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Just grabbed a vintage 14k gold seamaster deville...what have I done??

southtexas
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What exactly did I buy? It’s about 34mm marked 14k gold. Has applied logo, fonts look original to me? Dial looks very clean and marked Swiss made. Crown and crystal both signed. Lugs are thin but still have nice angles (I assume they started life thin).

It winds nice and is keeping good time thus far. When the crown is pulled out to its furthest position, the date automatically changes (without turning crown). Is that normal?

How can I get an approximate date of production? I assume you have to go through the dial/crystal side to get to movement?

Thanks in advance.
 
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Walrus
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Ya the date change is right. I have a constellation that does that. I like it. The experts will come along and give you more info. I just got a seamaster deville, not gold but it’s a no date. They are nice watches. It is a front loader so you need proper tool to remove the crystal.
 
southtexas
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Walrus Walrus
Ya the date change is right. I have a constellation that does that. I like it. The experts will come along and give you more info. I just got a seamaster deville, not gold but it’s a no date. They are nice watches. It is a front loader so you need proper tool to remove the crystal.

thanks for the info. I assume the “proper tool” is not a straight razor? 😲
 
Walrus
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southtexas southtexas
thanks for the info. I assume the “proper tool” is not a straight razor? 😲
Ha no you will need to bring it to a watchmaker. You could buy the tool but you probably wouldn’t use it enough to justify it.
 
Willbur
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I would say that you have a 565 movement inside due to the date change process.
 
Benbradstock
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Looks nice as hell to me.. Sharp and original from what I’m seeing. Do you have a shot of the movement and inside caseback? Would be interested to know what you paid...
 
X350 XJR
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Willbur Willbur
I would say that you have a 565 movement inside due to the date change process.

A 14K case is indicative of a US watch, in which case it would have a cal 563.
 
Rallycat
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Quick set date. Handy feature. Gives me the willies sometimes because it feels a bit clunky. My Connie and Cosmic both have it. Beats wearing a groove in your finger while telling your wife you need a few more minutes.
 
southtexas
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Rallycat Rallycat
Quick set date. Handy feature. Gives me the willies sometimes because it feels a bit clunky. My Connie and Cosmic both have it. Beats wearing a groove in your finger while telling your wife you need a few more minutes.

Thanks, it is actually a much nicer feature than a slowset.

Is the dial 14k gold also? It has a nice brushed gold look to it. I’ve gathered it’s a 1960s presentation style watch. A keen-eyed member noticed a light inscription on the backside, I’ll need a loupe tomorrow to read it.
 
JwRosenthal
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Judging by the hands I would say it’s towards the end of the Deville run, so around 1967. Nice example indeed!
 
Verdi
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Hi,

You did well, watch looks all legit and in good condition.

Quick set date by pulling and pushing back the crown is correct.
The correct tool would be Omega 105 or 107. Most likely 105. Your watchmaker would know.



Would you mind telling us what you paid for it? We were talking about prices on anther thread and I was making a point of good deals that are out there.
 
JwRosenthal
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Tool is a crystal lift- not specifically Omega. Gotta pry the bezel and lift the crystal, then need appropriate press with dies- if this is not something you have experience with then don’t do it. If you crack the bezel you are SOL.
 
Walrus
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Rallycat Rallycat
Quick set date. Handy feature. Gives me the willies sometimes because it feels a bit clunky. My Connie and Cosmic both have it. Beats wearing a groove in your finger while telling your wife you need a few more minutes.
I only have one quick set and it does really help with the fingers. When I mentioned the quick set here someone replied it is prone to having issues. I have no idea how common it is I only bring it up as I recall someone saying it. I should not no problem with mine
 
Spruce
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Quick set needs a bit of care until you get used to it.

My preferred method is to pull out the crown by inserting my finger nail which, in my case, pulls it out just far enough to set the time. Obviously, easy enough to pull it further to change the date.
 
MRC
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southtexas southtexas
Thanks, it is actually a much nicer feature than a slowset.

Is the dial 14k gold also? It has a nice brushed gold look to it. I’ve gathered it’s a 1960s presentation style watch. A keen-eyed member noticed a light inscription on the backside, I’ll need a loupe tomorrow to read it.
25 YEARS
LOYAL
SERVICE
70?
ILL.R.
 
Walrus
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MRC MRC
25 YEARS
LOYAL
SERVICE
70?
ILL.R.
I thought I saw anniversary on it
 
Willbur
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It's like someone tried to remove what is engrave regarding all the scratch in the back.
 
X350 XJR
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Here's an instance where I would endorse polishing a watch. Done properly it would look way better than it does now and would actually add to the value.
 
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