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1956 Omega Seamaster - Owned by a Submarine Commander

  1. RSStokes Apr 10, 2020

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    I recently purchased a 1956 Omega Seamaster owned & inscribed by Lt. Commander Bill McKenzie, who was the Executive Officer aboard the submarine USS Greenfish (1956-1958). His complete biography is on my website, www.TimeCapsule-watch.com. (Click <Presentation / Personal> on the top menu.....)

    As a watch designed for sailors, this Seamaster has the ultimate provenance -- it was actually used by a US Navy submarine commander. As you will note in the attached photos, the dial & bezel are in perfect condition; the inscribed stainless steel case back is worn & pitted (as befits a watch exposed to the Pacific Ocean for many years!). The inscription reads, "LCDR Bill McKenzie ~ USS Greenfish SS351"

    Captain McKenzie died in 2018; I purchased his Omega from eBay. I have not opened up the case, so I don't know the movement type.

    Please let me know what you think!
     
    mac - omega with new band 2.jpg mac - inscription.jpg mac - commander gudgeon Omega annotated.jpg 1955 Omega Seamaster Ad - Cropped.jpg mac -- platte cruise book 3.jpg
  2. seekingseaquest Apr 10, 2020

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    Caliber 500 or 501, 2846 case reference. Nice original black dial, and I like the prominence!
     
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  3. cristos71 Apr 10, 2020

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    Superb provenance, and a Seamaster that's done what it was designed to do, we don't see that very often. I think it might be a 2577 with a cal 354.

    edit: just read @seekingseaquest post and noticed the snap back, so I stand corrected
     
    connieseamaster likes this.
  4. DJG2645 Apr 10, 2020

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    That's incredible, what a great piece of history and to have an accompanying photo too is excellent. Thanks for sharing, I really enjoy reading these kinds of posts! Enjoy and wear in good health in great condition.
     
  5. Candle00 Apr 10, 2020

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    What a great story. Was family trying to sell his watch off on eBay or had someone else come into possession of it through the years....?
     
  6. RSStokes Apr 10, 2020

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    Good afternoon! Captain McKenzie joined the "Eternal Patrol" of submariners in 2018. It was sold by his granddaughter, whom I contacted after I purchased the watch. She wrote back, "Wow! This is amazing! Bill, or "Mac" as he was referred to is my grandpa! He passed a few years back and I had ended up with some different random things of his and my Grandma's. I am so glad this ended up in the hands of someone who would appreciate it. And that is what I was hoping for. It did no good to anyone sitting in some drawer here. Wow. I appreciate you telling me this and glad you are enjoying it! This has really made my year, considering what a strange and sad one it has been. Thank you so much" I wrote her back, telling her that if her family ever wanted it returned, I would do so. "Your never actually own a watch....you merely look after it for the next generation"

    I have returned four WW2 watches (one to the original sailor (who is 91), and three the families (see my website for the stories....). I hope to continue returning more of them.
     
    mac - greenfish.jpg mac - etrnal patrol.jpg
    Dero13, Rman, AAAKK and 23 others like this.
  7. OMEGuy Apr 10, 2020

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    2846-1.jpg

    I think I like your watch.

    Here is my watch, looking similar to yours.
     
    Dero13, Thommas, David1954 and 8 others like this.
  8. Candle00 Apr 10, 2020

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    Wow. That's extremely generous of you. What a tale. You're like a vintage watch Detective.

    I always think about the history attached to my pieces and I feel that's why I have an interest in military pieces. I have a few from WW2. The provenance is something you can't buy from your AD ;)
     
    Edited Apr 10, 2020
    Damo, watchyouwant, OmeGez and 4 others like this.
  9. Transitus Apr 10, 2020

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    This is a great thread. It's nice to have people here who understand and illustrate so eloquently the deeper aspects of "value" for these wonderful objects.
     
  10. OmeGez Apr 11, 2020

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    Vintage is way out of my depth for knowledge and confidence - but when I see stories like this...it just makes me want to go buy one..! I’ve already said on another thread somewhere about vintage, the character and history is something to lust for.
     
  11. Spruce Sunburst dial fan Apr 11, 2020

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    Great thread, great story
     
  12. Maskelyne Apr 11, 2020

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    I reckon it is a
    That looks like a restored dial to me, beautiful watch though.
     
    Edited Apr 11, 2020
  13. qazwsx1 Apr 11, 2020

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    Also , my watch?
    716A87DA-FFCF-4FF7-A4F7-4DE1F52FAE20.jpeg
     
    Cuttysark likes this.
  14. Maskelyne Apr 11, 2020

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    Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story and what a provenance. Here is mine, wich is similar. (Ref 2846-3, calibre 500).

    Omega-Seamaster-auto-gilt-tavla-2.jpg
     
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  15. ConElPueblo Apr 11, 2020

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    Beautiful, unrestored watch.
     
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  16. SpeedyPhill Founder Of Aussie Cricket Blog Mark Waugh Universe Apr 11, 2020

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    Superb story and great black dial wristwatch that went well with the Navy uniform...
    Certainly a story to be included in " Seamaster Only " a book due by late next year
     
  17. Omegafanman Apr 11, 2020

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    Thanks for this post and all the information - I also enjoyed reading some of the other stories on your website - especially Edith Lackner / Weems bezel. www.TimeCapsule-watch.com.
     
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  18. Maskelyne Apr 11, 2020

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    I don´t say that it´s a reprint, but I think it has been cleaned, that´s it. Dials with almost new apperances get that impression.

    2846-1.jpg
     
  19. ConElPueblo Apr 11, 2020

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    And the lume replaced with correctly applied aged lume?

    I don't see any signs of cleaning myself, sorry.
     
    OMEGuy likes this.
  20. kev1976t Apr 11, 2020

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    What a great story,
    Your website looks very interesting as well.