2nd Gen Seamaster 300 Naiad

My Dad gave it to me. He owned it since the 70’s

I would like to have it serviced.
But do not want the case polished.
And do not want to restore the appearance.

Known issues:
Stuck bezel. May need bezel spring. Can it be fixed?
Clean and tune.
Runs fast by 1-2 minutes a day.
Replace seals.

It has a 550 movement, which I believe, is supposed to be 17 jewels, but you can see 24 jewels when you open the back. If it has been hacked inside, it would be nice to get it back to original, I’d appreciate your thoughts on this.

Here is a description and photos for your evaluation. (apologize for photo quality)

Please give me your feedback.

Trying to research this watch has given me severe information overload.
It has been a challenge to figure out what is, and it's value.

Omega Seamaster 300
14755 - 61 SC (inside case back)
Long arrow minute hand
Dauphine hour hand
Long Point “Teardrop” Second Hand
Caliber 550
Thin Bakelite Bezel
Can see 550 on the train wheel bridge and 24 jewels on the upper bridge.
Swapped Parts? (US Distributor, Norman Harris Oddity) 17 jewel due to tariff laws?

I believe the Serial # is 1963XXXX

Kindest regards,
David

I have a few photos.
The watch is not apart right now

The movement in that watch is of little consequence as the value is in everything else. I would be VERY careful picking who will service the movement as it's the least valuable component but will put everything else at risk as servicing it will require hand and dial removal. That is where the danger lies. Sorting the movement to original specs is only going to increase the value of that watch by a few hundred bucks. Do it only if you have your heart set on wearing it. If not then sell it as-is or let the thing sit as an heirloom.

Thank you for this excellent advice.
Hand and and dial removal is great concern.
Can you refer someone to do a service.
I'm afraid to send it to omega, as they will remake everything.
What do you consider the value "as-is"

You can do a search to come up with an approximate value and if you post your locale then surely some members will suggest a watch maker.

Honestly if it was my watch, and this is just me, I would wear it once in a while and without servicing it as I'm too squeamish about dial and hand damage on rare old watches, especially that one where the movement is relatively inexpensive to overhaul compared to replacing an irreplaceable dial.

Yes, I have searched lots,
And recent sold or asking prices ranged $8,000-$21,000 Which seems like a large variance.
Most have some level of refinished exteriors,

I'm in Georgetown TX, near Austin.

I'd be pretty happy to just get it regulated and the bezel turning.

My family has a long history with the brand.
We had a photographic studio, back when everything was B&W.
Had Omega Enlargers and Omega Watches, (Darkroom)
Schedules to meet and you could see the time in the dark.
And not worry about splashing chemicals on the watches, moving prints from tray to tray.

I have several other Seamasters, and this one has me kinda stumped.
It's the oldest and It just seems to have sky rocketed in value.
And trying to decide what to do with it.
It's probably too valuable to just sit in a drawer.
Or just keep it as some kind of heirloom, or investment.

Thanks again for your thoughts.

I don't want to sound like a broken record but if it was my watch I would leave that delicate bakelite insert bezel alone. The last thing I would care about is whether it turned. I would be afraid of breathing near it 😁

I hear you!
I'm also considering wrapping it in bubble wrap and stashing it in a lock box.
Torn, Dang, Just seems wrong to do that.
What to do?

Well like I said it's just me. However if it prevents you from strapping the thing on and shattering the bakelite on a car door handle then I did some good. I no longer fool around with or wear anything super rare. Especially those with delicate parts. 😁

I appreciate your comments! And Know You Are Right!

So my wife said never 😁

Probably just put it away.
Value seems to be doubling every 5 yrs anyway.

From perfect everyday tool to museum piece.

Never really thought of it as a Museum Piece.
It's just what we used to do the Job.
Many Pro Photographers in the 60's-70's wore Omega Seamaster's or Rolex Sub's.
Had a Daytona once, sold it for $600, cause I was afraid I'd knock the Stop-Start buttons off.
Regret not keeping it....
But kept the Rolex bracket, still have it, fit on my Big Triangle perfectly, and had the locking clasp.

What a shame to lock this beauty away for the next several years