I think an intro is in order, I'm Adam and from the UK.

For my 21st birthday I inherited an omega watch from my grandfather. He wore it everyday and told me i should do the same.

while on holiday I have cracked the glass, it hasn't created a shadow or chipped the glass. While one in New York on holiday last week I popped into Omega on 5th avenue to try and get it replaced to be told it is rare. Apparently its a 1957 Seamaster Speedmaster with a Calbre 321 movement. I was told it was the best quality they have seen and would I sell it.

just to clarify I will never get rid of it but id love to be able to return to my grandfather with some information on this particular one.

Can an anyone help?

 

Welcome Adam,

we might be able to give you some information if you post large clear pictures from various angles.
Seamaster and Speedmaster is a contradiction - it is one of these and can´t be both at one time - just read the dial inscription carefully.

 

A "Seamaster Speedmaster"
Posting a picture would be helpful....

 

1957 seamaster not very valuable but 1957 Speedmaster would be a treasure

 

Hi Joe and Mac, please see below, they said it was a "Seamster Speedmaster" as it was the last year the seahorse was used on the backplate of the watch. Hope this helps

 

Lets hope its a 57 Speed then (fingers crossed)

 

That definitely is not a 1957 Piece unless there have been extensive changes during the years of use. The dial is from the mid 60's or so and the hands are what you would find on a 1967 Speedmaster cal 321. The case is a straight lug use in the 105.003 and earlier reference models. The bezel is 500 and not base 1000 you would find in the 2998-2 and earlier years. If you can provide the serial number and a shot of the inner caseback we can better evaluate it for you.

 

I'm no expert but this looks to be a 105.003 SPEEDMASTER. It's not a Seamaster. They just used hippocampus on the back before the "first watch worn on the moon" back from later models.

This watch is from the mid 1960's.

Smarter people will chime in with further and more accurate info.

 

This is no 1957 Speedy - it is more likely from the mid 60ies - let it be opened by a watchmaker and we will see the truth...

 

haha thanks for the advice. Is this a good specimen in your opinion or have Omega miss lead me?

 

It looks like a worn but well loved time piece. The only way is to get the back open to check out the serial and other identifying markers. Please only use a proper tool as many times tools can scratch the back if not carefully and properly opened. The watchmakers at the 5th avenue boutiques are more trained for modern pieces and so they might not be the best at evaluating vintage pieces (nearly all their vintage pieces go back to europe for service).

 

I'll take it over to omega now I'm in the UK and get them to take a look, it needs a good clean and potentially the glass replacing. Thanks for all your help

 

Maybe don't do that...

http://omegaforums.net/threads/what-happens-when-a-watch-goes-back-to-omega.17855/

 

Oh... What is the next stage then. Should I get the glass replaced? And if so where?

 

Hi

I would very highly recommend getting in contact with these Guys , located just outside Southend on Sea , Essex:

http://www.swisstimeservices.co.uk/

Ask to speak with the Service Manager (if possible) -

Best - Neil

 

As stated by others, this is likely a mid 1960's Speedmaster (possibly a 105.003) that might have had a few elements changed at some point during a previous service. Even though it is not a 1957, it still could be a valuable piece. I would follow Neil's advice and get additional information (re: Serial and ref numbers, etc)

 

It sure is

 

Out of interest, were you able to get any more info about your Grandfathers watch?

 

It is a Seamaster! Up to and including the 145.012, the speedmaster line was a subset of the seamaster line. They were Seamaster Speemasters.
http://www.omegawatches.com/planet-omega/heritage/vintage-watches-database