Water damage? Seamaster 120 Ref.165.027

Posts
2
Likes
0
Hello Omega experts,

I’m considering a purchase of an Omega Ref.165.027 Seamaster 120 from 1968. The dial looks very good (including under loupe inspection) but the lume is quite degraded, which gives me concerns about water/moisture damage.

The watch has just had a full service and includes a 30-month warranty.

However, the only photo I have of the movement shows what appears to be rust spots on the ratchet wheel, crown wheel and adjusting spring for regulator.

The 165.027 is not easy to find, and I’m tempted to buy given the service and warranty. But water damage is indeed a concern with a 60-year-old dive watch.

A few photos attached.

 
Posts
13,409
Likes
23,285
It’s not necessarily ‘flooded’ water ingress. It could well be it’s just been in a moist environment for a long period which has degraded the lume. It’s not a deal breaker but it would put me off at these aren’t that hard to find in good condition and the green mouldy lume is not attractive to me.

If the movement has been properly serviced it should be fine. It’s rare to find pristine movements after 60 years.
 
Posts
2
Likes
0
It’s not necessarily ‘flooded’ water ingress. It could well be it’s just been in a moist environment for a long period which has degraded the lume. It’s not a deal breaker but it would put me off at these aren’t that hard to find in good condition and the green mouldy lume is not attractive to me.

If the movement has been properly serviced it should be fine. It’s rare to find pristine movements after 60 years.
Thanks, Davidt. Sound advice. As much as I like moss green, maybe not in this context.