I'm considering an old 3 hander, basic Seamaster, I believe, probably from the 60's, or possibly modern of similar design.

There appear to be so many variants that I'm not sure what's what!

I suppose I'm looking for something like the pic below, but ideally as large as possible; most appear to be 34mm; are there any larger ones in this style?

Is there a good online resource for the different models/specs?

Many thanks for any help.

Cheers

 

Does it have to be hand-winding or is automatic ok. A larger reference (36.5mm) Seamaster that shows up quite often would be the 168.022 (see below). There may be a non-chronometer version as well, I don't recall. There are others as well, and some of the Seamaster 30 models were 35mm. You just have to study and keep a list of the references.

 

I just sold this one on the forum which is a ref. 14779. Look at different pics on the forum and see what you like. As a general rule, you won’t find much bigger than 34mm, but this ref is 35. The 166.010 is the date version of this one and is very common and easy to find at a good price.

 

I’d recommend the ref.166.064, it’s probably the largest vintage Seamaster. It measures 38 (excluding crown) and has 22mm lugs so wears like a larger watch…

 

I'll be posting a 50's 36mm manual wind Turler if I get the time this afternoon

 

And just to mention, along these lines, there are plenty of non-Seamaster references in this size range. Like the 2640 and 2639 below. Not Seamasters, but 36mm in screw-back cases.

 

Yes, the 2639 ( with sub seconds dial) is a great reference on the wrist and was actually my first or second Omega when I just started out.

 

Totally agree and the black 2639 in that photo was probably the second vintage watch that I ever purchased. I still have it, which says a lot about how much I like it.

 

Have you tried 34mm? I have some 34mm watches that wear larger than 35mm models.

That being said, 36mm is a nice size. Here’s a 2937…

 

I still have mine too, but I daren't post it as it was one of those slightly deceitful EBay listings that we all fall for as a Noob...my dial is missing some of its minute track and printing...but the seller both failed to mention that and also carefully avoided showing it in the listing pictures. I've had it probably 18 years now...I really need to try a little harder to find a better dial for it!

 

Absolutely!

I’ve always thought that some 34mm Omega models appear to wear much larger.

On that note, I’m a fan of the 165.041 and 166.041 models with 552 or 565 automatic movements.

 

I'm often surprised at how lucky I was with that black 2639, given how little I knew at the time and how rarely black dials are original. Just dumb luck, really.

 

Great minds Dan. The OP posted a similar request on TZ-UK and I posted the day date version of that as an option. Over there they seem to have missed the 36mm requirement in the main unfortunately.

 

Many thanks for all the replies; lots to go on.

I don't mind manual or auto.

A friend should be popping round this weekend with his vintage Seamaster so I can try it for size (it'll be interesting to see if 34mm looks ok) ...and get the model code

As mentioned above, it doesn't have to be a Seamaster; just of similar design.

Cheers

 

Often the lugs are quite long, so they give a lot more presence to the watch. Especially with beefy lug SMs (ref 2846/8 is a common one)

 

Any thoughts on budget please?

Cheers

 

You can get a nice 166.010 for around £6-800.

 

Depends a lot on the particular reference (e.g. size, movement, chronometer vs. non-chronometer), whether bracelet is included or not, condition, serviced or not serviced, etc. Anywhere from $500-$1500.

 

I know it is prob a separate thread but is there a lyre lug seamaster in this version at 36 mm I can only find manua plain l 2971 with the shape I like most.

 

Might be worth looking at birthyear watches.