Hello everyone. I'm a complete newcomer to both vintage omegas and vintage watches in general, so really grateful for being able to join such a knowledgeable community as this one. I would appreciate peoples thoughts on a watch I have reserved and considering making my first ever purchase while trying to navigate what is an extremely steep learning curve. It is advertised as an Omega Seamaster automatic De Ville “early version” reference: 14770 from 1961 (even though based on the provided serial number 19647*** it comes up - on an online database i' ve checked - as 1962..), cal 562. What attracted me was mainly the dial, since I quite like the colour, combination of numbers and date. However, having looked through literally thousands of listings on line in the past couple of days, I haven't yet come across one that has this model/ dial/caliber combination. Should this be of concern? I attach some photos the seller took for me in the shop. Unfortunately I didn't ask for pictures from all sides but it does have the seahorse logo on the back including "waterproof " underneath and was assured by the admittedly very likeable and knowledgeable seller that everything about it is original and non "frankenstein". Many thanks in advance for your views.
Hi and welcome here! As far as I know the dial is not so common but legit and has a special look. Do you have concerns about the movement caliber also or is it only the dial? To me the watch looks legit, only thing that doesn't look so good are the lugs which look a bit too rounded / polished. How much is the asking price? Good luck!
I would have thought it’s too early a model for “Swiss Made T”. That straight sided M in automatic makes me nervous. Regardless of the dial the case is very polished.
I think @Noddyman is right with his points, sorry! Here another 14770 from 1961/62 for comparison (thats the way the lugs should look like!) https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-seamaster-14770-automatic-cal-562-fully-aserviced-£445.75299/
Many thanks for this Many thanks for the comments Noddyman. And especially the eagle-eyed observations on the "T" and "M" ! Never in a million years would I have noticed those. Would these indicate that the dial has been redone/refinished?
Thanks! A few others I've managed to find online also have the straight M but none of them has the T. Does anybody know when the Ts were introduced?
I am not saying straight M’s are wrong, it’s just they are the exception rather than the rule. As with all things Omega nothing is straightforward. @HunterJ some sharper in focus pics would help members make a better judgement.
The hands have me raising an eyebrow- but my ‘62 is non-lume so I can’t compare. The case however is polished to a nub. I would pass entirely on this one.
I could 've been tempted to pay something close to that since I really like the dial. But the feedback by members here have been very useful in highlighting issues o hadn't even noticed
These are very common watches (although the dial variation not as common- but not rare), and typically fetch between $600-$1k In very good shape, a little more for serviced (with documentation) and in stellar shape. Keep an eye on the classified’s here, they pop up regularly.
Grateful for the advice JwRosenthal. Really helpful in containing my urge to make unwise moves as a naive and overexcited first time buyer!