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My Early Seamaster 120 Divers. What to look for and what to avoid.

hmmmcamu
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Sa Calobra Yves86
Hi everyone,
I got referred to this thread, trying to look for a Seamaster 120. I was told the watch below was not correct - based on what?
What I can think of is that the Omega logo and text should be switched around and the fact that the engraving is too thick. I'm not sure about the bezel. It looks too perfect to be true, but I also don't find it very glossy. What do you think? Anything else that is incorrect?


STAY AWAY FROM THIS, DO NOT PURCHASE
 
Davidt
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It’s all wrong, but it’s most prevalent on the dial and bezel.

These are known fakes and have been discussed various times in this thread. There’s a lot to go at but give it a read and you’ll start to get a good understanding. It’s necessarily reading for anyone looking for a 120.
 
Sa Calobra
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Thanks everyone- don't worry I won't buy, was trying to understand everything that's wrong about it. I was curious what part of the bezel was wrong, but will read through more of the pages to understand
 
Davidt
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As a starting point;

Bezel - look at the pip.
Dial - Seanaster
 
R
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Davidt Davidt
As a starting point;

Bezel - look at the pip.
Dial - Seanaster

Seanaster vs. Seamaster is usually the first thing I look for on these.
 
hmmmcamu
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VINTAGE OMEGA ADVERT
for 1960's OMEGA Seamaster 120 [ Recreational diver], the little brother of the OMEGA Seamaster 300 [Professional Diver]
 
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Sa Calobra
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I've been going further, and now came across this model, listed by a private seller who claims it's from his family and all original. I've been examining the pictures, my only doubt was the seconds hand, but I've read another thread where it was said this was quite common and perhaps service replacement.

Also I'm seriously considering to bid for it, but with so many fakes I'm not sure what's a fair value. Watch has been serviced a couple of years back, but no proof. Appears to be running accurately. Listing price is 2500 but that to me feels way out of hand. Thanks in advance for your advice!
 
IMG_20220206_104817.jpeg IMG_20220206_104838.jpeg IMG_20220206_104957.jpeg IMG_20220206_104902.jpeg
S.H.
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Sa Calobra Yves86
I've been going further, and now came across this model, listed by a private seller who claims it's from his family and all original. I've been examining the pictures, my only doubt was the seconds hand, but I've read another thread where it was said this was quite common and perhaps service replacement.

Also I'm seriously considering to bid for it, but with so many fakes I'm not sure what's a fair value. Watch has been serviced a couple of years back, but no proof. Appears to be running accurately. Listing price is 2500 but that to me feels way out of hand. Thanks in advance for your advice!

Missing case clamps and screws?
 
JwRosenthal
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S.H. S.H.
Missing case clamps and screws?
Good spot! I would ask the seller if he is aware that the clamps and screws are missing - perhaps he pulled the movement out when taking pics (why I don’t know) and hadn’t put it back together yet.

Otherwise it looks good to me. Considering it comes with the factory bracelet and correct endlinks, with original bezel and pip, and nice dial with good looking lume- $2.5k is very reasonable these days.
 
Sa Calobra
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In case they do end up missing - is that an easy replacement part to find?
 
JwRosenthal
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Sa Calobra Yves86
In case they do end up missing - is that an easy replacement part to find?
I would ask the seller first- he isn’t a novice with watches, the quality of his images, the fact that he got the back off and the travel case he has the watch resting on speaks to that
 
S.H.
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Sa Calobra Yves86
In case they do end up missing - is that an easy replacement part to find?
Not too hard, but I don't like it. What else is wrong if it is missing obvious parts? So if you buy it, factor in some service and parts.
 
hmmmcamu
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watch looks correct but as mentioned above missing parts to secure the movement
 
Screen Shot 2022-02-07 at 12.29.19 PM.png
Sa Calobra
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hmmmcamu hmmmcamu
watch looks correct but as mentioned above missing parts to secure the movement

Oh it's even this outer ring which is missing, hadn't seen that. The seller doesn't know why it is missing, he didn't remove it himself, and it only went for service a couple of years back. Hmmm.. feels tricky.
 
hmmmcamu
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Sa Calobra Yves86
Oh it's even this outer ring which is missing, hadn't seen that. The seller doesn't know why it is missing, he didn't remove it himself, and it only went for service a couple of years back. Hmmm.. feels tricky.

possible his watch maker neglected to replace the parts
 
Sa Calobra
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hmmmcamu hmmmcamu
watch looks correct but as mentioned above missing parts to secure the movement
And this is a 601, fitted in the seamaster 120?
 
hmmmcamu
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Sa Calobra Yves86
And this is a 601, fitted in the seamaster 120?

2 manual wind versions for this watch

NO DATE ... case ref# 135.027 ... Cal. 601
DATE WINDOW ... case ref# 136.027 ... Cal. 613
 
Sa Calobra
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hmmmcamu hmmmcamu
2 manual wind versions for this watch

NO DATE ... case ref# 135.027 ... Cal. 601
DATE WINDOW ... case ref# 136.027 ... Cal. 613
Sorry I meant to ask - the picture that you shared, is that of an actual seamaster 120?
 
Davidt
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The movement retaining ring is absolutely not easy to find. A few years ago I had one with a heavily damaged ring and several watchmakers said they couldn’t help. After scouring various sources for months I eventually called Swiss time services who thankfully had one.

Point is, you’ll likely need a full service from an Omega authorised watchmaker to get this piece.
 
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