Omega Seamaster identification assitance

J

Posts

4

Likes

3

JakeM

·Aug 28, 2023

Hi all,

Posted this on reddit a few weeks ago but didn't get anywhere with it. Was hoping I might be able to get some advice on users from this forum.

My grandfather recently passed away and among other things he left me was this Omega Seamaster watch.

I'm trying to identify it with the intention of getting it valued (to ascertain whether or not it should be insured).

There aren't many identifying features other than the number 1342 stamped on the back of the case.




Any advice on the specifics of this watch grately appreciated.

 

Posts

13,440

Likes

31,609

X350 XJR

·Aug 28, 2023·Vintage Omega Aficionado

I believe this is a ref 196.0195/396.0903. Note multiple dials were offered.

 

J

Posts

4

Likes

3

JakeM

·Aug 28, 2023

X350 XJR

I believe this is a ref 196.0195/396.0903. Note multiple dials were offered.

Ah OK. So with this info I've been able to determine a rough value (£500-£1000 depending on which site I visit) and more importantly, the year of manufacture which looks to be 1961.

 

Posts

5,813

Likes

9,024

Mark020

·Aug 28, 2023·not the sharpest pencil in the ΩF drawer

No should be much later. I’d say 1980’s

 

Posts

11,975

Likes

20,815

Davidt

·Aug 28, 2023

It certainly wasn’t made in 1961. More like 1981.

I say more like £500. Perhaps some dealers are asking £1000 but that’s a stretch imo

 

Posts

21,651

Likes

49,066

Dan S

·Aug 28, 2023

Davidt

It certainly wasn’t made in 1961. More like 1981.

I say more like £500. Perhaps some dealers are asking £1000 but that’s a stretch imo

Of course, if one is insuring for insurance purposes, the crazy dealer asking prices are possibly relevant as "replacement cost".

But personally, I don't see the point in insuring items in that range of value anyway. Insurance can't replace sentimental value, and in the extremely unlikely case that something happens to it, if I want to replace a $500 watch, I'll replace it. Paying extra premiums to insure every little item seems like overdoing it.

 

J

Posts

4

Likes

3

JakeM

·Aug 28, 2023

Good advice cheers. Wasn't too sure about its worth but seeing it's not worth insuring doesn't make it any less valuable - it's definitely priceless on my opinion and I'll be proud wearing it and reminding myself of the time I had my grandad.

 

J

Posts

4

Likes

3

JakeM

·Aug 28, 2023

Another quick question, is it possible to add extra links to the band?

 

Posts

5,813

Likes

9,024

Mark020

·Aug 28, 2023·not the sharpest pencil in the ΩF drawer

Probably yes but the challenge will be to find them

 

Posts

11,975

Likes

20,815

Davidt

·Aug 29, 2023

Even quartz watches need to be serviced. I’d keep an eye on eBay etc to try and find some extra links (you may need to be a non working parts watch) then take it to a recommended watchmaker to check the movement, service it/replace the battery and install the new links