What do I do with a Vintage Seamaster De Ville?

[JdeP]

Hi guys,

This is a Newbie's 1st post; I've been reading this forum a little, and there are clearly some very knowledgeable people here.

Clearing out my sock drawer recently I found what used to be my grandfather's watch. I haven't worn it for about 20 years because it does not keep very good time. (For me, that's a deal-breaker in a watch!) I don't want to spend a lot of money fixing it, and it's no good to me as a sock-drawer decoration, so I'll probably sell it. But I don't know if eBay is the best route, or a dealer, or a private sale ...

I'd like to describe it accurately, so any tips about its age etc. would be welcome. How do I know if it is 9 carat, 14 carat, etc? And is now a good or a bad time t sell, market-wise? Also its value, if I am allowed to ask that on this forum. Maybe you can persuade me to keep it and start a collection!

These photos (http://picasaweb.google.com/PJKidd/OmegaSeamaster) make the crystal look very scratched, but they're not so noticeable "in real life".http://picasaweb.google.com/PJKidd/OmegaSeamaster/photo#5178759675581022530 http://picasaweb.google.com/PJKidd/OmegaSeamaster/photo#5178759675581022530 http://picasaweb.google.com/PJKidd/OmegaSeamaster/photo#5178759718530695506

Thanks in advance,

JdeP
PS Ignore the metal strap -- it's a modern piece of ****.

[Joe K.]

Nice watch, but will clearly need some work to bring it back to where it belongs. That will cost a few hundred dollars. If you decide to sell it I would try either eBAY or on some of the sales boards here or timezone.
There are pros and cons to each venue - but your greatest obstacle might be the lack of previous transactions. The other factor is that the more details you can provide about the watch the better you will do in selling. So you really need to figure out the gold content, ref #, etc. Unfortunately, with this watch, that information is on the inside and you will have to have the watch opened to get at that. This specific model requires a special crystal removal tool and a bit of knowledge on how to open it- so I suggest you do not try this at home.

As far as value goes - once you know what you have you should check eBAY and perhaps other online sales corners and see what the watch fetches in this condition.



Hi guys,

This is a Newbie's 1st post; I've been reading this forum a little, and there are clearly some very knowledgeable people here.

Clearing out my sock drawer recently I found what used to be my grandfather's watch. I haven't worn it for about 20 years because it does not keep very good time. (For me, that's a deal-breaker in a watch!) I don't want to spend a lot of money fixing it, and it's no good to me as a sock-drawer decoration, so I'll probably sell it. But I don't know if eBay is the best route, or a dealer, or a private sale ...

I'd like to describe it accurately, so any tips about its age etc. would be welcome. How do I know if it is 9 carat, 14 carat, etc? And is now a good or a bad time t sell, market-wise? Also its value, if I am allowed to ask that on this forum. Maybe you can persuade me to keep it and start a collection!

These photos (http://picasaweb.google.com/PJKidd/OmegaSeamaster) make the crystal look very scratched, but they're not so noticeable "in real life".http://picasaweb.google.com/PJKidd/OmegaSeamaster/photo#5178759675581022530 http://picasaweb.google.com/PJKidd/OmegaSeamaster/photo#5178759675581022530 http://picasaweb.google.com/PJKidd/OmegaSeamaster/photo#5178759718530695506

Thanks in advance,

JdeP
PS Ignore the metal strap -- it's a modern piece of ****.

[WIS_Chronomaster]

Looks to be need quite abit of work there, that strap is aweful as said lol, wouldnt say it was higher than 9Kt Gold, i dont think it is solid though i could be wrong. Im saying the watch will need quite abit of restoration and servicing as it has not been used for many many years.

P.s Lots of people use Ebay to sell things but you can always try the sale forums.

[Sushirob]

You need to send it to me for safe keeping. :)

[eptaz]

As always, Joe's right on the money, but I'd add an alternative suggestion. You might consider just having the movement serviced and the crystal replaced. You might be surprised at how much of a difference a clear crystal will make. This might run a couple hundred bucks.

Just a thought.

eric

[JimH]

The watch appears to be in very good condition. It will need very little restoration. The dial is original and in excellent shape. The case looks good and the watch appears to have its original crown. The gold content of the watch will be marked between the lugs at the 6 o'clock position. It looks like this watch may be 14K gold (there appears to be a hallmark on the 1 o'clock lug).

The band is easily replaced and it should be replaced probably with a nice strap. Since the crystal is plastic the scratches can easily be polished out with a product like Polywatch.

To get the time-keeping more accurate the watch probably just needs a service. A service on a watch like like would run $120-150 or so. Check the AWCI referral directory for a watchmaker in your area AWCI Directory (http://www.watch-clock-makers.org/)

With respect to the cost of servicing versus the worth of this watch: If the watch is solid gold it may be worth ~$750-850 or, if only gold-filled, maybe ~$300-400 on an auction site like ebay. At vintage dealers prices would be higher.