Stolen Seamaster DeVille, looking to replace for Dad.

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Hi all,

Firstly I'm so glad I found this forum - there's so much activity and knowledge here, I feel it's going to be a great place to learn and help with my search.

So... as the title says, I'm trying to replace a stolen watch.

The watch in question is a, or as far I know (it belonged to my dad and the information from him is a bit sketchy - so please correct me if I'm wrong) a 24crt Gold, 21 jewel Omega Seamaster DeVille with as far as I can remember a mesh syle strap - I remember he accidentally damaged the strap and it was like a tight . He was given this by my mum in the early 70's instead of an engagement ring (he's didn't wear one because of his work).

About 7/8 years ago my parents home was broken into and his watch was stolen. Since then, my mum has passed away and I've been on a mission to replace it for him, eBay has been my go to, but I don't seem to be able to find the correct watch - hence why I'm looking for some help.

As far as I know my dads watch was second hand back in the 70's so perhaps late 60's early 70's.
It was Gold, like a lot of gold and had the Date and I think it also had a gold face too.

Unfortunately, I can't find any photos of him wearing.

As far as getting the original watch back, I can't ever see that as an option - I expect it long gone, and he didn't have a record of the serial etc.

I really appreciate the help and knowledge you all have in helping me find a replacement for him, I know it would mean the world to him.
 
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Great project. These would have been 18k I think, not 24k. I’m not familiar with this model line but hopefully some other members will contribute pics of potential models, you can show to your dad and try to identify. Or is it a surprise ? It might help people to know where you are located and your budget. If you also want an original solid gold bracelet, I imagine it could get a bit expensive. Good luck !
 
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Great project. These would have been 18k I think, not 24k. I’m not familiar with this model line but hopefully some other members will contribute pics of potential models, you can show to your dad and try to identify. Or is it a surprise ? It might help people to know where you are located and your budget. If you also want an original solid gold bracelet, I imagine it could get a bit expensive. Good luck !

Thanks for the reply, it’s really appreciated.

mum intending for it to be a surprise for him, now mums gone I think it would be nice for him to have as a reminder.

Thanks for the info about the 18k, I remember the watch being a whole lot of gold!!!

Really unsure about budget, but my location is the South Coast of England.
 
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It could have been 9, 14 or 18ct, but if you’re on the UK it’s likely 9 or 18.

Was it a round faced watch like the picture below (albeit in gold) or a square faced one. Any idea if the dial said ‘Deville’ or ‘Seamaster DeVille’?

 
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It could have been 9, 14 or 18ct, but if you’re on the UK it’s likely 9 or 18.

Was it a round faced watch like the picture below (albeit in gold) or a square faced one. Any idea if the dial said ‘Deville’ or ‘Seamaster DeVille’?


Thanks for the response!

So, dad was pretty sure it was 24k, but, he just said it could have been 18k gold - definitely not 9k.

it was a round face watch.

he also said it thinks it was a 21 jewel?

unfortunately, while I love and appreciate watches, I’m a complete noob.

Thanks again for the help and guidance! 😀
 
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So was it the same shape and style as the one I posted above?

The Seamaster DeVille range spanned several models, particularly in the 70’s, so while its most likely to be reference 165.020, 166.020 or similar, it could be something completely different.
 
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So was it the same shape and style as the one I posted above?

The Seamaster DeVille range spanned several models, particularly in the 70’s, so while its most likely to be reference 165.020, 166.020 or similar, it could be something completely different.

The face looks the same, but I’m unsure if it said Seamaster on it - as kid, I knew it was a DeVille, but only found out it was a Seamaster a few months ago.

Not sure if that changes or helps?

Also, it was given to dad in the early 70’s (possibly 72/73) and it was secondhand then, it didn’t come with any paperwork or even a box. So I was thinking it might be late to mid 60’s - I know the shop it was traded in and then sold to my mum, but that’s long gone now.
 
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Like this??

If not, you’re going to have to try Googling “gold seamaster deville” and similar combinations to see if you can find one that looks correct. Otherwise we’re a bit blind whilst trying to help

 
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It looks familiar, strap looks similar, but I kinda remember it being a finer mesh. Is that a thing?

It’s most definitely a lot of GOLD!!! 😀

That’s what I’ve done (been doing) as well as eBay, but there was so many listings that were the same, but the watch was different.

Do you know if they made a version one without the Seamaster branding?
 
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Thanks again for the help and advice, I appreciate it’s a a difficult ask and I’m not the most informed/educated.
 
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Well… It definitely had a date, but the strap on the first image looks more how I remember it.

Just heard back and it had ‘Seamaster’ on the face.
 
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Perhaps the OP can spend some time with google images and try to find some photos that look like the watch. It's kind of @Davidt to attempt to do the work for him, but he has never seen the watch. 😉
 
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Quick update while chatting with dad, he seems to think it had an opal dial rather than gold one.

Does that help refine the list?
 
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Perhaps the OP can spend some time with google images and try to find some photos that look like the watch. It's kind of @Davidt to attempt to do the work for him, but he has never seen the watch. 😉

Thanks Dan, I have. I’ve spent many many hours looking online to find the right watch - however I’ve drawn a blank, possibly because some of the info from dad (he’s 78) and me being a small kid is too grey or just incorrect.

Hence why I thought it would be great to speak with (and it has been really helpful) you gents on the Omega forum who would have an encyclopaedia knowledge of them.

Like I said, my knowledge and info is fundamental, but your guidance and assistance has really helped.
 
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One thing to understand is that a given reference/model usually came with different dial and bracelet options. Don’t get sidetracked by “that looks close but the bracelet/dial is wrong”.

Try and find a match for the case style shape, then go from there.

You’re going to have to spend a bit longer on Google I’m afraid as me blindly posting images from Google could be a hiding to nothing.
 
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If you're trying to convince us that your father can't help, saying that he's 78 isn't helping, he's younger than the US president and many other people who have powerful intellects and important responsibilities. Maybe you can search for gold vintage omega seamaster using google images and help him look through the results. The help we can provide is limited until you post some photos.
 
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Opal Dial on a gold seamaster de ville it’s so strange. The only way is to use keywords on web patiently 😀
 
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Opal Dial on a gold seamaster de ville it’s so strange. The only way is to use keywords on web patiently 😀

I honestly I can’t remember or see it having an opal dial. I think he’s confused. 😀