Looking at this piece: http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-RAR...F-165-014-64-AUTOMATIC-CAL-552-/311609245576?Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network What do you guys think re: condition? Here are my brief observations: Bezel looks original, although chipped in places which is common for these Case looks good, unpolished Dial, not quite orange, but a nice aged patina. Correct 6 and 9 etc. Hands may be replacements, but I feel like I've seen the hands age differently than the markers on the dial before Not sure about crown Movement looks correct 552, in good condition Please have mercy on a poor soul, and let a brother grab one of these . Please see my spammed WTB posts for evidence re: the ongoing quest.
I think it looks very nice, but I won't comment on the authenticity as I'm not qualified for that. You may have attracted about 20 more bidders by posting it here though. Good luck.
I suspect the hands have been relumed but are original to the watch. I also suspect it has been polished, although it's hard to see by how much from the photos. Crown definitely replaced. It's a nice piece though.
My impression is that most memebers do not bid on a watch that someone is posting about buying or thinking about buying, I think it is considered bad form for other members to bid on it, although of course its a free world and its not written in blood.
Both! Should have a flat foot logo and the crown is not as deep, although a larger diameter. However it's no big deal as the crown has most often been replaced over the years. It should look like this:
This is a really nice example of a 165.014-64 that Kirill @KRLYUZH had for sale here last month. https://omegaforums.net/threads/196...-straight-lug-165-014-64-yellow-patina.39303/
At any given time there will be several people following these listings and you can be assured some of these will be members here. Moreover, there are several lurkers who follow the threads and they will now be alerted to the auction. Bottom line: more exposure = more competition. The take home message is to do your homework and know enough to place your bid without having to put the spotlight on the prize.
True. We have all made that Newbie mistake. Soon after I posted pics and asked questions, I saw a 2998-2 lollipop disappear from a seller's website. Better to do your homework, bid intelligently and then post it. Nothing better than having the Seamaster Bosses rip your new arrival to shreds.
There are about twice the number of lurkers on OF than members at any given time. There are snipers among them or, as someone's called, sharks. The seller of the OP's watch has rarely if ever sold at or below normal market price for most of his watches.
Correct. Crown is an old replacement type, which is a little larger. Also used on the 165.024. And yes, the middle case and especially the caseback has been polished quite a lot. Not uncommon at all, but unpolished ...no. Below is a couple of my .014's unpolished. Otherwise original enough, and serial is correct for a 165.014-64, but condition not that great. The Kirill one was nice and if the asking price was obtained, that's a strong price. The ebay one won't go near that.... or perhaps it will, since the market is looney these days
Thanks for the info all. I ended up winning the piece and am pretty happy with the item and the price Also thanks all for the info re: the case, crown, and hands. Was helpful while trying to put a number on value. Pictures incoming upon receipt
Nice one! Here is one I bought a month ago. Typical used condition and empty bezel. I guess the one you bought is half way between mine and the fabulous one shown by @kox.
Congrats for this nice pickup @kidkimura !! Mine with close serial number 22.596.XXX produced the 5 july 1965
