Hi all,

I am new to vintage watches and I am currently looking into what is said to be a 1964 omega SMDV with 552. Movement. 14kt filled. Local seller has not been able to provide pictures of movement.

Asking price is 480 usd.

1) Was this face was indeed paired with the 552 movement.

2) Does the dial seem correct or redialled?

3) watch has a personal engraving on the back case dated to 1965 ( No hippocampus). Do personal engravings hurt resale value?

4) If the watch appears legitimate, is 480 usd a fair value.

Thank you and kindest regards!

 

Hello,
Yes, a personal engraving will most likely affect resale value.
I'm no expert on these but some better pictures will make things easier. I get that the seller might not be able to open the watch, but no caseback picture?

 

1) yes, is possible;
2) correct;
3) depends on the buyer. I dont mind.
4) yes.

 

1) yes
2) correct
3) Not particular a issue on this watch or at the sub $500 price point.
4) Not bad as it looks like a tidy watch for the $$s

 

Welcome jake. What has your research shown you thus far?

 

Lugs are quite rounded from polishing / wear, crown is not original and -as far as I know- not the correct replacement one.

Should look like that (given it has the same reference number which was not provided by the OP):



I have no general problems with engravings but this engraving is not very appealing IMO, its quite rough

 

Hi Jake, better posting such an inquiery next time in the

https://omegaforums.net/forums/vintage-omega-watches-help-discussion-and-advice.23/

subforunm

Good luck!

 

Thanks David. Thus far it seems to me that the watch is reasonably correct save for the crown. Another aspect I have had trouble confirming is finding a photo of the exact same dial with the “ T Swiss Made T”. I may purchase the timepiece without seeing the movement for 500 USd which is difficult as I’m risk averse. Mostly however, I’m concerned whether the Rough quality of the personal engraving will always mean that the value of this watch is sub 1000$ (even if the prices of seamasters are gradually rising over time.) I am primarily buying the watch to wear as a dress watch but it would be nice to know that I could one day get a bit more than I paid for out of it.

cheers, jake.

 

I wouldn’t be looking for these to make much over time like a constellation engraving or not. This is a very common style and ones with thicker lugs and stainless steel seem to appreciate better. Gold cap is not as sought after as gold or stainless steel.
Nice watch to wear but not a investment piece though will be worth what you paid if you treat it good and come to sell it in a few years.

 

If you are looking to profit from vintage watches, you would be better to find a different commodity to invest in. This watch is reasonably priced because it is not all that collectible. As a time piece that you can use and enjoy, this watch has a well-preserved dial and highly regarded 500 series in-house movement, thus making it an affordable entry into the vintage watch market. On your wrist, nobody will see the engraving, or know that it is gold-filled unless you take it off to show them. You could do much worse at this price point.

 

Very good point. I have seen similar condition examples going for 800 plus. A small price to pay to look like the infamous Don Draper.

cheers

 

Yep, a gold capped Seamaster like that is fine as a nice little wearer but the servicing costs are such a high fraction of the overall value that you’ll never make a return as a ‘investment’. Especially a gold capped model, with an engraving like that. It certainly won’t be worth $1000 anytime soon.

Simply buy what you like at decent market value. This is an ok example but I wouldn’t be bending over backwards to buy it at $500. You can find these most days of the week at that price.