I recently picked up off eBay the below 18k Seamaster bumper with a two-tone hobnail dial. There were no movement shots and there was no indication in the ad that it was gold, however I noticed the hallmark on the lug. I messaged back and forth with the seller for long enough to realize he just didn’t know much about watches and probably jewelry. I couldn’t get better photos of the hallmark, so I bid under the assumption that it was 14k and ended up getting it for what I think is a steal (will post in the under $500 thread). Especially once I opened the back and saw the 18k...

That said, the case is in pretty rough shape (knew that from the listing). It’s clearly lost much of its definition on the lugs and bezel and someone has improperly opened the case back. The case is dual signed 2520/2577.

The 354 movement is running okay but there appears to be some debris on it and some rotor-rub. See any other concerns?

After polishing the crystal a bit I learned the dial is fairly dirty and there’s a slight patina in the middle section (still attractive to me). My only real issues are the orange-ish spots over Omega Automatic and black spots in various places - most notably over the “r” in Seamaster. It looks like there is debris under the crystal as well.. and there may have been a lot at some point because you can see some black spots on the edges of the dial (particularly at 5-6). Any ideas what this may be? Hopefully not from the movement..

General comments are appreciated - but in particular:
Is there hope for cleaning up the dial? Perhaps with some very light brushing from my watchmaker?

Any red flags with the movement that an overhaul won’t fix?

General collectibility given the condition?

Thanks in advance for the insight!

 

The dial looks a lot nicer than your description implies, so does the case. A vintage specialist watchmaker might be able to remove surface dirt from that dial but you will have to live with those spots, which wouldn't bother me. The crystal looks a bit far gone to polish out but if it will, or with a new one, it will look ten times better. The rotor has put a gouge in the case back but I believe a service can usually fix that. Obviously the case alone makes it a bargain but I like the watch anyway. Congratulations on a great purchase!!

 

That's a waffle, not a hobnail

 

I think you got a bargain. Most of the marks are on the crystal, I think.

 

In the words of the squirrel: NFW

 

I like it. Get a service and wear it.

 

As mentioned by several above, that watch will be much nicer than you think after some TLC from a good watchmaker.

You bet it is! My first 18ct vintage watch was a late 50's Seamaster with a coat hanger S.

 

Thanks for all the comments! I'm excited to get it cleaned up.

Title updated - sorry about that. Even after this thread, I am still confused. What makes you say this is waffle as distinct from hobnail?

I agree, it looks great! Didn't mean to be too critical.. I think I was secretly hoping the dial was perfect under the crystal (which was in much worse shape prior to applying some polywatch). The crystal has a huge crack so absolutely needs to be replaced.

I cleaned the inside of the case back a bit and it doesn't seem too bad.. but I'm sure with a full cleaning there will be a mark.

 

I've looked pretty closely and the dark spots in the center near 9, over the "r" in Seamaster, and between 5-6 are definitely on the dial. There are others as well. Either way, I'm sure it'll look a ton better with a new crystal.

 

Wow, 18k with a not too shabby dial for under $500! Once you get a new crystal on that, it'll look legit. Best deal I've seen in a while, congrats.

 

That’s one of the best deals I’ve seen! I love textured dials from Omega and not only do you snag one for that price but it’s a precious metal?! Wow. I can only hope for such luck!

 

That is a steal!

 

amazing price congrats! should be at least 3x that price imo

 

Very good deal, congratulations. These bumpers are great watches but make sure you get it serviced quickly as there is clearly a lot of dirt and (I suspect) gold from the caseback in the movement so, it will be acting like a grinding paste on everything. It's not easy to get parts for these movements so you don't want to be risking further damage. As the rotor pinion is jewelled in the movement, it looks like it needs a new axle. At least it's still intact at the moment, I had one in recently with a completely broken axle. Here is what was left in the bridge:


And what was left in the rotor.


Great find. Regards, Chris

 

Thanks, @ChrisN - helpful commentary. Thank god for that crack in the crystal otherwise I'd be too tempted to wear it.

 

@Edward53 In your opinion, do you think it's worth trying to get any of the surface dirt removed? I typically use Paul's Watch & Clock Repair in Sacramento for my servicing if that helps. May also consider having Nesbit's in Seattle do it.. though I suspect they are much more expensive.

 

That's a tough one to call. My watchmaker did a good job of cleaning the dial on my 505 Constellation, but it was only a very gentle surface clean. I think the answer depends on the skill of whatever watchmaker you choose, and their ability to judge how much if any dirt can be removed from the dial without taking off the varnish layer beneath it. I am in the UK so can't offer any comment on the people you mentioned, but you got a potentially very nice watch cheap which helps to offset paying for the best watchmaker you can afford.

 

Sub $500? You paid less than scrap.

Dial looks like it might have a few spots. It's hard to be sure through that glass but, even if it has, it wouldn't bother me too much. Parts can be hard to find - I've just had to wait 6 weeks for a setting bridge for a similar movement - but on the whole, they're eminently repairable. The crown's correct.. in fact, it all looks very original. Spend some time finding the right person to work on it and you'll have a very respectable example.

 

Just saw this thread. If the case on my recently acquired 18k OT2846 which looks superficially similar is any judge, then there may be circa 20g of 18k gold in yours making the $500 you paid look indecently cheap, Like Jimmy says above!

 

Very beautiful watch. And how much do you guys think a gold plated version of this watch (bumper and same waffle dial) would be worth?