What can you tell me about this Omega Seamaster?

[Pot Bellied Fool]

Hi knowledgeable horologists!

You'll be saddened to know that my usual wrist attire is merely my Fitbit in the futile attempt to make me fitter... I do however have an old Accurist of my Dad's that I'd never part with (but might be the subject of another thread about how/where to get it serviced & new glass).

Anyway, I've just been left an Omega Seamaster. The chap in question was quite into watches & clocks (but not a flashy chap at all) from the engineering point of view so I'd be curious to know a little more about its likely age etc. Done a few quick Googles but I reckon PH is the font of all real knowledge...

Over to the collective - with thanks.

[Gary C]

Find the serial, type it into the Omega web site and it will tell you everything

[Pot Bellied Fool]

Gary C said:

Find the serial, type it into the Omega web site and it will tell you everything

Fab! Thanks for that. Presume it's usually under the back plate?

[Tabs]

First job would be to fit a new strap. That bracelet looks like it will fall apart soon.

[Squadrone Rosso]

Tabs said:

First job would be to fit a new strap. That bracelet looks like it will fall apart soon.

That’ll refurb nicely. Will take a few quid though. Fantastic original bracelet.

Looks quite like my late Dad’s watch. This went back to Omega Switzerland for a full refurb. More that the watch is worth but it’s priceless to me.

[Bedlamater]

Looks like a mid 60s 166.010, classic vintage seamaster. The bracelet is most likely a 1039 (will be stamped in the clasp with the year it was made) which has lost most of it’s elasticity and like for like replacements are pretty pricey, a very good one could be as much as the watch!

If it was me I wouldn’t send it to omega as it’s never really worth it for these older models, I’d find a decent vintage watchmaker who’ll get it running smoothly for you at a fraction of the price. Get the glass polished if it is glass or get a new one if plexi and leave the dial alone. I’d give the case a buff with a Cape Cod cloth but no more, polishing just takes away from the vintage appeal in my mind, but of course you may prefer it looking scratch and ding free. Put it on a leather strap of you choice and job done, shouldn’t cost you more that £200 tops. I’d possibly consider listing the bracelet for parts on eBay and it’ll probably pay for the service and strap.

Most importantly enjoy it!

[r1ch]

I can't add anything informative that hasn't already been said, but looks really nice. I only ever see these types of vintage omega's on straps, looks really well on a bracelet. Hope you enjoy it.

[Pot Bellied Fool]

Bedlamater said:

Looks like a mid 60s 166.010, classic vintage seamaster. The bracelet is most likely a 1039 (will be stamped in the clasp with the year it was made)

Good going on the year! It's a 7912 bracelet stamped 2/65. Quite fascinating, didn't realise how much info was available.

I've ordered a proper wrench for taking the case off and I'll see if I can find the serial number.

[Deefor62]

Tabs said:

First job would be to fit a new strap. That bracelet looks like it will fall apart soon.

If you're not too fussed on originality, a visit to the Forstner Bands website could be a good alternative

[Bedlamater]

Pot Bellied Fool said:

Good going on the year! It's a 7912 bracelet stamped 2/65. Quite fascinating, didn't realise how much info was available.

I've ordered a proper wrench for taking the case off and I'll see if I can find the serial number.

Be careful with the wrench, easy to slip and scratch the case back, I find the rubber ball openers often just as effective and safer. It maybe even budge with if you apply some pressure with two fingers and twist. Good luck

[Bedlamater]

Pot Bellied Fool said:

Good going on the year! It's a 7912 bracelet stamped 2/65. Quite fascinating, didn't realise how much info was available.

I've ordered a proper wrench for taking the case off and I'll see if I can find the serial number.

Be careful with the wrench, easy to slip and scratch the case back, I find the rubber ball openers often just as effective and safer. It maybe even budge with if you apply some pressure with two fingers and twist. Good luck

[Pot Bellied Fool]

Bedlamater said:

Be careful with the wrench, easy to slip and scratch the case back, I find the rubber ball openers often just as effective and safer. It maybe even budge with if you apply some pressure with two fingers and twist. Good luck

Good advice that, much appreciated. I wasn't really into watches but I've learnt so much in the last few days from here. Although clearly I need to put my prices up...!

[GC8]

Pot Bellied Fool said:

Gary C said:

Find the serial, type it into the Omega web site and it will tell you everything

Fab! Thanks for that. Presume it's usually under the back plate?

No, on the movement. The case will have a reference on the inside of the back (probably 165.xxx as 1 equates to gents and 6 is self winding centre seconds).

This is probably a mid-sixties watch with a Cal.565 or similar.