Seamaster Deville

ocelottle · May 4, 2025

Some of you legends have kindly identified this in a similar thread as either ref 14915, 135.010 or 135.020.

I've just purchased it at auction and don't have it in hand yet. I suspect I've overpaid but I loved the cross hair dial and the appeal of bringing it back to life was too much.

I wondered - if I get it serviced and replace the crystal, how much is it worth on eBay?

How rare is the dial?

I also understand the red seconds hand is aftermarket. Could anyone point me to the correct hand and I'll get that replaced when it's serviced?

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Dan S · May 4, 2025

It's going to depend on the condition of the dial, which is hard to judge because of the crystal.

ocelottle · May 4, 2025

Dan S
It's going to depend on the condition of the dial, which is hard to judge because of the crystal.

Understood. I've studied the images for so long and it's impossible to be clear but I am hopeful the damage is the crystal. You can see the lines cross the hands indicating that but who knows! Let's say it's in VG condition - where does that put it?

Dan S · May 4, 2025

I'm just concerned there may be some pitting on the dial, e.g. on the left side between 8 and 10 o'clock markers. That would really kill the value.

Otherwise, there is some damage to the case and the sweep hand issue, obviously. But if the dial is totally clean, and the watch is in working condition, I'd put the value in the $400-$500 range with a new crystal.

ocelottle · May 4, 2025

Dan S
I'm just concerned there may be some pitting on the dial, e.g. on the left side between 8 and 10 o'clock markers. That would really kill the value.

Otherwise, there is some damage to the case and the sweep hand issue, obviously. But if the dial is totally clean, and the watch is in working condition, I'd put the value in the $400-$500 range with a new crystal.

Thank you, this is helpful. I fear I'm headed towards a loss on this one then. I bought it for $450.

I just love the cross hair dial and it's such a cool little anomaly, the seamaster de villes.

I'll tidy it up as best I can, replace the crystal and the seconds hand and see if it needs the service.

Dan S · May 4, 2025

Crosshair dials are nice, but I don't think it makes a big difference in value, the way a truly special dial might (color, texture, etc.). I wouldn't worry too much about value if you like the watch. If the dial is clean, I'm sure you will enjoy the watch.

PlainVanilla · May 4, 2025

There is some little damage to the dial around three o'clock, probably due to the case taking some moisture in from the crown at some point. The dial is not rare (there are so, so many dial variations on the Seamaster de Ville). I have always been fond of these thick onyx markers though. I'm curious to see how it looks with a new crystal.

Davidt · May 4, 2025

To me, $450 is a good price if the dial is good, that’s the gamble here.
I really like SMDV’s and I’ve usually got a couple in my collection at any one time. The crosshair dial certainly isn’t rare but it is sought after and is harder to find than a plain silver dial. It could be argued they either carry around a 10% premium or make a watch easier to sell.

I wouldn’t worry too much about service costs if you’re keeping it. Realistically you don’t really make service costs back on watches at this level as the service can run 30-100% of the value of the watch. When you get it in hand, if you find the dial isn’t to your satisfaction and you think you’re going to sel it, just give it a clean and sell as is. You’ll likely get your money back +/- 20%.
If you like it, consider a service but that’s the cost of wearing and enjoying vintage watches.

ocelottle · May 4, 2025

PlainVanilla
There is some little damage to the dial around three o'clock, probably due to the case taking some moisture in from the crown at some point. The dial is not rare (there are so, so many dial variations on the Seamaster de Ville). I have always been fond of these thick onyx markers though. I'm curious to see how it looks with a new crystal.

Thank you. I'll circle back and add better pics once it's in hand and then once it has a new crystal. I don't suppose you know the correct seconds hand I need do you?!

Davidt · May 4, 2025

If you enter the case reference numbers you’ve been given on a website such as Cousins, they’ll likely tell you the part number of the hand. However, it’s highly likely you won’t be able to buy it as Omega has restricted parts supply for several years so you need a watchmaker with an Omega account to get one (or you could try eBay)

PlainVanilla · May 4, 2025

The exact reference for the seconds hand depends on the movement.

ocelottle · Jun 2, 2025

Finally got the back off and the crystal replaced. Dial not as nice as I'd hoped but certainly has more life left in it - I like the patina.

It's defo a 135.020 with a cal600. I'll get it listed on eBay when it's back in-hand.

I chose to leave the red seconds hand...