Hello all, I am new to the forum and am looking to buy my first Omega. I have always wanted an Omega mainly because I felt that it was the only name missing from my dad’s collection, which he has passed to me since, according to him, he no longer needs to look at the time when he retired.

My current means, however, only allow me to shop in the vintage market. I have done some research, but am far from being knowledgeable and have zero experience with Omegas. I have joined this community with the hopes of expanding my knowledge on the subject.

I am looking at what seems to be a vintage non-chronometer Seamaster 166.010 with BoR bracelet. According to the seller, the movement is a caliber 565 (please excuse the photos, they were provided by the seller) with quickset date by turning the hands from 9pm to 12pm. Item is not yet on hand and, while i have somewhat committed to buying it, I have not yet made payment. The seller is asking a little under $600.00 for it.P

From what I am able to see, everything looks okay on the outside. The case looks unpolished, the patina looks even, and the script looks finely printed. I am, however, a bit concerned about the condition/correctness of the movement: 1) the Ranfft website shows that the jewel stamp of the 565 should be on the lower part of the bridge (i assume that the middle part was usually reserved for indicating adjusted positions on the chronometer versions?), and the rotor should have an “O” under the company name; 2) the movement looks more like a 562, except that the rivets flanking the jewel stamp should be jeweled; 3) if those aren’t jewels, then the movement would be a 17-jewel 563 (except that 563’s should say “unadjusted”) or 560 (except that 560’s don’t seem to have a quickset date function; 3) did the non-chronometer 166.010 come with movements other than 565, 563, and 562?; 4) is it possible that this is a 565 with replacement bridge and rotor? A 562 with missing jewels? Or a 563 with a replacement bridge? Or is it a different movement altogether?; and, 5) notwithstanding all the foregoing, does the movement look clean and can it be restored with original parts? Or, if not, is the movement worth keeping as it is? The seller says that the watch works fine and has been keeping good time.

To be honest, I am quite enamored with how the watch looks. And from what I understand, the 166.010 is quite hard to find outside of ebay (frankly, i am terrified of the bay). It is a bit unfortunate that i stumbled upon this while thinking about my first vintage Omega, because now I can’t think of any other reference that I would want more than this.

What do you guys think? Any opinion (or criticism) would be most welcome.

Thanks.

-LE

(Photos to follow)

 

Photos

 

Looks a bit like a tired watch. Bubbling on the dial. Movement needs a service. Bor is nice though. Do you have more pictures of the movement?

 

Unfortunately, no. The seller is reluctant to open it again because, according to him, he doesn’t have the tools. He has pictures of other watches where the escapement and the caliber stamp are shown, though.

It is my belief that he simply does not know how to do a proper movement shot, and took this one when he had the watch looked at by his watchmaker.

 

"Ranfft website shows that the jewel stamp of the 565 should be on the lower part of the bridge (i assume that the middle part was usually reserved for indicating adjusted positions on thechronometer versions?"

Yes, this is remarkable. I would have thought the 24 jewels positition is lower on the 565 while the cal 562, 552 have them in the middle...

 

Extra pictures of the movement are needed IMO to make a good judgement. Did'nt the 166.010 came also with a 562?

 

Aha

https://omegaforums.net/threads/advice-on-crown-for-seamaster-166-010-cal-562.80668/

 

Yes, I believe it did, and was actually chronometer grade but did not say so.

Should I be looking elsewhere? Or is this worth a shot?

 

Chronometer was 564

 

I’ve read that post but also found some pics of the 565 with the same crown as mine. But I would like some proper insight on this. Does mine have the wrong crown?

 

Chronometer is the 168024 with cal 564

 

Crown looks wrong

 

166.010 is a nice reference!

I also bought some of them recently.

I can't comment on the movement question but I think the watch is in original condition. I looks all consistent including the moevment.

The crown question has already been discussed here and I recall that both crowns -including yours- have been used on this reference. https://omegaforums.net/threads/my-latest-acquisition-an-omega-seamaster-166-010.50863/

I think for 600 Dollars you could get one with a better dial.

 

Yes, my apologies, the chronometer is indeed 564. Thanks for the pictures. Now I really want a watch like this one!

 

It's a great model. I had a couple. But i would wait for a better one. Some extra inspiration

 

That was actually the thread I meant when i mentioned some models with a similar crown as mine it is also the thread that made me green with envy. Lol

 

I will try and ask the seller for more pics of the movement, if only to solve the mystery and for my peace of mind.

 

I have an incoming crosshair like the one in the thread but I took a gamble on it - hope it turns out to be a good one...

 

The 565 quick sets by pumping the crown from position 2 (time set) to position 3. Your watch probably has a 562 - the same as the 166010 I sold here. It (semi) quick sets by cycling between 9pm and midnight as the seller says. There is a link in my sales listing to the service document I made for that watch and you can compare the movements. Your one is desperately in need of a service but, it might come up okay. I think those are jewels that your seeing next to the "24 jewels" writing - they are just very, very dirty.

If the BOR is in good condition, $600 doesn't seem too unreasonable (a bit high but the BOR could be worth $150 on its own) although, expect to add at least half that for a service/parts. Depends on the dial really as if it is spotted badly then I'd steer clear. The problem is these sort of watches with dirty/neglected movements can be real money pits so, you're taking a big chance...

Cheers, Chris

 

So my watch looks like it has all correct and original parts but, with a tired movement and bubbling on the dial, I should be waiting for a better specimen?