Question about Ref. 165.001 v. Ref. 14765

Hi all,

I am about to purchase my very first vintage Omega and would appreciate your guidance. I've wanted a vintage Seamaster with a solid gold case for a while, specifically a no-date model from the 60s. I unfortunately lost out on a Ref. 165.001 in superb condition. However, recently I found a Ref. 14765 SC-61 in similarly excellent condition, and I plan to pick it up. Before I do, is there any reason why I should hold out for a Ref. 165.001?

To my understanding, the models are practically identical. Technically, I believe that the Ref. 14765 falls under the "Seamaster DeVille" line. There are a few, very minor aesthetic differences between the two models, but the overall appearance and the movement are the same.

As an aside, what would you consider a fair price for a 1960s vintage Seamaster in excellent condition? 18k gold case, including gold caseback with seahorse medallion. I see them in the $2-3k range fairly frequently and was curious if that is inflated or not.

Thank you!

The 165.001 is a Seamaster, or a Geneve. It has a screw down case back, and is almost identical to the 165.002, aside from the bezel. It is not like the 14765.

The 14765 is a De Ville, or a "pre-De Ville", depending on year and branding. It is a monocoque case, with an integral case back.

Please note, a gold 14765 with a steel back is plated or otherwise two-tone; a 14765 with a gold back should be solid gold.

I did not realize that the DeVille (it is from 1961, so I think it is a pre-DeVille) had a monocoque case. Very interesting! Thanks for your comment.

That’s a question you won’t get many answers to without pictures. Is the case sharp or polished to a ball?

For the models you’re mentioning, 2-3k$ sounds like a lot to me. These wouldn’t achieve 2000$ in a regular eBay auction I’d say. You’ll need patience to find one for less, though: The expensive ones from the dealers and overly ambitious sellers are always there, good ones at no reserve don’t come around on a daily basis. I’d put in the time for the hunt, though - this style watch isn’t exactly rare, definitely a realistic task.

Thank you!