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.

 

Please show us the inner case back

 

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.

 

The De Ville line of watches was introduced in 1967 .

 

Caseback is from a Yema, definitely not an Omega.

Got a pic of the dial?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Yema still uses that crest today: https://en.yema.com/pages/dive-watches-collection