Comments:
Hi All,
Omega Seamaster Deville 552 cal (1960-ish)
I am rather new to this, so I am looking for feedback on the authenticity and, perhaps, valuation of this piece.
It was described by the seller as what I have put in the title, so not sure of the exact year. Also, the serial number is # 18268867 and the model is 165.020 (although the seller lists it as 165.002 in the ad -- this may just be a mistake).
If this gets the OK from everyone here, I will meet with the guy and see it in person, but I don't want to waste my time if there are any obvious imperfections that suggest it is a fake.
To me, the movement looks "too clean" -- if the watch is only 50 years old, how is there not a single scratch? It was however recently cleaned, but still...
If this does look real to you, what is a good price? He wants about $800.
Also, the strap is not original, nor it is an Omega replacement. And the crystal is new, but I have not been informed if it is generic or omega. How would this affect the price?
Thank you very much in advance.
this will be my first omega, so all your input will make this the most pleasant possible experience, and make finally getting the perffect watch even that much more special.
It's not a fake . . .
. . . but the dial has been refinished. Not unusual at all to find vintage Omegas with pristine movements - I've got a few in my collection.
As for pricing, we really don't discuss that topic here, especially if it relates to a specific watch. You can ask for advice by private message, though.
Cordially,
Art
This message has been edited by Dr No on 2012-12-05 10:51:04
theres no reason a 50 year old movement cant look like that
Ultrasonic cleaning does wonders these days and will bring a dirty movement back to spotless condition in a couple of hours.
Also, because the deville has a monocoque case it makes it very difficult for owners and 'fiddlers' to get to the movement so theres no surprise the movement is unscratched. Devilles usually only have competent watchmakers working on them because of this.
Shame about the refinished dial, but if you like how it looks and pay accordingly you will be a very happy man.
For future reference, original black dials are very few and far between during this period so black means beware and take a much closer look.
I would love a black dialled seamaster or constellation, but very few were made so its a needle in the haystack job.
Good luck
G
Another rare Omega! I've never seen . . .
. . . an original black dial SM DV before, either. Great find, Sohail.
I recently stumbled upon an original black dial Seamaster Calendar . . .
[the crystal has been removed]
. . . in rough condition.
Cordially,
Art
Nice!!
Good looking watch,
That's certainly an original Omega movement, and in fine condition. It is possible for such an old watch to have no scars, damage, as long as its been well taken care of and handled only by competent watchmakers, as this one evidently has. Check for healthy balance oscillation, and sound from the movement as it ticks, for a very basic idea of movement condition, and have it checked out by an expert fr sure before purchasing.
The strap not being original Omega is absolutely no problem. Leather straps wear quickly, and very few would invest repeatedly in an expensive Omega strap when a local generic brand works just as well, same going for the crystal, virtually no impact on the price if I was buying, wouldn't matter in the very least.
Dial being refinished, now that's surely something that affects vintage watch value, big time.
Please message if you'd like to hear a value I'd be willing to pay for this.
All the best,
Rishad
To me, the movement looks "too clean" -- if the watch is only 50 years old, how is there not a single scratch? It was however recently cleaned, but still...
If this does look real to you, what is a good price? He wants about $800.
Also, the strap is not original, nor it is an Omega replacement. And the crystal is new, but I have not been informed if it is generic or omega. How would this affect the price?