Hi guys. For my first post, I have a technical question about mid 1960’s SM 300s.
Is there a diiference between the midcase of an omega 165.024 and a 166.024?
Thanks.
In my experience, the midcases aren’t the same. However, I can’t say that is always the case. I haven’t closely compared an HF 165.024 with an HF 166.024. Most of the 165.024s I’ve come across have CB cases. Most of the 166.024’s I’ve come across have HF 166.024-67 or to a lesser extent HF 166.024 SP2 cases.
There are always variations between the casemakers. Why are you asking?
Thanks. The caseback is a 166.0324. Which, as I understand it, is a service back. The dial and movement (502) suggest it is a 165,024. There seems to be some question of whether a 166.0324 was fitted only to 166.024 cases or if it was a universal replacement part. I was wondering if there was a way to tell if the 165.024 movement and dial were completely recased in a 166.024 case or if only the back was replaced.
Well, a 166.0324 would belong to a service case, but I don’t think it is technically a service caseback for an old case. Although, it should work. As far as I know, Omega stocks 166.0024 and 165.0024 marked service casebacks for the vintage cases.
Either way I don’t think the caseback is right for a no date watch. I think @Archer posted some details a while back about there not being a 165.0324 case sold by Omega. That’s why there are a ton of no date WatchCo type builds with 166.0324 casebacks.
Are you sure you don’t have a complete service case for a Seamaster 300 date with the internals from a no date?
Do you have photos?
Well, a 166.0324 would belong to a service case, but I don’t think it is technically a service caseback for an old case. Although, it should work. As far as I know, Omega stocks 166.0024 and 165.0024 marked service casebacks for the vintage cases.
Either way I don’t think the caseback is right for a no date watch. I think @Archer posted some details a while back about there not being a 165.0324 case sold by Omega. That’s why there are a ton of no date WatchCo type builds with 166.0324 casebacks.
Are you sure you don’t have a complete service case for a Seamaster 300 date with the internals from a no date?
Do you have photos?
You definitely hit the nail on the head for me. The watch in question is a “compilation build” but not an authentic Watchco. Based on the Seller’s description it appears to be a mix of refurbished vintage parts from original Omega donor watches AND Authentic Omega service parts.
Specifically, the movement is a 552 but dating from 1960, the crown is a “screw down” rather than a Naiad, the bracelet is a I was just wondering if there was a way to determine if the mid case belonged to a 165. or 166. watch. BTW, the crystal has been replaced with an OEM crystal for a 165. and carries the hooked leg version of the omega logo etched into the dome.
That’s the one I was referring to. I tried to copy the link to it but it redirected to the other one.
This is the latest version of Omega service case (straight crown cut), the only vintage part of this build is the movement, but17mil serial is too early for 165.024... so here you have fresh build "Watchco"...
