G99's post details a complex trade resulting in the acquisition of a vintage Omega Seamaster 751 Day-Date Chronometer, reference 168.034. This article explores the unique characteristics of this 1970 cushion-cased timepiece, including its rare 'floating' movement and original 1171 bracelet, offering insights into its historical context and collector appeal.
The trade itself was pretty complicated, but I do believe I came out on top.
Firstly I listed a Maurice Lacroix Jour et Nuit for sale and was approached by someone offering a trade. He offered 2 watches, the now well publicised Seamaster deville kleerback and a 9 month old Longines hydroconquest with box and papers. Personally I think the kleerback was enough of a trade due to its rarity and it being a 1964, but I wasn't about to argue.
The Longines wasn't a watch that really interested me as I have enough new 300m watches so I listed it for sale.
A couple of weeks ago whilst perusing another forum I saw a pretty nice Seamaster 751 day date chronometer. I showed the link to Bill and a couple of others with more knowledge than me and got the ok so approached the owner who accepted a straight swap for the Longines, so we each posted the watches from opposite parts of the world.
The Seamaster arrived today and apart from some marks on the dial it is far better than I could have expected.
The case reference is 168.034, the cushion case released in 1970 according to Omega archives.
It also comes on an 1171 bracelet with the correct end pieces for this case. A bonus of some value.
The top of the case is still clearly brushed in the original radial pattern and the sides are well polished with only a couple of scratches near the crown.
The caseback is in near perfect condition with none of the polishing often seen on watches of this age.
The crown may not be original as it looks smaller than others I have seen whilst googling the watch, but the unmarked crystal has the Omega logo to the centre.
The dial is the lovely sparkly silver one seen mainly on this and the 564 Seamaster. The square faceted markers and the hands are perfect. The dial is quite obviously original(I'm asking to be wrong here).
Overall the case and bracelet are in excellent condition so I can't explain how the dial got damaged. I would guess that the original glass got smashed causing the marks.
Bill did say to me that this case has the 'floating' shock protected movement. I'm not sure what its made of or how it works so if anyone can enlighten me i would be most grateful.
The 751 calibre chronometer certified movement looks to be in excellent condition. It dates to 1970, the first year this case was made, but was originally released in 1967.
I 'believe' that this was the first day date movement made by Omega. The day is not quick set, but the date change uses the pump action on the crown as originated by the 565 calibre(?).
I know that this watch doesn't date from 1964, but it is still a watch I intend to keep in my collection.
I believe this is an uncommon piece, especially in this case. Bill did say that this case shape is not as desirable as the other case, but I've had it on my wrist for an hour and I really like it. At 38mm its a good size for the age and even today it looks good on the wrist.
So, the result of my trades are me letting one modern watch go and gaining 2 uncommon vintage pieces by my favourite brand. I think you will also agree that I got the better part of this shuffle.
Here are some pictures for your delectation.
Enjoy,
Graham.
This message has been edited by Dr No on 2012-10-22 10:23:27 
