Seamaster Cosmic 166.022 ; how much spend on a révision?

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vb

·Jun 27, 2025

Hello,
I own this Seamaster Cosmic 166.022, which needs a service. I would like to ask, purely from an economic point of view, how much it is worth investing in a service, hand replacement, and a new crystal. I received an estimate of 1000 CHF (1200 USD). Beyond the sentimental value (I love the watch), I was wondering if you think there is a "reasonable" limit—would this be a good investment considering that the market value of this model isn't very high?

 

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uk_onega

·Jun 27, 2025

That sounds very expensive
Suggest getting a few more quotes then you will be better informed.
Value of the watch is probably about that so maybe even look at a replacement in better condition and sell this one as an option

 

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hant26

·Jun 27, 2025

With 1200usd, you could buy one in very good condition (even with bracelet), serviced, shipping fee included. And maybe have some left to get a new leather strap 😁

 

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hansaboy

·Jun 27, 2025

The price regarding the service (and spareparts) feels a bit heavy, have you searched around for skilled watchmakers in your region?

But also depending on how much you love the watch...??
There is always a balance between love and money....😁

 

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ErichKeane

·Jun 27, 2025

That sounds REALLY expensive, 3 hander basic service should be ~$300 from a good watchmaker (a bit depends on your area). Crystal itself is ~$90 according to Archer. So unless they're charging you $800 for the hands, that is outrageous. I notice you quote in Swiss Francs, I believe there are quite a few good watchmakers near you, so I'd suggest asking around for someone.

FWIW, i picked up a gold-filled version of this in good shape (though in need of a service, which I eventually intend to do myself) for $500, and felt like I overpaid. A great runner with a fresh service is probably only $6-700. Maybe a little more for the bracelet.

 

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vb

·Jun 27, 2025

Thank you very much for your answers! I will try to ask for a few more quotes, but I don't think the price will change much. My impression is that most watchmakers in the area where I live (French-speaking Switzerland) are expensive and many are not taking new clients. Unfortunately, I don't have a trusted watchmaker. If a watchmaker in the Lausanne area is reading this, please let me know!

 

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Davidt

·Jun 27, 2025

In answer to your question, purely from a financial perspective, no it’s not a good investment. But then again, services rarely are.

With a few exceptions, you don’t tend to get back the money you spend on a service with an equivalent increase in market value. If you buy well and have a trusted watchmaker you can sometime break even.

A service is more a cost of ownership, rather than an investment.

The ‘problem’ financially lies with lower value watches like yours when the cost of a service can equal or exceed the value of the watch. If it’s a keeper it’s worth a service for piece of mind and longevity. If you think you’re going to sell it in the next few months, don’t bother.

 

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smorrisonmd

·Jun 27, 2025

Why does it "need a service"?

 

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DaveK

·Jun 27, 2025·Yoda of Yodelers

Since sentimental value is minimal for this watch, one idea is to sell it as is on EBay and pick this one up that’s for sale on this forum (I have no affiliation to the sale) https://omegaforums.net/threads/exceptional-omega-seamaster-cosmic-135-016-original-box.182073/

 

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ErichKeane

·Jun 27, 2025

DaveK

Since sentimental value is minimal for this watch, one idea is to sell it as is on EBay and pick this one up that’s for sale on this forum (I have no affiliation to the sale) https://omegaforums.net/threads/exceptional-omega-seamaster-cosmic-135-016-original-box.182073/

That's a really good idea. That 135.016 is a beauty in shockingly pretty condition. And the no date is definitely worth it with a dial like that one, it's so much nicer balanced than the date in a watch like this.

 

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vb

·Jun 29, 2025

smorrisonmd

Why does it "need a service"?

It loose like 5 minutes a week