Hey all,

Still striving for my first genuine Omega and the list is again narrowed down to few models, this time an auto Seamaster De Ville in a stainless steel case.

I personally liked the look of it, the sharp and crisp edges, untouched dial and hands, the little Omega sign on the plexiglass... And, as far as I can see from LQ pics, the movement and case are in good condition, too. If this is just a mirage, please don't hold back to poke me

The price tag on the watch is 515$, shipping included. However, I sense that there could be room for bargain further down to 470$ or even below. Btw, just noting that the s-s bracelet seen in some photos isn't included in the sale.

Just looking at the market, What do you think about the price considering the condition of the watch?

I've seen some recent sales (now closed) by our fellow OF members, which are admittedly quite appealing (see e.g. here and here). I couldn't see any other Seamaster De Ville in the same price range for sale on OF. Please don't hesitate to shoot me any other alternatives you spotted in the market

 

You're right, so sorry!!

 

I'm used to seeing devilles with deeply applied logos on the back but otherwise she looks like a honey for the money. I would ask how much more with the bracelet as they really complete the look of vintage seamasters.

Edit: I just peeked at the NOS one for sale here on the forum so I guess the smooth case backs are more common than I thought.

 

I had a lovely smooth back one (now sold which I regret!). I believe it was to allow a nice flat, plain surface for engravings.

The OP watch seems ok for the money, especially if serviced, but it does have some marks on the dial. These DeVilles are quite plentiful and personally I'd rather pay slightly more for a better dial.

 

Hey, thanks for your swift reply and encouragement! I'd also wish it had the Hippocampus logo in the back and the bracelet but I understand that the latter is currently missing or used for another watch...

 

Hey, thanks for the comment! Yes, it's not exempt of any such flaws but I guess I will need to see where we'll get through the negotiation

 

This was mine for comparison. It had the rare sigma dial, sharp case, original Beads of Rice bracelet and original crown, but obviously sold for considerably more than $500.

I'm still not sure why I sold it?!

 

Hopefully I'll remember your remorse if, God forbid, I'll ever need to let go of any of my future Omegas but certainly, it looks like a great piece!

 

Btw do you think movement cal 561 would match the model? The seller says this one has no 561 as opposed to the generally used no 562.

 

AFAIK cal 561 is a chronometer movement used in Constellation series and never saw one uses in a Seamaster De Ville. So that part looks a little dodgy to me?

 

OP, if you do buy it, factor in a service, (roughly 200-300£). I can see black spots on the paper by the movement, and also black spots on the dial (which hopefully will just brush off)

edit - also beware amateurs who dismantle watches, handle them without Plastic finger condoms, and place the dial face down without using a proper movement holder

 

Hey, thanks for the advice! However what worries e more now is the possibility of a franken I've been making research on the web about the use of 561 in a Seamaster, which is seemingly not the case. So this one is either unique or a franken. Personally, I wouldn't go on to get it if it's the latter even though I quite like cal 561.

 

I've never heard of a De Ville with a cal. 561

 

Right?? I mean, it's not too bad an improvement for Omega A.S.D.V. but this is certainly unheard of and probably not an Omega factory-made...

Edit: Clarification

 

Update: It turns out that the seller was wrong about the movement! it's not 561 as he remembered but a 17 Jewels no 563, which is ok considering the watch's serial matches 1970. Though he didn't make any reductions or include the steel bracelet to the sale (pff...) he did add a generic Omega Strap with a steel Omega buckle. Plus, the watch won't probably require an upper-end service, perhaps just a clean-up. All in all, I don't think I've got a bargain here but not too bad a price tag, either.

Guess I've just bought my first Omega Can't wait to acquire it and show you guys the pics!

Edit: Typo

 

Congratulations. It looks very nice

 

Thanks!! Feels great to be joining the club

 

Nice

 

Indeed looks like a very nice purchase. Congrats!

 

Lets see that omega strap and buckle - could be fakes