Hello I need some help identifying the condition of a seamaster ref 166.010 and whether the crown is a replacement as the original crown looks thinner on online pictures. Also, as a watch from the 60s, would it be any different getting the chronometer version of this? Or would the 50 y/o cal 565 maintain a same standard as a 50 y/o cal 564?
Yes the crown is a later service replacement, it should have the thin scalloped version to be original.
The 564 & 565 are virtually identical, so 50yrs on there will be no difference in accuracy. The movement with the least wear and best setup will win the day.
You pay less for a 166.010 because it doesn’t carry the same kudos as the 168.024 chronometer version. However the 166.010 trumps the 168.024 with its variety of dial configurations & colours available. The 168.024 only comes in a ‘champagne’ colour as far as I know.
Here’s my 166.010 with the correct scalloped crown.
Collectors find thin scalloped crowns (like many other things) by hunting patiently and acting quickly, or by paying a premium to pry them out of the hands of hoarders.
All things being equal, chronometer versions carry a premium because collectors enjoy having them, but they aren't necessarily better timekeepers.
All of that said, this particular reference is extremely common from Japanese sellers, so just find one you like and buy it.
You might also consider slowing down and taking some time to read and learn. You don't have to buy a watch in the first week you are looking. Patience is very important with vintage watches, it's not like you can just walk into a store and buy a commodity. Each watch is different, each seller is different. Go slow, learn, and wait for something good. Over time, you will learn the answers to all of your questions. In fact, if you take the time to read through old threads on this forum, you will find an incredible treasure trove of information.
You will save yourself a lot of time and disappointment in the long run if you take the time to learn what you really want. Did you see the photo I posted in your other thread? I bought a 168.024, but then decided I preferred a 165.010, and then I decided I preferred the 166.009. Then I found a better 168.024 and then a better 166.009. And then the better 168.024 stopped working. And so on. And that doesn't even include the 168.022s and extra bracelets that aren't shown. Don't be like me, look at all the extra crap I have lying around now.
You might also consider slowing down and taking some time to read and learn. You don't have to buy a watch in the first week you are looking. Patience is very important with vintage watches, it's not like you can just walk into a store and buy a commodity. Each watch is different, each seller is different. Go slow, learn, and wait for something good. Over time, you will learn the answers to all of your questions. In fact, if you take the time to read through old threads on this forum, you will find an incredible treasure trove of information.
You will save yourself a lot of time and disappointment in the long run if you take the time to learn what you really want. Did you see the photo I posted in your other thread? I bought a 168.024, but then decided I preferred a 165.010, and then I decided I preferred the 166.009. Then I found a better 168.024 and then a better 166.009. And then the better 168.024 stopped working. And so on. And that doesn't even include the 168.022s and extra bracelets that aren't shown. Don't be like me, look at all the extra crap I have lying around now.
