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Value check - Omega De Ville 135.018 black crosshair dial

antoine_fq
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Hi everyone,

I’m considering buying an Omega De Ville that appears to be reference 135.018 with a black crosshair dial.

Here’s what I know so far:

  • The watch seems original and unpolished
  • Steel case, around 34mm
  • Black crosshair dial
  • Seahorse logo on the caseback
  • The crown appears to be signed
  • The seller says it runs and keeps time, but no recent service history

Condition seems decent with expected wear for its age, but I haven’t opened the case to confirm the movement or reference yet.

Could anyone help me estimate a fair market value in its current condition, assuming it’s functional and original but unserviced?

Photos attached. Any insights would be greatly appreciated before I make a decision.

Thanks in advance!
1753614703324.webp 1753614729720.webp 1753614736928.webp 1753614749671.webp
 
Spruce
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What do you think?
How does the seller describe it?
Where is he located?
What price is he asking?

I have to say that the photos are poor, the case and hands look tired and I’m always suspicious of vintage black dials, particularly when the watch has a ‘technical dial', so you’ll have to wait for other forum members to chime in
 
antoine_fq
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Spruce Spruce
What do you think?
How does the seller describe it?
Where is he located?
What price is he asking?

I have to say that the photos are poor, the case and hands look tired and I’m always suspicious of vintage black dials, particularly when the watch has a ‘technical dial', so you’ll have to wait for other forum members to chime in
Thanks for the feedback.

To answer your questions:

  • The seller seems honest, but not very knowledgeable about vintage watches. (His description of the watch doesn’t even mention the dial)
  • He told me he doesn’t wear it anymore and would rather sell it than let it sit around.
  • No box or papers.
  • He’s located in my city, so I’ve been able to see the watch in person.
  • He was asking €580 initially, and I’m currently negotiating.

I appreciate the concerns about black dials and redials - I’m trying to stay cautious and gather as much input as possible before deciding.
I have other photos i can provide if necessary.

Thanks again for your time and advice - really helpful as I navigate this.
 
Davidt
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These are less desirable than the usual technical dials as they’re not Seamasters, are slightly later and not as attractive. Personally I’m not a fan of them. They lack whatever it is that’s makes the technical dial Seamasters so attractive

I’d say around £350-600 in a private sale. Obviously dealers will ask a lot more.
 
antoine_fq
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Davidt Davidt
These are less desirable than the usual technical dials as they’re not Seamasters, are slightly later and not as attractive. Personally I’m not a fan of them. They lack whatever it is that’s makes the technical dial Seamasters so attractive

I’d say around £350-600 in a private sale. Obviously dealers will ask a lot more.
Thanks, that’s very helpful.

I can see that the Seamaster versions are generally more sought after. This one is indeed a De Ville, so I wasn’t expecting the same collector appeal. But I personally like the looks of it.

Appreciate your input !
 
antoine_fq
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Dan S Dan S
Is the upper lug bent?
Thanks, could you tell me what makes you think the upper lug might be bent?

I looked at it again and didn’t notice anything obvious, but maybe I’m missing something. Was it a specific photo or angle that gave you that impression?

Appreciate your help!
 
Dan S
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To me, the 11 o'clock lug looks bent and damaged in the first and second photos.
 
antoine_fq
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Dan S Dan S
To me, the 11 o'clock lug looks bent and damaged in the first and second photos.
Thanks a lot for pointing that out - I hadn’t noticed it at first, but now that you mention it, I see it.

I’ll definitely check that in person and ask for a side shot or lay the watch flat to see if it’s actually bent or just a photographic distortion.

If it turns out to be slightly bent, but everything else checks out (original dial, working movement, signed crown), do you think it still has decent value for a vintage piece like this? Would you mind giving me your own price estimation for this watch please ?

I really appreciate your help - I’m trying to learn as much as I can before making a move.
Thanks again!
 
antoine_fq
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Davidt Davidt
@antoine_fq what are your thoughts on value?
As someone who’s new to vintage watches, I’m trying to learn as much as I can before making a purchase. Based on what I’ve seen, read and your feedback, I was thinking that a fair value might be around €500, given that:

  • The watch seems original
  • It’s functional, but hasn’t been serviced recently
  • There’s some visible wear and possibly a bent lug as Dan S pointed, which would need attention
  • No box or papers

I know that prices can vary a lot depending on condition, movement, and originality - so I’m happy to be corrected or pointed in the right direction if I’m missing something. For instance, I learned yesterday that a black dial could increase the watch’s value, for me it was just a preference.

Thanks again - I’m here to learn and really appreciate the time and knowledge from this community.
 
