Hello, I am admittedly a complete newbie at evaluating these. Other than the obvious fact that the reference number (166.002) shows a different movement with date, is there anything else I should know about this piece? I'm looking to pay about $200 for this. Thank you in advance for your comments.

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Why would you buy a watch which obviously has the incorrect movement?

 

Thank you for bringing this up. Like I said, I am just beginning to learn about vintage watches. All I know is that I like vintage Omega above all else!

I am taking from your question that it would be frowned upon to own a watch with incorrect movement. Other than the fact that it would mean the watch is not original, are there any other reasons to avoid? For example, would it be functionally problematic to the watch?

 

I don't think the movement is incorrect, its the back thats been replaced.

 

The 552 movement is right for a no-date early 60s Seamaster automatic. The dial, case, movement and hands all belong together and look quite good. The crown is possibly replaced and the case back is wrong and is in dire condition, but even so the watch is well worth that money.

 

Interesting observation. I never considered that as a possibility. I suppose the back should also be gold plated?

This is good news. Thanks for the comments. However, according to the serial number, the watch was produced around 1968?

 

Be patient. Read this forum for two or three weeks.

At the end of a period like that, maybe sooner, you'll be delighted you've got an extra $200 to put into a decent vintage model that you didn't waste on this one.

 

Yes, a replaced back would be more likely.

On that assumption the watch is (was) a ref 165.002.

This reference was dialed as both Seamaster and Geneve, and occasionally both Seamaster and Geneve appeared on the dial together. There were many, many different styles of dials offered.

OPs watch is a gold-plated top, 20 to 40 microns was typical for these, the back would be stainless steel.

You aren't going to get beat up buying it for $200, but my suggestion would be to save your money and buy a nicer correct watch.

As noted above, be patient.

 

TBH I didn't even look at the serial number but 1968 still seems ok for that dial. It might take a while to find the right GP case back for this watch (I'm assuming it IS plated and not solid gold), though one in SS shouldn't be too difficult.

If you are on a tight budget, want an excellent quality watch for daily wear that looks great from the front, which you could turn into a perfect watch with a little patience and which is cheap enough that you don't have to worry about it, I doubt you will find better value than this. If you are picky and can afford something better, the advice of the others above applies. It totally depends on what you want and how much you can afford. The bottom line is, that is a good watch going cheap. If it had the correct case back it would be comfortable worth double the current price. If I only had $200 and wanted a Seamaster I'd buy that one and wait to fix it up. Not trying to push you one way or another, just pointing out how I see it.

 

Fair enough. I've been taking in a lot but I have only scratched the surface of the knowledge and wisdom on this forum. I'm definitely eager to acquire a few nice pieces. I picked up a nice black dial Seamaster instead, apparently all original parts. Please see the thread here.