDV for reference...

    Wrist Shot, 7.JPG

    Mine is an earlier ref. 14905 (circa 1963) but contains the same caliber, a 552 like yours...what will make or break the deal is how much is being asked for this watch.
     
  3. Dimitar Kostov Regulatory Anarchist Feb 21, 2016

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    Hijak, thank you for your prompt reply. The watch is offered at 1200$.
     
  4. ConElPueblo Feb 21, 2016

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    Looks great!

    ...Was just about to ask about the price, when you posted it :)

    Have it been serviced? The price is quite steep, IMO.
     
    Dimitar Kostov likes this.
  5. Hijak Feb 21, 2016

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    Even with a service WAY too high!!!:eek: At best, in this condition, that is a $600 to $700 dollar watch. I've paid less than what their asking for some of my nice Constellations. Personally I'd wait for one to come up on the sales forum here on Omega Forums.:thumbsup:
     
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  6. Banner Roar Feb 21, 2016

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    agree hold off find a top quality example
     
    Dimitar Kostov likes this.
  7. Banner Roar Feb 21, 2016

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    read some of the old message threads here for background info so you know are sure what you want before parting with cash
     
  8. smm1208 Feb 21, 2016

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    mine says hey, its a great watch but you can defiantly find one cheaper
    WP_20160118 4.jpg
     
  9. jens0125 knows that watches were made to be worn Feb 21, 2016

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    600 ish... It is a fine looking time piece ... I tell a lot of my friends to go for these straight forward vintage seamasters and time only longines... Your head has got the right idea.


    The price is not fine
     
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  10. Dimitar Kostov Regulatory Anarchist Feb 21, 2016

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    Yes, it has been serviced. I also find the price a bit steep but the seller is EU located which saves me the customs taxes and VAT. Thank you all, guys, for the warm welcome and the good advice. Maybe I'll hold my horses and read some more background info in the Omega forums on that matter. I want to find a really fine specimen after all and what really matters to me is originality.
     
    ahartfie and Hijak like this.