An Attainable Grail
What is a grail watch, and what is an attainable grail watch? For me, it is this manual wind 1960s Omega Seamaster De Ville that I recently picked up. A classic Seamaster in my book is the epitome of elegance, class and simplicity, and it is something I have been wanting to get my hands on ever since first getting into watches. This De Ville in twotone fits the bill nicely.
Is it perfect? No, the dial is in good shape, but the crystal is really scratched up and the gold plating is not in absolute tiptop shape either. But overall it is in fine shape and I got it at a fair price from one of the city's oldest watchmakers, who had also given it a new main spring, so I feel perfectly content. Safer than buying something cheaper online from some unknown seller. I will probably get the scratched up crystal replaced in the future though.
EDIT: Also, a big thank you to all of you who encouraged me to save up for a Seamaster rather than spending money on some other, cheaper watches, while waiting.
Swedish guy with a Master's degree in Japanese and an interest in traditional culture and aesthetics.
You have excellent taste.
Although, to be frank, what was Omega thinking keeping this in the Seamaster line? It is more DeVille than Seamaster.
You have excellent taste.
Although, to be frank, what was Omega thinking keeping this in the Seamaster line? It is more DeVille than Seamaster.
Yeah, the Seamaster line really is a bit larger than it ought to be. I was originally looking for a straight Seamaster, rather than a DeVille. But I do still think they are close enough that it doesn't feel unreasonable (even though a DeVille shouldn't be anywhere near the SEA.) 😀
Beautiful watch! Do you bring it to the meetup?
Beautiful watch! Do you bring it to the meetup?
Yep! It seems like a good fit.
It's a beauty. There were only two or three years in the late 60's that the Seamaster DeVille's existed, includes some dress chrono's with the 321 movement. I think they are rather choice.
It's a beauty. There were only two or three years in the late 60's that the Seamaster DeVille's existed, includes some dress chrono's with the 321 movement. I think they are rather choice.
Wow, yes, I had not seen that one before! What a stunner. https://www.chrono24.se/search/index.htm?query=Seamaster+321&dosearch=true&searchexplain=1&watchTypes=&accessoryTypes=
My affordable grails have always been vintage Omegas, but I plan on expanding that to include vintage Cartier, Tudor and JLC.
My affordable grails have always been vintage Omegas, but I plan on expanding that to include vintage Cartier, Tudor and JLC.
That vintage feel is hard to beat. 👍