Everything about the Seamaster 120 "Deep Blue" 166.073

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This is one of my favorite vintage dive watch:

Seamaster 120 "Deep Blue" 166.073 production 1970-74 movement 565 with date

It has a blue dial with at least 4 versions "Seamaster" only, "Seamaster 120" blue or dark blue and "Seamaster 120" recent luminova replacement. Cases were manufactured by CB or HF and there are 2 different bezel colors and 2 very different casebacks. Sword hands also have 2 different sizes.
They were fitted on many different bracelets: mostly 1170/634 or 1184/634 (late and very rare), 1117/627 (very rare), Corfam strap, remplacement are 1162/172 or mesh 1247/237.




This is a "Deep Blue" in stunning condition, like new and rare "CB" case. Old original short hands. On 1170/634 bracelet. Serial number 30'704'***. Delivered in March 1971 to Germany

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All original "Deep Blue" with dial and short hands in poor condition. Fitted with an hesalite glass with inner date magnifier. Original 1170/634 bracelet. Serial number 30'335'***. Delivered in March 1971 to Ireland.

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This "Deep Blue" is a late, rare, very dark blue version. Almost black dial and bezel. Dial is a "Seamaster 120". I got it from the first owner's son who told me that he got it when he was in Israeli Army. Unusual caseback. Serial number 34'001'***. Delivered in September 1973 to Israel on a 1184/634 bracelet.

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This is an example of a new recent luminova replacement dial and hands. On a 22mm mesh 1247/237. Movement swapped during service, history unknown..

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馃憤 Great stuff! A very cool reference that doesn't get discussed much.
 
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I'm extremely surprised this reference isn't talked about very much. Very useful info, thank you.
 
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Yes these are great watches, I have this one...no idea of case maker, bracelet type or serial 馃槵 I'll have to open it up one day to check 馃榾

 
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Jesus, that is absolutely breathtaking!

Yes these are great watches, I have this one...no idea of case maker, bracelet type or serial 馃槵 I'll have to open it up one day to check 馃榾

 
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Does anyone know if the 120 or non-120 version is more collectible or desirable?
 
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Does anyone know if the 120 or non-120 version is more collectible or desirable?

I like to see a number on the dial, so I'd pay more for a '120'
 
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Does anyone know if the CB or HF case is more desirable? What kinds of premiums are we talking about?
 
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Does anyone know if the CB or HF case is more desirable? What kinds of premiums are we talking about?

Does anybody actually care if their SM120 is a CB or HF case and if one is more valuable than the other? It's like trying to create a value ranking system for a very thinly traded and not often seen watch.

I've always focused on just getting the best example of a reference that I can afford, everything else is superfluous and I can't take seriously any 'extra value' coming from a case makers stamp and a slightly different (?) case....give me the best condition watch in the least 'rare' case any day of the week!
 
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I like the dial, movement, style, but don't like the fat lugs...
 
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I love the applied indices, blue dial, and blue bezel. These features along with the cushion case set this model apart from the 300, and allow it to be a nice complement to a 300 or Speedmaster in a collection.
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