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1950's ? Omega Seamaster identification help

T
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I inherited my father in-laws Seamaster watch and would like to please help in identifying it. I have done some basic research, and it look to have a cross-hair dial but I have not found one with similar hour markings. I was wondering about the bracelet as well. I would very much appreciate any help in identifying this watch. Also it appears to be running but I was wondering if it should be serviced or better to leave it as is. If service is required where is a good place to have it done?
Thanks!
DSC_0817.webp DSC_0820.webp DSC_0821.webp
 
padders
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Looks like a late model 2846 or perhaps the 5 digit ref equivalent that came straight after. The big logo caseback suggests it is from circa 1958-60 or thereabouts. The bracelet looks to be a classic flat link (7077 or 7912 perhaps, not sure) and is quite valuable, perhaps more so than the head. There may be a date code on the clasp which could be quite instructive but I suspect it to be contemporary with the head so circa '59 too

There were dozens of dial variations seen on these. I've seen similar before but it is no surprise you can't find one identical.
Edited:
 
cristos71
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That's a 7077 bracelet and a great dial with those arrow heads and discs.
 
Davidt
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Lovely watch. The big logo case, uncommon dial and flatlink bracelet are a great combination.
 
Spruce
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It should be serviced. If you post where you are, someone on OF will be able to recommend a good (comparatively) local watch repairer.

You could also buy some Polywatch online and polish the crystal.
 
T
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Thanks so much to everyone for the great information!! Really interesting to learn more about it, especially that the bracelet may be the best part. My father in law was a NWA pilot from 49-82 and was overseas a lot so maybe he purchased it in Europe back in the day. It is going to stay in the family, but it would be helpful to know an approximate value. I live in Minnesota if there is a good place for service.
Thanks Again!
 
boobconsultant
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T tt500
Thanks so much to everyone for the great information!! Really interesting to learn more about it, especially that the bracelet may be the best part. My father in law was a NWA pilot from 49-82 and was overseas a lot so maybe he purchased it in Europe back in the day. It is going to stay in the family, but it would be helpful to know an approximate value. I live in Minnesota if there is a good place for service.
Thanks Again!
Veeery rough ballpark:

A late-50s Seamaster like yours (big logo back, arrow/dot dial, on leather) typically trades somewhere in the €600–1,100 range depending on condition and recent service.
The 7077 flatlink bracelet is the star of the show. Good, original 7077s with correct end links commonly sell on their own in the €800–1,600 range, with really sharp examples going higher.

Put together as a nice, honest combo like yours, I’d personally think in the region of roughly €1,500–2,300 is reasonable retail value
 
Dan S
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I don't think the above estimate is far off, and certainly fair for an insurance estimate. But just to clarify about the flatlink bracelet. The reason they are valuable is mainly because they can be used for valuable watches, like vintage Speedmasters and Seamaster 300 dive watches. However, for those watches, wider endlinks are needed, and those wider endlinks are hard to find and valuable. So if you are looking at comparable sales of 7077 bracelets with 19mm or 20mm endlinks, you bracelet will not be worth nearly that much.

Of course, this is all moot, since you are not going to sell your heirloom ... right? Not only is it a great family piece, but it has several less common features compared to most similar Seamasters from that era (dial markers, caseback, bracelet) which makes it fun and interesting.
 
boobconsultant
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Dan S Dan S
But just to clarify about the flatlink bracelet. The reason they are valuable is mainly because they can be used for valuable watches, like vintage Speedmasters and Seamaster 300 dive watches. However, for those watches, wider endlinks are needed, and those wider endlinks are hard to find and valuable.
thanks for the clarification
 
seekingseaquest
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The watch is from approximately 1958, as the “big logo hippocampus” was only present for roughly a year.
 
T
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Thanks again to all the folks taking the time to help me learn more about the Captain's watch.
Having this detailed history and information is very interesting and will add to the enjoyment and appreciation when I wear it and save it for the next family member!
 
cristos71
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And another thing regarding the 7077 bracelet, the most valuable will be both reasonably tight and also importantly having all 5 of their double stretch links. This one has 4 visible in the pictures, but does it have the 5th? A lot of these only have 3 as they were shortened at some point and they are certainly less attractive for a buyer as finding loose double stretch links is very difficult.
 
T
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Thanks for your question. I double checked and it appears to have 2 stretch links on each side of the clasp. I never noticed until you asked but the two on one side have no spring action so I would assume that the springs are broken? Can these links be repaired? Thanks!
 
Dan S
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Urdelar used to sell replacement springs, but I just went to the site and didn't find them.
 
T
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Thanks Dan, I suppose the springs are unique to the 7077? Also looking at the logo on the inside of the clasp with a magnifier I saw a date code of 4 on top of 58.
Thanks!
 
cristos71
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T tt500
Thanks for your question. I double checked and it appears to have 2 stretch links on each side of the clasp. I never noticed until you asked but the two on one side have no spring action so I would assume that the springs are broken? Can these links be repaired? Thanks!
4 is OK, yes they can be repaired
 
Dan S
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T tt500
Thanks Dan, I suppose the springs are unique to the 7077? Also looking at the logo on the inside of the clasp with a magnifier I saw a date code of 4 on top of 58.
Thanks!
The springs may be the same as in some of the other Omega bracelets, e.g. 1039.
 
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