Removal of movement from an Omega Seamaster Deville

Hi,

I am in the market for a vintage Omega Seamaster and have a line on one. When I go to see the watch, I'd like to examine the movement if the seller allows me. I realize that the Seamaster Deville movement is removed from the front. Is this process difficult (removal and replacement)?

Is there a resource available online to tell me what to look for when purchasing a vintage Omega?

Thank you.

Wow, the guy was skillfull. I always wondered how to open one of those dynamics.

Thanks Jim. I believe this will be the case for me - the seller will be reluctant to allow me to open the case. So, I will have to examine the watch as closely as I can and take that gamble you mentioned.

Thanks. It's a picture of my Elgin 16 size Grade 454 with power reserve indicator. I have many pocket watches and some wrist watches in my collection. I'd like to add an Omega. My taste and interests lie with vintage and older elegant designs.

Went to see the watch today. It was a nice clean example - clean dial with original dial lettering, nice hands, clean crisp corners on the lugs and no attempts at reconditioning such as over polishing. Luckily the owner had pictures of the movement taken at its last servicing (recently too). The watch appeared to run very nicely. In short, an honest watch but not a great watch. A couple of things concerned me:
1. The Omega logo just below 12:00 was raised gold lettering. The "G" in the OMEGA name had its bar missing, possibly broken off, resulting in "OMECA".
2. The case was completely void of any markings whatsoever. The back was steel, the front gold. There was no embossed Sea horse on the back (I was expecting) and no hallmarks near the lugs. Could this be a replacement case?
3. The straps were cheap aftermarket replacements, plain leather.

I didn't get the watch but said I'd think about it. Should I be worried about any of the issues I've raised?