Opinions on this 166.020 560 for a newbie

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If you're a newbie then it can seem like you simply must jump on an opportunity like this. But, if you've been in the game for a minute, you'll find that: there are endless seamasters coming up for sale and something else cool and better will likely come along if you e patient. And, condition, condition, condition.

Set some Google alerts and buckle in.

That said, these textured dials are super cool. Good luck with your search.
I appreciate the additional feedback.

Yeah, my newb, first time buyer's excitement is difficult to control, but patience is what I've ultimately decided on. I've looked at what seems like several thousand designs and this one caught my artist eye. I'm sure another one, or another design, will come around.

Great idea. I use G alerts for my business and didn't think of using it for an Omega.
 
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I agree TexOmega. Just some help for you to avoid scammers, if you're on a computer, not mobile, when you place the curser on the link you'll see the destination page. I do suppose some might use a redirect technique, but I'm no one of them.

I tried to avoid adding it for this reason, but Dan was having a difficult time seeing the watch details. I thought it would be best to include it for that reason along.

@Dan S, thanks again!


Indeed, but posters can also post the eBay item number

Welcome to the Forum and to vintage Omega watches
 
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The 560 adds zero value and without a bracelet, at $1700 it’s around twice where it should

When I saw the seller's highlight of the 560, that sent me into a short rabbit-hole of research. I ultimately decided I wasn't interested enough in it to pay double. I'm thankful I found this forum a few months ago.
 
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Indeed, but posters can also post the eBay item number

Welcome to the Forum and to vintage Omega watches

Good point. That's something that didn't cross my mind. I've seen a ton of the eBay links, but didn't think of me being a new member would result in caution. As an owner of an online business, I should have.

I appreciate it. The vintage side of Omegas is what I'm going to focus on. Just love the style.
 
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I've looked at what seems like several thousand designs and this one caught my artist eye. I'm sure another one, or another design, will come around.
Personally, I am more drawn to no-date dials aesthetically. But some people do feel that the date feature is functionally important to them. Here's an (almost) apples-to-apples comparison.

 
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Personally, I am more drawn to no-date dials aesthetically. But some people do feel that the date feature is functionally important to them. Here's an (almost) apples-to-apples comparison.


Both of those are beautiful watches. The date/no-date is not something I've put much thought into as of yet. This pic gives me a great side-by-side to look at and I agree the no-date does please my eye better. The date is not necessarily something I need.

My interests, as of now, are the following:
  • Vintage
  • Uncommon dial
  • Leather strap
  • No gold - anywhere

A couple of notes to explain the interests - I'm an artist of sorts. I started art training/design at a young age and because of it, I've always shifted towards the unusual. Like things that few other people have, and when seen or noticed by others that have a similar eye, it becomes a conversation starter. Whatever that item/object is, it becomes an icebreaker.

As a quick example, back many years ago, I was into street racing. At that time (late 80's/early 90's) most street guys drove Mustangs. I, as someone that enjoys being a little different, decided to get a Buick Grand National. Even today, 30 yrs later, it's a conversation starter. Unfortunately, I sold it. It still breaks my heart...
 
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With Omega, there are so many dial variations, that many are "uncommon," and the term becomes almost meaningless. Different base dial finishes, marker styles, lume vs no-lume, etc.

For example, below is another variant of the 165.009 I showed in my last post, but with an uncommon vertically brushed dial vs the typical sunburst (sorry, the lighting isn't great). It's a subtle difference, but you rarely see it. Having bought hundreds of watches, I now focus much more on what appeals to me rather than whether I think something might be common or uncommon. In the context of the world at large, all of these watches are incredibly uncommon.

Also, in your place, I wouldn't worry much about bracelet vs. no-bracelet. Bracelets are often added and removed, even at sale. If you see a watch that you like with a bracelet, you can always ask to buy it without the bracelet, or buy the watch and sell the bracelet. Bracelets are extremely easy to sell.

 
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With Omega, there are so many dial variations, that many are "uncommon," and the term becomes almost meaningless. Different base dial finishes, marker styles, lume vs no-lume, etc.

For example, below is another variant of the 165.009 I showed in my last post, but with an uncommon vertically brushed dial vs the typical sunburst (sorry, the lighting isn't great). It's a subtle difference, but you rarely see it. Having bought hundreds of watches, I now focus much more on what appeals to me rather than whether I think something might be common or uncommon. In the context of the world at large, all of these watches are incredibly uncommon.

Also, in your place, I wouldn't worry much about bracelet vs. no-bracelet. Bracelets are often added and removed, even at sale. If you see a watch that you like with a bracelet, you can always ask to buy it without the bracelet, or buy the watch and sell the bracelet. Bracelets are extremely easy to sell.


I see, that makes sense. Omega's wide array of styles is ultimately why I decided to go the Omega vintage route, rather than lets say Rolex vintage. I prefer something different, as already mentioned. I can see I have lot to learn.

Now, this example I like more because of the brushed look. The sunburst is what I would consider more "common". It's all about the subtle differences. Hundreds of watches bought/sold/traded? Damn. Here I am beginning a journey one block away from my house while you are a multi-world traveler. I'm very appreciative of any advice you have to offer.

I glad you brought that up. I passed on a watch a month and a half ago because of the bracelet. After it sold, I thought to myself, well that was a mistake. I can easily remove it and replace with a strap. That was a note to myself to file away....don't do that again. I also thought having both a bracelet and a strap might be a net positive if/when I resell it.
 
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I see, that makes sense. Omega's wide array of styles is ultimately why I decided to go the Omega vintage route, rather than lets say Rolex vintage. I prefer something different, as already mentioned. I can see I have lot to learn.
Haha, Rolex has these variations (and uncommon references) too. Circular brushed vs sunburst of 36mm ref 6424.

 
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I love Seamaster Devilles and It’s not too hard to find a nice one with an unusual dial with a bit of patience.

Here are a few I’ve owned over the years. I just sold of of them, with bracelet for considerably less than $1750.

 
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Haha, Rolex has these variations (and uncommon references) too. Circular brushed vs sunburst of 36mm ref 6424.


Fair point. Personally, I think this design could fit many different makers. Just a change of the name. Most of my friends have pieces that fit this same classic, timeless style as well as the speedster and diver styles. Their beautiful time pieces, but I'm looking for those with more of an artistic "flare". Does that make sense? Also, I have a smaller wrist and the larger, more popular aforementioned styles look more like a wall clock on my wrist, rather than a wristwatch. Like an small 80's Toyota truck with huge 44" 4x4 tires. Something that screams...."that ain't right". I like to make a statement, but not of that type. 😉

I most probably haven't looked at enough vintage Rolexes to fully understand what I'm missing. I took a brief look into a few different makers and quickly decided on Omega. One reason is for the relatively nominal entry price in combination with artistically expressive designs. I felt like instead of doing a shotgun collecting method, I'd laser focus on one maker. Maybe once I'm bored with Omega (if that's ever possible) I'll start to broaden the collection.

What other makers to you like or collect?
 
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I love Seamaster Devilles and It’s not too hard to find a nice one with an unusual dial with a bit of patience.

Here are a few I’ve owned over the years. I just sold of of them, with bracelet for considerably less than $1750.


These! It's the Devilles that caught my eye and swayed me into the vintage Omega world. I love the dial designs!

My initial goal for a collection are the Devilles. I broaden out afterwards, but I have a passion for the Devilles.