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  1. mliver May 21, 2019

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    Hi there,

    Inexperienced watch buyer here!

    While the owner of a handful of 1960s Omega models, I've never pushed beyond the $1000 mark.

    I've been chasing a Seamaster 120 for the last 6 months or so and have happened upon this watch on eBay.

    It is the reference I have been chasing (simpler looking the non-date, with the automatic movement) and seems to be in great condition. While having lurked the forum for some time, it did not cross my mind to actively request the eyes of more experienced collectors.

    The seller has a considerable amount of items online, much of which is far more valuable than the watch I'm purchasing and has described the watch as being all original, as well as recently serviced.

    I have some questions about the originality of the bezel, that being it seems too clean! From my research over the last 6 months, it has been rare to find a 120 without edge-wear to the bezel, let alone to be as clean as this one here. I'm left conflicted on the originality front both due to my lack of experience and secondly given the harsh natural light the photographs have been taken in. The seller and listing are in Italian so I'm unable to ask anything directly from them.

    Here is the google translated transcript from the listing:

    "From my private collection for sale gorgeous and rare diver Omega Automatic Seamaster 120 ref 165027 Cal 552 in excellent condition, original dial with the patina of time, original crown, original ring in excellent condition (equal to the new). Well-functioning clock recently revised. The case measures 37 mm without a crown and 42 mm between the handles. For other questions I look for your mails before the auction expires, thanks and good auction at all!" 217-Seamaster120-B_1024x1024.jpg 217-Seamaster120-wrist_1024x1024.jpg s-l1600.jpg s-l16002.jpg s-l16003.jpg s-l16004.jpg s-l16005.jpg s-l16006.jpg s-l16007.jpg s-l16008.jpg s-l16009.jpg s-l160010.jpg s-l160011.jpg s-l160012.jpg

    I have found an example which Hodinkee sold some time ago which has a relatively clean bezel so am left unsure.

    The photos of my watch are the images of the head only - again I'm conscious that the photographs have been taken in quite harsh natural light which may make certain aspects of the watch look a little strange.

    I'm seeking the thumbs up from more experienced collectors - I'm hoping I've found a great example at a reasonable price ($2400AUD)
     
  2. cristos71 May 21, 2019

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    The bezel looks good, although I thought it should be steel on the side and not black, mine is anyway...

    The rest of the watch less so. The dial lume is very dark and mouldy looking, with some kind of debris build up on the 12 o'clock marker. The movement looks tired and dirty.

    At $2400 I'd pass.

    Here's mine which also has a good looking bezel, so they are to be found...you just need patience.

    20171027_232748.jpg
     
    Swissmister, joso and gemini4 like this.
  3. snunez May 21, 2019

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    Nice, but does seem a bit expensive. You may want to check the value of the bracelet. Some bracelets are worth quite a lot.
     
  4. Swissmister May 21, 2019

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    You can do better for less money. As was noted above, the worst thing here is unattractive, patina on the indices. Notice how nice is the color on the one above. Also, that bezel seems not completely right. The black on the side is not normal, and the texture looks very grainy to me. I won't say it's wrong, but I'm not sure it's right, and the bezel on these is about half the value. The pip looks good. All in all, you can do better. Check Chrono24. Nice examples can still be had for 1700 ish.
    s-l1600 (1).jpg
    The patina isn't as nice as Cristos', but look at the bezel compared to the one you posted. The more I look, the more I am sure that bezel has been doctored somehow.
     
    Edited May 21, 2019
  5. connieseamaster May 21, 2019

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    I'm wondering if an old/ghosted/beat up bezel was replaced by a bezel from one of the fake kits that abound in various corners of the internet.
     
    Shabbaz likes this.
  6. Shabbaz May 21, 2019

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    These are the same bezels? It's amazing what light can do... I would say the first one is a knock off and the second one is legit while it's the same bezel!?! Anyway, for me the basic rule with 120's is... if the dial is not in pristine condition (which is the case) then I would want to see some fading in the bezel. If no fade, I dont buy. I have had 8 120's and all the bezels had some fading.
     
    Screenshot_20190521-165031_Chrome.jpg Screenshot_20190521-165239_Chrome.jpg
    connieseamaster likes this.
  7. Swissmister May 21, 2019

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    The bezel in question almost appears to have been refinished with the same process and same paint used to refinish a dial. Does anyone do that work?
     
  8. Shabbaz May 21, 2019

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    Haha. Sorry. The second one is the 166027 with date. Different watch...::facepalm1:: Sorry. My bad... I'm awake now...

    Anyway, back to the 165027. That's a fake bezel. If not, I'll eat my shoe!!!
     
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  9. Shabbaz May 21, 2019

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    [QUOTE="and has described the watch as being all original, as well as recently serviced.

    And if this watch was serviced recently I'll eat my other shoe!!
     
    Screenshot_20190521-171359_Chrome.jpg
    connieseamaster likes this.
  10. peterkirk01 May 21, 2019

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    I know you say the watch for sale is in Italy but I have found in all my dealings with Italian sellers that they speak perfect English so just go ahead and ask whatever questions you have about the watch and I think and hope you will be surprised by their quick response. Good luck.
     
  11. Shabbaz May 21, 2019

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    The bracelet is from another watch (166027). Not sure why these pictures were posted. The bezel of the 166027 is legit IMO.
     
  12. Watchout312 May 21, 2019

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    Consistency is what you want to look for. The bezel, dial, hands etc should all show the same amount of age. Etsy sells fake 120 bezels and cases.
     
    connieseamaster likes this.
  13. Watchout312 May 21, 2019

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    Here’s mine. 5CC210C6-7D0D-4502-8035-67238FB4837B.jpeg 5CDB48AB-9FA6-42B9-9E47-FDE88294A7CB.jpeg