Davidt
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I think that’s fair if the lug isn’t bent. If it is, I’d either pass or want a discount. Bent lugs can often be returned to their original position but there is a real chance they make break or crack, then your stuck with a difficult repair or searching for a replacement case which will cost of a lot in time and money.

I dont know what is is about these but I’m not a fan. I kinda think of them as a poor man’s Technical dial. When you include the potential for a bent lug, I’d pass, unless you can confirm it’s just parallax effect from the camera depth and you like it in person.
 
DON
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antoine_fq antoine_fq
Thanks a lot for pointing that out - I hadn’t noticed it at first, but now that you mention it, I see it.

I’ll definitely check that in person and ask for a side shot or lay the watch flat to see if it’s actually bent or just a photographic distortion.

If it turns out to be slightly bent, but everything else checks out (original dial, working movement, signed crown), do you think it still has decent value for a vintage piece like this? Would you mind giving me your own price estimation for this watch please ?

I really appreciate your help - I’m trying to learn as much as I can before making a move.
Thanks again!
If the lug is bent and I see it also. Forget it. Trying to straighten out may cause even more damage to the case shape

Dial may be original, but in a search on the ref. number. I only found silvered dials. No black
 
antoine_fq
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Davidt Davidt
I think that’s fair if the lug isn’t bent. If it is, I’d either pass or want a discount. Bent lugs can often be returned to their original position but there is a real chance they make break or crack, then your stuck with a difficult repair or searching for a replacement case which will cost of a lot in time and money.

I dont know what is is about these but I’m not a fan. I kinda think of them as a poor man’s Technical dial. When you include the potential for a bent lug, I’d pass, unless you can confirm it’s just parallax effect from the camera depth and you like it in person.
I really appreciate your honest opinion.

This would actually be my first vintage watch purchase, so I’m trying to be extra careful before jumping in. As I mentionned before it isn’t especially for the dial but I kinda like the looks of these De Ville. I understand this isn’t the most collectible piece compared to a Seamaster technical dial, and I respect that it’s not for everyone.

I’ll definitely try to confirm whether the 11 o’clock lug is actually bent, or if it’s just a distortion from the photo angle. If everything checks out and I can negotiate the price a bit lower, I might still go for. Thanks again!
 
antoine_fq
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DON DON
If the lug is bent and I see it also. Forget it. Trying to straighten out may cause even more damage to the case shape

Dial may be original, but in a search on the ref. number. I only found silvered dials. No black
The potential bent lug is definitely a red flag. I’ll take a close look at it in person, but if there’s any doubt, I’ll walk away. I agree it’s not worth the risk of damaging the case further.

The point about the dial color is also really interesting. I didn’t realize that black dials might be so uncommon for this reference. Out of curiosity, could you share how you did your research on this reference and its dial variations? I’d love to learn how to verify these details properly.

Thanks that’s very helpful.
 
Davidt
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The black dial is uncommon but it’s certainly a known variation for this reference.
 
Dan S
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You can live with a bent lug as long as a strap can still be squeezed in. But it’s invitation condition issue.
 
antoine_fq
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Got a few new pictures from the seller. The lug does look a bit off in some shots, but not in others - so it’s hard to say for sure whether it’s just the angle, the lighting, the leather strap pulling on it, or an actual bend.

I’ve asked to meet up in person so I can check it myself, but I’d still appreciate any thoughts or opinions in the meantime.
IMG_0153.webp IMG_0152.webp IMG_0151.webp IMG_0150.webp IMG_0149.webp IMG_0148.webp IMG_0147.webp IMG_0146.webp IMG_0145.webp IMG_0144.webp IMG_0143.webp IMG_0142.webp
 
cristos71
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I think the photos are terrible but this could be a nice attractive watch in the metal. If the dial is a strong black colour ( and not a dried out faded grey-black ) and the lug isn't bent than I think around €500 it could be a reasonable buy. However the crown doesn't look like a good match and I'm not sure about the hand set either....are those short flat ended hour and minute hands correct?...more research required!
 
antoine_fq
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cristos71 cristos71
I think the photos are terrible but this could be a nice attractive watch in the metal. If the dial is a strong black colour ( and not a dried out faded grey-black ) and the lug isn't bent than I think around €500 it could be a reasonable buy. However the crown doesn't look like a good match and I'm not sure about the hand set either....are those short flat ended hour and minute hands correct?...more research required!
Thank you for your response.

I’m realizing how many small details matter and can be crucial in determining a watch’s history and value.

It’s also been a bit hard to find solid, detailed references for the 135.018 - especially examples with black dials, which don’t seem to show up often (if at all). That’s making me second-guess whether this one is truly all-original. I’ll keep researching the topic.

Still, I’m enjoying the process and learning a lot from all your comments.
Thanks again for all your help - it’s incredibly valuable, especially as a newcomer to the hobby.
 
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