Hello! Since this will be my first post Ill also include in a short introduction. Im Joseph and Im starting to collect vintage watches since their sizes accommodate my small wrist better than modern ones. I've read almost all the guides you've created here such as the "fishing guide", "condition, condition", etc and Ive also read other guides from the internet. Okay so after going through all the frankenwatches, redials, etc I think Ive found a potential good buy from an auction site. This is an Omega Seamaster cal. 565 with the reference# 166.002 on the caseback. Its listed at about $400. Now I searched the reference 166.002 up on Omega Database but seamaster deville came up. https://www.omegawatches.com/planet-omega/heritage/vintage-details/15159/ Then I tried adding another zero (i.e. 166.0002) and then an omega seamaster came up but it had a picture of a Geneve not a seamaster which was odd. https://www.omegawatches.com/planet-omega/heritage/vintage-details/14478/ Though both of these have cal 565 or 562 on them which is a good sign. Then I searched the reference number 166.002 on Jules and Borel and its shown that the reference number houses the cal 565 movement which is correct. http://cgi.julesborel.com/cgi-bin/matcgi2?ref=OME_CS^166.0020 http://cgi.julesborel.com/cgi-bin/matcgi2?ref=OME_CS^166.0020-SP Now there still isnt any proof that the dial matches the case reference and movement. Ive searched through google the reference number 166.002 and similar models came up with the same dial but I still needed more proof hopefully from the experts here. So anyhow here are the pictures. Hoping to get feedback first of all on its authenticity, and to confirm if all the parts really do match, especially the dial. Also if its a redial and I just missed it, because I think its not. Then lastly on its external condition and internal movement condition and if its worth the $400. Thank you so much for the knowledge and assistance! Hoping to learn more. Cheers! *Found another seamaster from the same seller. Im also considering that piece but also needs feedback. Please also take a look at my 2nd post.
Not sure if double posts are allowed (havent read any rule about it). I found this Seamaster 165.003 cal 552 from the same seller. Its listed for about the same price as above ($400). I researched the reference number 165.003 on omega vintage database and no seamaster came up. I added another zero (i.e. 165.0003) and this seamaster came up https://www.omegawatches.com/planet-omega/heritage/vintage-details/15006/ The image looks like it matches the watch, but the case type listed in the database is 18k solid yellow gold, not stainless steel. Then I searched 165.003 and 165.0003 on Jules Borel, results came up but no info about which movement came with it. http://cgi.julesborel.com/cgi-bin/matcgi2?ref=OME CS#165.003&submit=Search http://cgi.julesborel.com/cgi-bin/matcgi2?ref=OME CS#165.0003&submit=Search So the watch seems to match 165.0003 except for the case material. And still no confirmation about the movement if it matches the reference#. Thats all I could find at the moment. Could please help me confirm if the watch is all original. Also if its a redial (I think it isnt). Lastly the external condition and internal movement condition as well and also which one's the better watch to buy of the two in this thread since their about the same price. Also one thing to note is that the 166.002 is listed to have an accuracy of +15 seconds/day while the 165.003 is listed with -2 minutes/day. Thanks so much!.
Both look good to me and I think very fairly priced indeed. Crowns, dials and hands all appear correct, just a mark on the first dial. Personally I like the second one more and it's possible - can't be sure from these photos - that the hands and markers are inlaid with onyx, which is a nice plus. It is however most unfortunate that he has allowed black gunk from the decayed gasket to fall into the movement! Hopefully he managed to remove it before replacing the back....
Thank you for the response Edward! Dial-wise, I am leaning to the no date more. But yes, the dirt on the movement plus the accuracy does put me off. In any case that I do buy the no date, I think a good service from our local watch maker should be able to get it on par with the other watch's movement. Assuming that whichever I buy will be undergoing service anyway, getting the no date would be a better win in the end. Did I think about that right?
I think so, but that's just my personal taste. 2 minutes a day can usually be fixed with no problems. I have the same model with a different dial. It was losing over an hour a day when I got it and after service it's within 3-4 seconds. But there is always an element of guesswork and gambling when you buy a vintage watch. If things go wrong it's your responsibility not mine!
Wow, that's a beautiful piece Edward! Ill be making an offer later tonight on the watch that's similar to yours to maybe get it for a little bit less. The dial on that seems to scream more Omega Seamaster than the first one I posted. Will update you guys on my purchase. Thank you so much! Cheers! EDIT: I bought the no date model 165.003. Will post pictures of it as soon as it arrives! Thank you so much!
Hey guys! Got the watch a week ago and had it serviced yesterday. Here it is now! Thank you to Edward53 who lifted my doubts and helped me out. Cheers! (Follow up question: What's the usual power reserves now for these 60's automatic omegas? Thanks!)
Very nice Power reserve should be around the 50 hours I believe due to the main spring having more r/evolutions. More pics of that bracelet please
Really pleased it worked out well and the watch wears very nicely on your wrist. I find this mid 60s model has a very appealing look that's almost art deco, the ultimate refinement of (and farewell to) the 50s and early 60s styles before the brash, chunky 70s look kicked in. I hope it's keeping good time now.