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Purchasing 1968 Seamaster Cosmic - issues!

N
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Hi,
I am looking at buying a good condition (cosmetically) 1968 Seamaster Cosmic Automatic.
As you can see the Timegrapher numbers are a little concerning - especially the amplitude.
The seller is up front, selling it as is and recommending a service.
My question is, given these numbers, do you think this will be an expensive service to bring the watch back into some kind of accurate condition?
Many thanks!
17447466847248341355586282460760.webp
 
Davidt
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Impossible to tell from that info I’d say. Could well just be dry and in need of a standard service.
Do you have a picture of the movement?
 
N
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Thanks.
Unfortunately not. I guess there is going to be some element of risk with this...
 
amikoyan
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N nigewilson
Thanks.
Unfortunately not. I guess there is going to be some element of risk with this...
Most watchmakers will appraise your watch for a small fee. Then they'll quote for the work. If you say no, you just lose the appraisal fee. Which I suppose offers little comfort before you buy it.
Edited:
 
Davidt
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I’ve just shelled out several grand for a watch with poor pictures and no movement shot as the seller couldn’t open it. It’s a risk, but with a movement shot and better pictures it would have sold for more.

You need to determine your risk appetite, assess the likelihood of ‘winning’ the gamble on any watch you’re considering, then decide whether to go for it.
 
N
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amikoyan amikoyan
Most watchmakers will appraise your watch for a small fee. Then they'll quote for the work. If you say no, you just lose the appraisal fee. Which I suppose offers little comfort before you buy it.
Good advice - thanks
 
N
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Davidt Davidt
Screenshot_20250415_211851_Chrome.webp
I’ve just shelled out several grand for a watch with poor pictures and no movement shot as the seller couldn’t open it. It’s a risk, but with a movement shot and better pictures it would have sold for more.

You need to determine your risk appetite, assess the likelihood of ‘winning’ the gamble on any watch you’re considering, then decide whether to go for it.
Yes, risk appetite just about sums it up... Here are some other photos - obviously not revealing what is going on inside!
 
Dan S
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Buying unserviced old watches always involves risk. The amplitude may not be an issue after a service, but you could end up needing several hundred dollars worth of parts for other reasons. Sometimes it’s just a simple service, other times it’s a setting lever and an autoreverser. You never know.
 
TIMElyBehaviour
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If I’m basing an assessment off the readings only, it looks like it has a lot of drag on the movement for an amplitude of 128. The beat error isn’t bad and is easily corrected as is the rate. For the rate to be as is considering the amplitude is quite well. It looks like a simple service. Oils dry up and instead of creating a frictionless experience do quite the opposite.

It could also mean there is an issue with a part causing drag. However if the watch hasn’t been serviced in many years it is more likely it just needs a freshen up.

I purchased a cosmic before Christmas where the seller said it was in good condition and running. It was full of dirt and dirt work. I got it cheap and I wanted to service it so I kept it anyway. Turned out it needed zero parts and just a really good clean.

Mine has a dial with a dent and a mashed set of hands so I’m still looking for replacements but hey, it runs and I don’t mind.


Bottom line it’s all a gamble but you look like you have a good chance of getting what you want.
IMG_6518.webp
 
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