Newbie here, I have been intersted in in a 1950's Seamaster Piepan for while and started to do the research prior to considering any purchase. Came across this 2577/2520 with a 354 movement. Was surprised to see the the text "automatic, chronometre, etc." just above 6 "o'clock" rather than under Omega, and could not find another example on the net that has this. Owner insists its original dial, thoughts? Thanks
Omega had limited runs of some very odd dials in the early to mid 1950's. I think there is a good chance the dial is original. I have seen fonts like that before on early Seamasters. The bracelet looks a little odd and the crown is steel? Could it be a put together package? gatorcpa
Thanks for your reply, yes, bracelet is 14K not Omega, but crown is, its not steel, but gold, its an artifact of the lighting. Lettering looks original, was just troubled re location, although did find on other of similar vintage that had same position.
I think it is original too, courtesy of that very good looking dial. Known fonts, precise cross hairs and minute index, etc...
Thanks for the reply, here is the other one I found with the text in same location, dial certainly looks right? Also a close of of the movement and case interior for the 2577/2520, seems correct? Thanks
Yes. At the very least it has been cleaned. And relumed, naturally. The silver coloured retention ring doesn't help matters either.
Thanks, was wondering about that retention ring.... How does the inside of the first watch look to you?
The OP's dial looks good, but the 5-minute markers are not well aligned (specially on the left part of the dial) with the painted minute marks. Not common in good dials.
I hate to go against the grain; the dial might be the original but to my eye it looks to be refinished. The quality and precision of the printing looks suspect and it is extraordinary to see a watch from the 1950's with no pitting or ageing to the dial whatsoever. I might have the wrong definition, but this isn't what I would call a pie-pan dial either
I really don't see that on the OP's dial. Remember that the picture was taken at a slight angle and the crystal is on the watch. It does happen on occasion. There is always the possibility of a later service dial. Agreed. It is two-tone, but there are no folds in the metal. However, Omega sometimes refers to this style on as "pie-pan" on some early Constellation references. gatorcpa
I think the angle is so small it does not explain it. Also, the minute tick marks are well within the inner circle of the dial in the right side, but on the left they invade the outer circle. Too many (small) imperfections together with the (too) good condition of this dial smell fishy to me. But hey!, I have been wrong before. Just an opinion.
Not sure I see that issue at the 3 o'clock mark with the minute tick marks? Have one other photo from another angle that show that side.
Not at 3, but i.e. look at 5 and 7 metal markers. The ink minute markers at both sides of them are at different distances. Also, between 1 and 2 the ink minute tick marks are well within the inner circle of the dial, but between 7 and 8 they invade the outer circle of the dial a little. And the crosshairs do not cross the ink minute tick marks at 12 and 6 in the middle. Nothing very important, but those imperfections are not on real omega dials. Plus this is just too clean, too new. BUT it is a very nice watch. If the price is good and you like it, wear it in good health. These are just opinions. there is no way to be sure from those (good) pictures.