Vintage Speedmaster .. is it rust?

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klook31

·Jul 30, 2025

Longtime lurker - I have learnt a lot from this forum!

I recently decided to get a vintage Speedmaster cal. 565 and have been looking at listings that pop up. I am considering the below, a 1965 with ref. 166.003. U195.

If you zoom in, there is browning around the 6 o’clock to 9 o’clock mark. I can’t tell if it’s actually rust. Seller tells me he hasn’t removed the crystal and doesn’t know if it’s dirt or rust - or which part is actually affected. Not very encouraging.

Would any of you with more experience be able to tell? I am not sure it would be worth paying $830 for a watch with rust.

If you notice any other flaws let me know too!

 

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JimInOz

·Jul 30, 2025·Melbourne Australia

Highly unlikely to be rust, probably just gunk that's built up over time.
A soft toothpick with a sharp point will probably remove it without too much trouble.

 

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Passover

·Jul 30, 2025

klook31

If you notice any other flaws let me know too!

Watch looks good so far
Are more pictures available, especially regarding the movement?

 

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Passover

·Jul 30, 2025

"Seamaster" btw... 😉

 

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klook31

·Jul 30, 2025

Here are the rest of the pics. Only one of the movement and it’s cropped. I am considering requesting a better pic!

 

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klook31

·Jul 30, 2025

Passover

"Seamaster" btw... 😉

Posted this too early in the morning I knew something was off 😂

 

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bsowers34

·Jul 30, 2025

klook31

Posted this too early in the morning I knew something was off 😂

Blame it on autocorrect...

 

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Passover

·Jul 30, 2025

Some thoughts on the watch:

Signed plexi

Semi hidden crown (which ist correct) but a bit too small??

Case has seen some polishing but facets still clearly visable

Movement looks clean

Is this rust???

830$ is not a bargain, still negotiable?

Wait for some more feedback to come, good luck!

 

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Passover

·Jul 30, 2025

BTW post better here for such themes:

 

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hansaboy

·Jul 30, 2025

Here is mine, different hands...

Compare the edges and facet lines...?

 

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Spruce

·Jul 30, 2025·Sunburst dial fan

My 165.003s. Same hands and 552 movement

 

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Dan S

·Jul 30, 2025

There does appear to be some staining above the date window.

 

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klook31

·Jul 30, 2025

Passover

Some thoughts on the watch:

Signed plexi

Semi hidden crown (which ist correct) but a bit too small??

Case has seen some polishing but facets still clearly visable

Movement looks clean

Is this rust???

830$ is not a bargain, still negotiable?

Wait for some more feedback to come, good luck!

Thank you for checking it out!! Price is firm and seems on the higher end to me too. From previous posts I gathered that Seamasters should go for less but listings on ebay, chrono etc are mostly higher than expected.

 

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klook31

·Jul 30, 2025

hansaboy

Here is mine, different hands...

Compare the edges and facet lines...?

Thanks for sharing! How long have you had it for? It looks great - certainly better than the one I am considering.

 

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hansaboy

·Jul 30, 2025

klook31

Thanks for sharing! How long have you had it for? It looks great - certainly better than the one I am considering.

Thanks, I have had it for a couple of years.

 

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Knebo

·Jul 30, 2025

I'm not a huge expert on dial authenticity etc, but looks fair to me.

I know a bit more about the movements, though.
In this pic or yours, rubbing marks are clearly visible from a loose rotor (worn bushing). This is extremely common in these movements. It's possible that it was already solved by a service (while the marks remain, which is fine). If not, the rotor still has too much play. Easy fix for competent watchmakers with access to Omega parts, but I wouldn't give it to anyone (well, I'd service it myself).