1953 Omega Seamaster Damaged back case. Repair?

artisgil · Sep 19, 2025

Picked up this nineteen fifty three Omega bumper automatic.I think it's in fairly good shape.It's been running well for twenty four hours. The movement seems to correspond to the date by the serial number. I am not very good at knowing if the dials have been retouched, but this dial looks pretty original and authentic unless there's something I am missing. No lume by UV light. Thick lugs. I tried an 18 mm strap, but too big so had to go with the 17 mm. 14k gold filled. Somebody scratched on the back I believe Richard or Roland Nixon? on the inside of the back case cover.I'm not sure why.

Not sure if the bad case can be repaired.I would hate the replace it.And can it be regold plated? Maybe not worth the cost.Thank you.
Hope everybody has a nice weekend.

mac_omega · Sep 20, 2025

Be careful - goldfilled cases have a very thin layer of gold. So if you try to polish the scratched name out you might come through to the base metal. You can of course have the back replated but I fear matching of the gold colour might be difficult.
To be blunt: I think this watch is not worth to invest extra money. It would be different on an otherwise perfect example...
Save your money for a better watch.

artisgil · Sep 20, 2025

mac_omega
Be careful - goldfilled cases have a very thin layer of gold. So if you try to polish the scratched name out you might come through to the base metal. You can of course have the back replated but I fear matching of the gold colour might be difficult.
To be blunt: I think this watch is not worth to invest extra money. It would be different on an otherwise perfect example...
Save your money for a better watch.

Great point.I have 450 into the watch so agree not worth investment but I will enjoy wearing it. Thanks

artisgil · Oct 1, 2025

mac_omega
Be careful - goldfilled cases have a very thin layer of gold. So if you try to polish the scratched name out you might come through to the base metal. You can of course have the back replated but I fear matching of the gold colour might be difficult.
To be blunt: I think this watch is not worth to invest extra money. It would be different on an otherwise perfect example...
Save your money for a better watch.

artisgil
Great point.I have 450 into the watch so agree not worth investment but I will enjoy wearing it. Thanks

So had jeweler polish the the back.I think you did a pretty good job for sixty five dollars.

artisgil · Jan 15, 2026

So for the first time ever in my collecting watches I had an old omega restored. I've never done it before but I thought I'd give it a shot. I think watch maker did a good job. I know it's no longer original, but just wanted the experience of going through a restoration. Anyway, I think I'll just wear it and enjoy it. I also had a service and it's running very well

Cheers 🍻