Hi all, I'm still on the hunt for a birth year (1968) Seamaster and this looks to be a great candidate. I've attached the pictures from the listing for reference. If I'm reading the serial number correctly, it should be from 1968 (in the 26* million range) and it looks to be in good condition. I'm not all that interested in the bracelet and would most likely sell it and replace with a black leather strap. Price seems a bit high, but I'll defer to the experts here for your thoughts. https://www.ebay.com/itm/OMEGA-SEAM...705184?hash=item441f684ca0:g:ZlEAAOSw6CJa-k85Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network Thanks in advance, Eric
I just noticed that the caseback references 168.024 and I found it on the Omega vintage site at https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-omega-seamaster-omega-st-168-0024. The site says the collection is from 1969-1972. Could this mean a mis-match in the case and/or movement as the serial number is 26354409 which should place it in 1968.
I think it just means the movement was in stock for a year or so before it was cased. Nothing very unusual about that but a problem if you want a 1968 watch. As you say, price is top end especially if you don't want the BOR, but if he has proof of service by a proper watchmaker then it's not outrageous as the condition is very good.
For what its worth, I have a cal. 564 Constellation ref. 168.005 with a serial number of 2572XXXX. I ordered an extract for it and it was produced in 1970. The lesson is that the serial number tables are unreliable, you need a watch with an Extract to be certain of the year.
That bracelet might not have been original to the watch. By the late 60's the 7 row BoR was the standard, and the 5 row BoR that it's on was discontinued. Might have been leftover dealer stock though, because bracelets were dealer options. You picked your watch head, then decided on what strap / bracelet you wanted from what the store had available.
It has got two different endlinks on the BOR - Neither stamped - which is a little odd if it all came as one package originally.
Nice catch. That supports my theory that it probably isn't original to the watch. The only way it is original is if one end link got damaged and had to be replaced.
the price is a bit high for my feeling the bracelet is nice and like @ulackfocus said, bracelets have 95% optional so not a dealbraker
If the bracelet had correct end links, I'd like that watch up to $1350. Head only, $1200. .... but I might be working on a price list stuck in my head that's slightly outdated even though I try to make adjustments.
Thank you everyone. I’ve asked the seller some questions based on your help. Hopefully I’ll hear back.