1962 Omega Seamaster 30, caliber 269 Authenticity

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AC_Rider

·Sep 15, 2019

I have the opportunity to purchase this 1962 Seamaster 30, ref 125.003-62, in an online transaction and NOT on an auction site. It appears to be authentic, and the seller claims that it is all original, never redialed or refinished.

What do the more experienced eyes on this forum think? (And I apologize that my first two posts on this forum are "is this Omega authentic", but I'm just getting started with vintage watches, and it's a jungle out there.)

Thanks in advance.

 

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redpcar

·Sep 15, 2019

I vote redial.
Corrosion on the hands and case without a hint of a stain on the dial? 😒

 

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X350 XJR

·Sep 15, 2019·Vintage Omega Aficionado

Looks original to me. Condition of the movement and case along with original yellow case gasket jive nicely with the condition of the dial.

 

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Dan S

·Sep 15, 2019

It's hard to tell from the photos, but generally the original hands are the same color as the applied metal markers on the dial. Here the hour and minute hands look yellow and the markers look white, suggesting that the hands may be replacements. The small seconds hand also looks white. I suppose it could be reflections and poor lighting, but worth a better look IMO.

 

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bubba48

·Sep 16, 2019

I vote original

 

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watchyouwant

·Sep 16, 2019

Are the markers and numerals blue?

 

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gatorcpa

·Sep 16, 2019·ΩF InvestiGator

Poor quality pictures, so it is difficult to tell you anything. Fonts look correct and “Swiss Made” present.

Color variations may be poor lighting, or replacement hands. This one has a lot of risk, but could be a reward.

All comes down to price.
gatorcpa

 

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AC_Rider

·Sep 16, 2019

I don't think the markers and numerals are blue, I believe they are just silvery metal and reflecting the colors of the surroundings. The hour and seconds hands seem to be gold, so I guess Dan S may be right, they may be replacements.

If they are replacements, how much of a knock against the watch would that be, if everything else appears to be original? And would it be awful to eventually find the right colored hands, if possible, and put them on in the future to restore the watch to its proper appearance? Is that frowned upon and would that be considered a dreaded "frankenwatch?"

 

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ConElPueblo

·Sep 16, 2019

I don't think there are any replacement worries here, I would say that the tone of colour of the hands is because of reflections. At the tips they are silver like the markers. If I am wrong and the hands are incorrect I'd pass.

A model as common as a Seamaster 30 is one I wouldn't bother with unless it was in good condition and correct. You can always find another.

If that's the old gasket we see on the photos, it desperately needs a service.