Community Stories

Is this vintage black dial omega seamaster deville authentic? Any help much appreciated!

K
Posts
8
Likes
1
Hello all,

First of all, I would like to thank whoever takes the time and replies. Much appreciated. I've been researching the black dial seamaster devilles for some time now hoping to find one that's authentic. This is definitely one of my grail watches, but I've been hesitant to pull the trigger on one, especially with how high they're priced online and with no way of really telling whether they're authentic or not. Ideally, I would prefer not to purchase a redial but I'm aware a large majority of these are unfortunately redials. I'm in the US and I've found this piece through a seller in the UK, and it looks good to me, but again I'm far from an expert so I'd like to ask all of you what you think about this watch. Also, the seller did not post pictures of the movement, but I know that these models are front loaded, so perhaps that's why. The seller seems reputable according to reviews I've found online. I've included some of the photos from the ad as well as the link to the website where you can find more pictures of the watch. Thank you all again!

https://vintagewatchspecialist.com/...-166-020-cal-562?_pos=33&_sid=5533b3e7c&_ss=r

omega-seamaster-de-ville-automatic-ref-166-020-cal-562-c-1963-black-dial-calibre-james-bond-watches-vintage-watch-specialist-567_300x.jpg
omega-seamaster-de-ville-automatic-ref-166-020-cal-562-c-1963-black-dial-calibre-james-bond-watches-vintage-watch-specialist-427_300x.jpg
omega-seamaster-de-ville-automatic-ref-166-020-cal-562-c-1963-black-dial-calibre-james-bond-watches-vintage-watch-specialist-524_300x.jpg
omega-seamaster-de-ville-automatic-ref-166-020-cal-562-c-1963-black-dial-calibre-james-bond-watches-vintage-watch-specialist-759_300x.jpg

omega-seamaster-de-ville-automatic-ref-166-020-cal-562-c-1963-black-dial-calibre-james-bond-watches-vintage-watch-specialist-364_300x.jpg
omega-seamaster-de-ville-automatic-ref-166-020-cal-562-c-1963-black-dial-calibre-james-bond-watches-vintage-watch-specialist-948_300x.jpg
omega-seamaster-de-ville-automatic-ref-166-020-cal-562-c-1963-black-dial-calibre-james-bond-watches-vintage-watch-specialist-907_300x.jpg
omega-seamaster-de-ville-automatic-ref-166-020-cal-562-c-1963-black-dial-calibre-james-bond-watches-vintage-watch-specialist-184_1024x1024.jpg
Edited:
 
gbesq
Posts
8,999
Likes
46,202
Impossible to tell without higher resolution photos of the dial, but there’s a high probability that a vintage black dial has been refinished.
 
K
Posts
8
Likes
1
Thank you for your quick reply. The seller did include some closer shots in the link I attached. Would you feel comfortable purchasing this watch? because I'm rather unsure.
 
gbesq
Posts
8,999
Likes
46,202
I’m not familiar with this dealer, so I will defer to other OF members who may wish to comment. That being said, the best place to find an authentic, original vintage Omega watch at a fair price is on the private watch sales forum right here on OF. Have you viewed the listings there? I can recall Seamaster DeVilles that have come up for sale there previously.
 
K
Posts
8
Likes
1
gbesq gbesq
I’m not familiar with this dealer, so I will defer to other OF members who may wish to comment. That being said, the best place to find an authentic, original vintage Omega watch at a fair price is on the private watch sales forum right here on OF. Have you viewed the listings there? I can recall Seamaster De Villes that have come up for sale there previously.
No, I haven’t had a chance to view the listings there but now that I know, I will definitely be keeping an eye out. Thank you for your time and your advice.
 
gbesq
Posts
8,999
Likes
46,202
You’re welcome. Be patient in your search. The right watch will come along. If you are new to vintage watches, I would stick to the private sale listings here and generally avoid dealers and auction sites. That being said, one dealer that I can recommend is James Kibble at Kibble Watches in London. He is very knowledgeable and trustworthy. If you email him at his shop and tell him what you’re looking for, he may be able to assist you.
 
Noddyman
Posts
1,116
Likes
1,777
My gut feeling tells me this dial is original but as @gbesq says you need better clearer pics.
What makes me believe it’s original is you can see in the image below the gilt base metal bleeding through all over the dial. I imagine with better images you might realise it’s more degraded than you would like.
The price is very high considering the dial condition. I have the exact same watch which I purchased 12 months ago and even including a full service it came in less than half what this dealer is asking.
31CCC512-EEC1-4CFF-BF83-199EA2CC3BEB.jpeg
 
bardamu
Posts
1,327
Likes
5,080
Dial looks like ok to me, but I'd ask for pics of movement and inside caseback: I know this is a front loaded, but seems to me inacceptable asking so much for a vintage watch without showing movement and reference number.
 
Yomega
Posts
79
Likes
96
Even if the dial is original, 1300 £ is a very high price considering the condition of the dial and the case.

Also, is the crown original? As it sticks out quite a bit
 
K
Posts
8
Likes
1
Thank you all for your replies, I asked the dealer for more pictures of the movement but I agree, it is priced rather highly.
 
Borosilikat
Posts
252
Likes
506
Good that you asked for movement pics, the most important thing to pay attention is the regulator, if it's pushed all the way in one direction it's a bad sign.
 
TheBosston
Posts
59
Likes
68
I think the hands have been relumed, dial looks original to me but is in a bad condition . The seller is asking way too much for a watch in this condition...
 
cristos71
Posts
7,340
Likes
33,924
I think it's the kind of watch which bought out in the wild for 5 or 600 euro is a reasonably good buy, baring in mind it will need a service for €175+ to bring it up to spec and that the dial and case are nowhere near perfect.

At GBP1375 or €1600 I find it very top heavy on the price/condition ratio index especially as it probably hasn't been serviced and I do doubt the seller's claims of an "unpolished case"
 
K
Posts
8
Likes
1
cristos71 cristos71
I think it's the kind of watch which bought out in the wild for 5 or 600 euro is a reasonably good buy, baring in mind it will need a service for €175+ to bring it up to spec and that the dial and case are nowhere near perfect.

At GBP1375 or €1600 I find it very top heavy on the price/condition ratio index especially as it probably hasn't been serviced and I do doubt the seller's claims of an "unpolished case"
Thank you for your reply and to everyone who has replied so far. I appreciate all of you. As someone who doesn't know how to evaluate movements, does this watch's movement look ok to you? I agree with you regarding your thoughts about the price.
Edited:
 
TheBosston
Posts
59
Likes
68
Maybe others can elaborate more on this, but it looks like the rotor had friction against the case back?!
 
K
Posts
8
Likes
1
Thank you all for your opinions. I suppose based on everyone's replies, I should pass on this watch. I'm kind of disappointed because it was nice to finally find one with an authentic dial (presumably) and not a redial like the majority of these are. I didn't even really mind the dial and case not being in great shape because it's been difficult trying to find one but I suppose the search will go on.
Edited:
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

D

1963 Omega Seamaster 165.003 help much appreciated

deanoasis Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Davidt
Davidt
Posts
8
Views
3K
Davidt

Vintage Omega Seamaster DeVille with Black Gilt Dial and BoR Bracelet, Ref 166.020

Davidt Private Watch Sales
Davidt
Davidt
Posts
1
Views
4K
D

Speedmaster pre-moon purchase! Help much appreciated.

doggyvufvuf Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Texas Toast
Texas Toast
Posts
16
Views
3K
dtemples

Any Help Much Appreciated 70's Seamaster De Ville Day Date

dtemples Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
onlyomega94
onlyomega94
Posts
12
Views
6K