eBay Finds is back! This bi-monthly installment will feature a selection of watches currently listed on eBay that have caught the eye of editor Christoph McNeil (@vintagediver). If you come across any hidden gems on the ‘Bay drop us a note at [email protected] for potential inclusion.
Vintage Omega Seamaster DeVille
First up this week we have a fresh and beautiful vintage Omega Seamaster DeVille dress watch. The 34mm yellow gold cap case is in nice shape, with classic 1960s slim lugs. The steel back has a nice, deeply engraved Hippocampus logo medallion. The case is a front-loading type, but this time the seller was kind enough to remove the movement so we can see that pink gold automatic caliber 563 beauty. The movement is clean and runs well per the seller. The serial number on the movement dates this one to 1967. The silver dial has an elegant linen finish to it, with gold stick markers and slim gold stick hands. There is of course a date window at 3 o’clock. The dial is super clean and looks original to me. The crown is correct for this model and signed with the Omega logo as it should. Even the acrylic crystal is signed with the Omega logo on the underside of the middle, which is always a huge plus. Great looking original vintage Seamaster DeVille dress watch.
1960s Wittnauer “Mystery Dial”
Here is a spectacular vintage Wittnauer “mystery dial” watch. The mystery dial is a design where the minute hand is normal, but the hour hand is a smaller arrow tip that is applied on a rotating disc, so it gives the illusion that it is floating. These are always cool, and something you don’t see too often. This example by Wittnauer is in great condition, with a 34mm steel case. The case looks like it may have had a light polish in the past, but still looks pretty crisp. The white dial has a diagonal cross-hatch texture to it that is similar to a linen dial. There is a small amount of patina, but nothing distracting to my eyes. The hour markers are applied steel stick type, with the 12 o’clock marker being an applied steel Wittnauer “W” logo, and a steel dauphine-esque minute hand and faceted steel arrow tip for the mystery hour hand. The crown is original and signed with the same “W” logo. No movement pictures but the watch runs per the seller. Super cool watch with loads of vintage style.
Vintage Omega
Next up is a more familiar looking vintage Omega. This 1950 (movement serial number dates it to 1950) gem looks like the early 1950s Seamasters, but it is not branded with that name. The Seamaster line debuted in 1948, so I’m guessing there was some cross-pollination with the various models early on. Despite it not being named a Seamaster on the dial, this beauty definitely has the Seamaster vibe. The 34mm steel case has a blank screw on back, and thicker lugs that lack the chamfers of the later Seamasters. The cream colored dial looks original to me, and is in superb condition. There are stylized Arabic hour markers at 12, 3 and 9, with slim arrows for the rest, all in applied steel. There is a classy sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock, with no date window to disturb the beautiful symmetry. The large steel dauphine hands are also excellent. The crown is the classic Omega ‘clover leaf’ style, signed with the Omega symbol as it should. The watch is powered by a caliber 342 bumper automatic in amazing condition, and runs well per the seller. Fantastic chance to get a gorgeous vintage 1950 Omega!
Jules Racine (Gallet) Vintage Chronograph
And now for something completely different, a vintage Racine (by Gallet) three register chronograph. The 37mm steel case is pristine, with razor sharp edges and original mix of polished and brushed finishes. The original dial is super clean, with a classic reverse panda look featuring a black dial with white sub-dials and a white outer tachymeter track. Broad baton hour and minute hands in black with white, lume filled tips, and a fancy sweep chronograph second hand. The pushers, crown and tall acrylic crystal are all superb. The Gallet signed chronograph movement is a Valjoux 7736 manual wind, and it too is super clean. The seller states the watch winds, sets and runs well and the chronograph functions as it should. This is a really sharp looking vintage Chronograph that should end up “reasonably priced” since it doesn’t have a big name on the dial.
Vintage Seiko Lordmatic 5606-7190
Next up is a great vintage Seiko Lordmatic 5606-7190. The Lordmatic line often has similar style cues as the King Seikos, but at a more accessible price point. This example from 1971 has a 37mm steel case that looks to be in excellent condition. While not quite “Grammar of Design” in its execution, it is still really nice to look at. The silver dial is classic Seiko, with applied steel stick markers, steel hands and the ubiquitous day/date window at 3 o’clock. The day wheel is in English and Kanji. The watch comes on the original Oyster-ish style steel bracelet with a buckle signed “Seiko LM” as it should. The case is the front-loading type and there are no pictures of the automatic movement, but the seller states the watch runs as it should. Great looking, high quality vintage Seiko!
Vintage Omega Seamaster DeVille
Well, when it rains it pours, right? Well it’s raining Omegas this week! To wrap it up today, I found another spectacular Omega Seamaster DeVille for your bidding pleasure. This example is in stainless steel, and comes with the full kit! This gem hails from 1965 per the serial number, and it’s a looker. The steel case has been polished, but not overly so, and it measures in at 34mm wide. Instead of the Hippocampus medallion on the back, this model was made with a blank back, specifically for presentation engravings. This one is for 29 years of service to the Barber Colman company as per the engraving. The silver dial is clean and original, and features the classic DeVille slim stick hour markers and a date window at 3 o’clock. While the dial is spotless, the stick hands do have a touch of oxidation on them which isn’t uncommon for Omegas for some reason. The dial is covered by the original acrylic crystal, signed on the underside with the Omega symbol. Also signed is the correct and original crown. The watch comes on the original steel seven row beads of rice bracelet with signed buckle. Best of all, this beauty comes complete with the original metal presentation box and matching papers. The box is fairly oxidized, which is again a common thing. The guarantee booklet is filled out, and the serial number matches the movement. Overall super nice complete presentation watch…what a find!
Christoph McNeill
2026-01-30 14:00:00