Hi guys, I'm quite new to the vintage Seamaster De Ville world and was looking for some help on a watch I have recently come across to buy. I have done some digging and feel like its very similar to a case model LL 6287-1 with a gold plated case. The hands and crown are not original and that is one of the things that is holding me back. The watch is running fine and the movement seems to be running handsomely. The guy selling the watch did not allow me to take pictures but I have managed to sneak some terrible ones in, he did tell me the movement was a caliber 550 which seems to be correct considering other examples I have seen. The real clincher here is the price, he's willing to sell me the watch for $380. Would really appreciate your opinions and help as I am very torn and maybe thing its a too good to be true situation. Thanks.
Dial is redone as well. Lugs are bent. Definitely a pass. Be patient and keep asking for advice here and you’ll find one for near the price of this one. Probably not with an original black dial, though.
Welcome to OF! Like so many of us, I, too, fell in love with these gorgeous SMDVs when I first became serious about watches, so I get it. But this one? Run away. “The guy selling the watch did not allow me to take pictures” is itself enough to give one pause. Be patient. Watch the Private Watch Sales forum. These do come up for sale and by sellers who gladly share images. Use that $380 towards one you’ll love, not one you’ll regret.
A redialed Seamaster with wrong hands, crown and a bent lug? Here's a very similar discussion with some good points: https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-uhr-cal-267.115868/
Brilliant thanks so much for the help! Very much keen in getting one and just wanted to make sure i knew what i was getting myself into considering I'm just starting off. Will definitely give this one a pass. Thanks again!
Black dial SMDVs are not good watches for a beginner......99% are redials and the real ones are hotly contested by experienced collectors.
Buying recent Omegas, new or used, might be more expensive, but the dial will almost always be genuine.