Community Stories

Unusual Case Back

S
Posts
4
Likes
2
Hi,

I've got a 1963 Seamaster de ville automatic in decent condition. Everything seems to check out as original except possibly the case back. It looks to have genuine interior markings, however I've not seen the exterior stamp like this. Can anyone shed light on its history or whether it's been replaced/added aftermarket.
 
15015275-s09dlgv8yqnn8rbs1do3hah6-Zoom.jpg
S
Posts
4
Likes
2
Bumper Bumper
That is not an Omega caseback.
So I'm assuming fitted aftermarket then? I'll need to find my case tool to get it open to have another look at the inside markings. It was an inherited watch so I wouldn't be surprised if a damaged case back was replaced by my grandpa. Do you have any idea where it has come from? And do you think it would be worth replacing with an authentic omega caseback? I know that would lower the value, but as far as I'd be concerned, the value is already lowered.
 
Vicke
Posts
454
Likes
772
S Spg95
Hi,

I've got a 1963 Seamaster de ville automatic

The De Ville line of watches was introduced in 1967 😵‍💫.
 
JimInOz
Posts
18,181
Likes
37,936
S Spg95
Hi,

I've got a 1963 Seamaster de ville automatic in decent condition. Everything seems to check out as original except possibly the case back. It looks to have genuine interior markings, however I've not seen the exterior stamp like this. Can anyone shed light on its history or whether it's been replaced/added aftermarket.

Caseback is from a Yema, definitely not an Omega.

Got a pic of the dial?
 
S
Posts
4
Likes
2
Thanks for the help guys. Dont know that it will help much. I think it's been touched up .I certainly remember the dial being a bit more worn when I was a kid. I know that would ruin the watch for a lot of people, but neither myself nor my grandpa were collectors so it doesn't offend me too badly.
 
20200520_084538.jpg
Hnansen
Posts
1,015
Likes
2,123
Vicke Vicke
The De Ville line of watches was introduced in 1967 😵‍💫.

No, that is incorrect. The De Ville were introduced as Seamaster De Ville (like the OP's watch) in 1963. In 1967 the De Ville got their seperate line without the Seamaster.
 
Bumper
Posts
643
Likes
1,209
S Spg95
So I'm assuming fitted aftermarket then? I'll need to find my case tool to get it open to have another look at the inside markings. It was an inherited watch so I wouldn't be surprised if a damaged case back was replaced by my grandpa. Do you have any idea where it has come from? And do you think it would be worth replacing with an authentic omega caseback? I know that would lower the value, but as far as I'd be concerned, the value is already lowered.

Maybe the case back was damaged, maybe your grandpa just liked the cool Yema crest, there could be a lot of reasons why the case back was swapped. To a collector, it has no value except as a parts watch. To a grandson, it would be priceless, i have nothing of my grandparents, so wear it fondly and with pride. When it's on your wrist, no one can see the case back anyway.

Anyone here know the reference for this watch?
 
S
Posts
4
Likes
2
Bumper Bumper
Maybe the case back was damaged, maybe your grandpa just liked the cool Yema crest, there could be a lot of reasons why the case back was swapped. To a collector, it has no value except as a parts watch. To a grandson, it would be priceless, i have nothing of my grandparents, so wear it fondly and with pride. When it's on your wrist, no one can see the case back anyway.

Anyone here know the reference for this watch?
You're absolutely right about the sentimental value. I've been wearing and loving it for a couple of months now. I was just curious about the origins of the case when it was pointed out to me.
 
Bumper
Posts
643
Likes
1,209
Hnansen Hnansen
No, that is incorrect. The De Ville were introduced as Seamaster De Ville (like the OP's watch) in 1963. In 1967 the De Ville got their seperate line without the Seamaster.

I have a feeling the dial has also been swapped...
 
Hnansen
Posts
1,015
Likes
2,123
Bumper Bumper
I have a feeling the dial has also been swapped...

I am only commenting on the statement by Vicke, but you are probably right 😀
I have no idea whether this watch is from 1963, but that case is certainly not a Seamaster De Ville case. The shape is wrong, and I am pretty certain that the SDV only came with uni shell cases with non-removable casebacks.
 
ejj
Posts
95
Likes
79
I think Yema made that case—and they made vases for other people too. So it is quite likely a Yema case that someone put an Omega dial or dial/movement inside.
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

I

Vintage Omega ID: Unusual Decagonal Case Back Ring

irwin90 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
DON
DON
Posts
10
Views
280
António VC

Omega Admiralty 135.015 vs 135.042 Case Back Compatibility

António VC Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
António VC
António VC
Posts
0
Views
106
R

Omega Constellation Cal. 504 Case Back & Restoration

Ravik Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
R
Ravik
Posts
16
Views
665
Pokernico

Omega 135.041 with Non-Original Gold Case Back: Value?

Pokernico Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Dan S
Dan S
Posts
10
Views
310
L

Omega 6232 Cal 351 Keyed Screw-Ring Case Back Help

Lebete Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Dan S
Dan S
Posts
5
Views
373
M

Case Back Help: Vintage Omega Cal. 491 from 1956

Mark36785 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
M
Mark36785
Posts
4
Views
337