Overview
A classic stainless steel 'Seamaster' featuring a robust automatic movement and the iconic Hippocampus (seahorse) medallion on the case back.
Preliminary identification
Vintage Omega Seamaster Automatic, Ref. 166.010
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
In 1958, an Omega designer named Jean-Pierre Borle was visiting Venice when he noticed the decorative seahorses on the sides of the city's famous gondolas.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt, Omega rose to become the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games and the creator of the first watch worn on the moon.
Condition & Value
The dial shows a heavy 'stardust' patina or spotting, which some collectors find charmingly 'tropical.' The crystal is heavily scratched but can likely be buffed clear. The case shows honest wear consistent with decades of use, and the bracelet appears to be a later replacement or shows significant plating wear.
Full Research
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD