Hello all... attempting to be patient in my search for a Vintage Seamaster. I'm looking in the sub $1000 price range and seem to just come across redone dials or things way out of my set budget. I'm open to a wide array of models. Came across the following and wanted to see what everyone thought and if it would be worthwhile to pick up and for what price.

Thanks! Any advice or comments are appreciated.

 

Help us to help you.

What do they want for it.

Is it a wear everyday or to start a collection.

What country are you in.

Myself the dial is too dirty ( but to others it’s not too bad )

 

For a sub-$1000 Seamaster I think you can do better. I also don’t love the marks on the dial. The dial seems original but would feel more comfortable with a clear straight on photo that shows that there’s “swiss” under the six marker and lume present on the dagger markers.

 

I recommend ref 166.010, it has a screw back with Seamonster on it, powered by a 24 jewels 562 or 565 and you still have some money left for a dinner.

 

The spots on the dial are a turn-off for me on this one.

 

Thanks for your replies. It's an auction and I am trying to pick it up for < $400-$500 USD. No other pictures that I can get unfortunately before the auction closes. I like some of the patina but do agree that the spots are not attractive. I would be buying this both to wear and to begin a vintage collection. But more so to start my collection with maybe 10% wrist time.

Thanks for the recommendation about the ref. 168.010. I agree that is probably the best ref to start my collection and I'll carefully look around. Ref. 168.024 and 168.022 seem to be similar with a cal. 564 I believe?
Anyone by chance have any recent experience with OmegaAddict? https://omegaaddict.com/ There are some great watches, but I'm concerned that they have been redialed.
I'm also in New York and heard great things about time titans here in midtown, but it seems that Rich there has moved to Oregon? I'm thinking about making a trip down to the midtown and see..

Thanks again for the replies!

 

Apropos of Time Titans: https://omegaforums.net/threads/ref-mi-2195-30t2-movement-redial.88052/#post-1139082

 

Thanks for the link. Definitely not very reassuring about the quality of the goods from there. Unfortunately that seems to be a theme here in NYC

 

Even a bad seller can have a good watch, but personally, this is not one of my favorite dealers. I wouldn't write-off the entire city quite yet.

 

Or ref 165.010 (no date)
just arrived

 

Beautiful watch ! i really like the design of the case, the 2 tones dial and the shape of the markers , it seems to have a nice patina and i don't care the small spots on the dial ... can you tell what is the size of the case ?
166.010 and 165.010 are nice but they look more modern, i do prefer the 50's look of the one you post.

 

Hi. It's a 2869 5 SC with a cal. 500. 34 mm case. I think given the serial number its ~1958

 

166010 and 165010 are both great watches. Keep an eye on the private sales here - I sold this one 18 months ago which was a bit cheap with the BOR. Watch out for @ConElPueblo sales, for example but, you have to act quickly - at least there aren't many people here trying to get rich quickly by ripping off other forum members.

Just a point on which calibre of movement to buy - the older watches have worse parts availability and can cost more to service plus some watchmakers will turn them away because of that. For me, if it's the 50s and 60s era that appeal and it must be an auto, go in this order to reduce the chance of a huge service bill:
550 series (550-565, 750-752) first.
500 series (500-505) second.
470 series (470-471) third but these are a bit smaller so be careful.
330 series (330-355) last.

Cheers, Chris

 

Very sound and practical advice. Appreciate it. That 1660010 with BOR bracelet looked incredible.