Omega chronometer grade ’69 Seamaster 168.022

vlaspri · Dec 16, 2020

Longbow
I would personally rank overall condition as much more important than whether or not it is chronometer rated.

Take a look at @padders case geometry; that’s what these models should look like. Gold marks more easily than steel so the chances that a solid gold, filled or capped model has been polished and lost that original geometry are pretty high. If you are set on gold be very choosy, don’t just buy the first crap that crosses your path.

If you go for stainless steel look at the condition of the mid-case primarily, and the lugs in particular, these are no longer available but most other parts are still stocked by Omega (bezels etc).

If you see two reference numbers in the caseback it is probably a service replacement, this isn’t a deal breaker but you can cross check that with any statements about “all original”. Try to find one with a single reference number correct for the model you are buying.

Lastly, look at the for sale section here on OmegaForums, everything and everyone gets well scrutinized so a much safer bet than eBay or Chrono24.

Thanks a lot for such a comprehensive reply! I didn't knew about double serial replcement casebacks, and the model I want to buy has it, as the gold plated case either. I will continue searching the best one

Longbow · Dec 16, 2020

Since many parts of the world are in lockdown at the moment you shouldn’t be in any rush to scratch this itch. I suggest you do as much research around these models as you can over the holiday period and feel free to as OF members for advice or clarification if there is some point that you are unsure about or find confusing.

As a starting point, try to gather as full a picture as you can of what all those different reference numbers mean.... I.e. the “xxx.yyy” numbers and gather as many photos/images as you can of each reference type. Then look at all the different dial variants, sparkle, sunburst, concentric circular brushed, plain, stepped or flat, Tritium or not. Understand the differences between “BA” and “ST” and so on and so forth. Going through this process and thereby amassing a few hundred images that you have fully scrutinized will educate you prior to blindly stumbling into this project.

vlaspri · Dec 16, 2020

Longbow
Since many parts of the world are in lockdown at the moment you shouldn’t be in any rush to scratch this itch. I suggest you do as much research around these models as you can over the holiday period and feel free to as OF members for advice or clarification if there is some point that you are unsure about or find confusing.

As a starting point, try to gather as full a picture as you can of what all those different reference numbers mean.... I.e. the “xxx.yyy” numbers and gather as many photos/images as you can of each reference type. Then look at all the different dial variants, sparkle, sunburst, concentric circular brushed, plain, stepped or flat, Tritium or not. Understand the differences between “BA” and “ST” and so on and so forth. Going through this process and thereby amassing a few hundred images that you have fully scrutinized will educate you prior to blindly stumbling into this project.

Thank you for sharing your experience! I think I'll spend all the holiday season in research, because really, there are so many differences even in this pretty unpopular case model reference.

Pvt-Public · Dec 16, 2020

Longbow
If you see two reference numbers in the caseback it is probably a service replacement,

I’m sorry but I have to disagree with this. The Seamaster (although stainless and non-chrono) I have was my fathers and I know the case back was never replaced. I believe the dual reference was only because the chrono and non-were installed in the same case, therefor the the same case back would fit, and didn’t need 2 separate model case backs. If wrong I have no problem being corrected.

padders · Dec 16, 2020

I agree with the above. A double stamped caseback does not IMO necessarily suggest replacement, it is a practice used by Omega since at least as early as the 1940s as a way to use cases for multiple references. For the model being discussed here, it is a way for them to use the case twice as chronometer and non chronometer versions but there have been examples of triple and even 4 x marking in my experience. It does lead to confusion though since many sellers don't know which model they have and often list both or the wrong one.

In short yes it might suggest replacement, but on some references is the norm, the 2846/2848 fat lug SM and the sparkle dial SM to name but two.

Longbow · Dec 16, 2020

OK, stand corrected. Is there any indication of a transition from single to multiple references or is it somewhat random/arbitrary? I think both of my Seamasters are single reference casebacks, but the parts are either mounted or in the bank* so a bit hard to check at the moment.

*The steel has an additional service replacement caseback installed due to engraving I had added by Omega and didn’t want to mod the original.

Edit: Just found an image of the original steel caseback. It is indeed dual reference, so another piece of the puzzle corrected.

vlaspri · Dec 16, 2020

The caseback that intended me to ask questions in this thread also has double serial, sorry for blurred pic

Omega chronometer grade ’69 Seamaster 168.022

vlaspri

Longbow

vlaspri

Pvt-Public

padders

Longbow

vlaspri

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