Thoughts about this Seamaster 166032

Hi,

I am thinking about to buy my first vintage Omega. It would be great if you can me give some advice about this model?

Would be awesome to hear your thoughts.

Thanks in advance

https://www.chrono24.de/omega/omega...automatic-sparkle-silver-dial--id16970211.htm

What you think about this Seamaster, about the price for the model and about if it's original? Or to much polished?

Thx

I find it slightly weird that the dealer doesn't even provide movement or inner caseback pictures, and I'd certainly ask for that. You could then use the search function here or on ebay to look what comparable examples actually sold for. In my book, this is absolutely a dealer's price. The watch itself, without the bracelet, is in the upper tripple digits for me. Plus whatever the bracelet is worth, which might be a considerable amount, but I'm out of my depth with those.
Cosmetically it's pretty nice on a quick glance. Something next to the 12h marker on the dial, case has a few scratches and dings but looks good and the brushing on the bezel etc is all there, I like it.

If I remember correctly, our own @Toishome sold one of those here recently?

For the historical record, and to make the forums work easier, kindly post photos and not just links.

Agreed on all of this; that bracelet's not a big enough deal to merit the price. Chronometer 166.032/168.023s are $1k watches at best, as far as I can see re the market; they're not *super* common, so if this is the one you want, right now, that's fine. If you can wait, you'll get one for less.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-seamaster-chronometer-ref-168-022-serviced-795.123141/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-seamaster-chronometer-ref-168-022-serviced-700.123695/

Looking at the sparkle dial one, I begin to wonder if I shouldnt have looked it up. Dang, that's a nice example. Now I want one, thanks @AI22 🤦

I found an other one. Cheaper from a Privatperson with more details.
If you compare the two I think they are very similar. what do you think about it?

There is a "big" difference between the two posted. One is chronometer rated (Cal 751) and the other one does not have a chronometer rated movement (Cal 752). Functionally they are the same, but one came out of the factory fine tuned to be more precise and carries a higher premium due to that desigation (presently, condition likely has a better impact on precision). The first one also has a "sparkle" dial and the other one has a normal silver dial. Sparkle dials can also be more desirable. In the American market, I would expect the 2nd one to go for about $450-800 depending on condition and what bracelet that is. For the sparkle on, prices seem to hover around $700-$1,100 plus the value of the bracelet. On eBay you often get some deals that may be below or at the lower level of this range. I was able to buy the date-only version with sparkle dial for around $850 with an Omega mesh strap.

Regarding the bracelet and endlinks: The first one has a ref 1098 with what looks to be the correct endlinks (540?). That alone are worth around $300-400+ depending on condition and I would say the one pictured is on the higher end. Prices have been climbing recently, but I doubt it will stay like this. The second one seems to have an omega bracelet, but it isn't "correct" for this model and you can't get the proper endlinks because of the fixed end link. I don't know the ref or value but I would assume a few 100 if it an Omega bracelet. If not, then it likely isn't worth much.

I think you have to figure a few things out. Do you like the style? Do you like a specific dial? Do you want a bracelet vs no bracelet? Does the chronometer designation matter to you? I think you can probably get a better deal, but if they are close in price, then the first one is way better than the second in my opinion.

Disclaimer: The prices are based on my experience researching forums/ebay and sometimes selling stuff in the US. They may be different (and potentially higher) for you as it seems like you are in the EU. There are also many others that are so much more knowledgeable than me.

[QUOTE="masteroftime, post: 1698879, member:
Thanks for your help and the comments.
Ok, you think the prices are going down again. The first one is really on expensive side with nearly 2000 usd
Here are some more pics.

$2000 is definetely an exaggerated for this watch, even with sparkle dial, bracelet and 'chronometer'. You can save search for these models on eBay and wait for a better price for the similar looking watch. I was offered a goldplated 166.028/168.022 a couple months ago - chronometer, non-sparkle, just head for 800 Euros and I didn't bought it because of huge ding on the lug and you know this feeling when it is just "not yours watch". So if you have any doubts, skip it.

I agree $2000 is alot. With the bracelet, I think the value is closer to $1,100-$1,500 USD. But that involves buying on ebay and oftentimes you will have to invest in getting the watch serviced. To me, $2000 is more like high end boutique dealer pricing with a service and warranty. Like I said I do not know much about the market in the EU (if that is where you are located). In the US, I was able to buy one in excellent condition from Japan where they seem to be more plentiful and not pay any Tariffs.

OP, you could consider this one. The case is polished, but it is alot cheaper. Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/OMEGA-Seam...104612?hash=item3fe661bca4:g:WkIAAOSwv-NfJ~NB

You could try to make them a lower offer to compensate for the polishing and getting it serviced if you choose. At $1,200 or $1,300 you could probably get it serviced by omega and still be at or below the chrono24 listing. Just something to consider

While I'm certainly not part of the "polishing police", this is one of the examples where I'd actually recommend against a polished example. The brushing on the wide bezel especially is, to me, very central to the looks of this watch. Without it it loses much of it's charme. But that's just a personal opinion, really.

Thanks to everyone for the helpful information and recommendations😀

168.023s are uncommon and with original bracelet more although a 19mm leather strap with a 16mm vintage omega buckle is wonderful. A great and collectible reference for me but almost 2000 EUR for a ST? It's close to a BA still more valued and rare.