Forums Latest Members
  1. Onion0909 Jul 3, 2019

    Posts
    85
    Likes
    328
    Hello all,

    I've recently acquired a Seamaster with a 563 movement...I believe it's a '65 from looking at the movement list posted here. I guess I have a few questions...
    1- This has allegedly been serviced in April, but makes a clunking noise which sounds like the rotor...not scraping, clunking which I find mildly perturbing...do you think it's fine to wear on a regular basis?
    2- It takes a size 17mm band, I'm a big dude and need a long one, but have struggled with that...any ideas where might have a good selection? Looking for leather
    3- What might this guy be worth? I paid a lil over 300 on the bay, looks pretty original and in good shape, aside from the crown...(is it worth trying to replace the crown? Is it original?)

    Also, if anyone has any ideas about who might have serviced it that would be excellent as well.

    Heres a few pics, let me know what you think- would much appreciate it!!! 20190628_133321.jpg 20190702_232146.jpg 20190628_121721.jpg 20190628_121731.jpg 20190628_121746.jpg
     
  2. efauser I ♥ karma!!! Jul 3, 2019

    Posts
    8,644
    Likes
    14,210
    It looks like it actually takes an 18mm. I can see the spring bars between the strap and lug. I don't know enough about the amount of clearance between the rotor and case back but I wouldn't be surprised if the rotor was hitting the sticker (if you own it, I would remove it). Also removing the sticker will let you see the reference number. I can see that it is a Janell made case but that's about it.
     
    DaveK likes this.
  3. ChrisN Jul 3, 2019

    Posts
    2,218
    Likes
    4,756
    You are missing a case clamp that holds the movement in the case. You have one (blue circle) but the one that should be in the red circle is missing. This will allow the movement to wobble around and is probably the reason for the clunking. The case doesn't look clean either so, any work done in April would be suspect.

    There seems to be something odd happening with the bezel as well but that may be because it's a Janell case (ref @efauser ) so not one I know.

    Regards, Chris

    upload_2019-7-3_15-41-40.png
     
    qazwsx1, DaveK, Onion0909 and 2 others like this.
  4. Rochete Jul 3, 2019

    Posts
    1,232
    Likes
    5,571
    Bezel missing it seems.
     
    DaveK likes this.
  5. Onion0909 Jul 3, 2019

    Posts
    85
    Likes
    328
    That is excellent @ChrisN - the picture is a huge help... I'll at least get my watchmaker to stabilize it in there...and probably leave it with him to service too

    And thank you @efauser Just need to try the 18mm XL band I have again...couldn't get it to fit before but will try again...if it still looks really small I'll probably post it for sale here as it looks to be in good shape otherwise...

    Interesting point @Rochete ...it is inverted, and I thought it was interesting...but I dont recall seeing a seamaster of this era with any sort of bezel...and it doesn't look like there was anything there unless it's been polished...

    Do you know what I should be able to expect to get for it if I were to try and sell it?

    Thanks again!!
     
    Edited Jul 3, 2019
  6. ChrisN Jul 3, 2019

    Posts
    2,218
    Likes
    4,756
    Let's hope the watchmaker you use doesn't read this forum as it seems you don't have much faith in him to treat you fairly.

    If the last person that opened it didn't fit a case clamp, then expect the rest of the work to need re-doing.

    Regards, Chris
     
    padders likes this.
  7. TexOmega Jul 3, 2019

    Posts
    7,265
    Likes
    54,178
    Methinks a bezel should be there, from these pix.
     
  8. Onion0909 Jul 3, 2019

    Posts
    85
    Likes
    328
    Good point Chris - and I do have faith in him, just only been to see him once and every omega service I've heard of before has been north of $500...so hoping it's not that level!! (I edited my original comment...dont think hes on here, but I like him too much to leave that there!)
    Valid concern. He had popped it open when I was there, saw the date of that sticker let me get a couple pictures then pretty much closed it again, I forgot to mention the clunk, and he didn't want to nitpick it since it had just been serviced so I'll forgive him for that. My brothers Seamaster had a similar problem and the screw was loose in the movement which he fixed while we watched. He's TheWatchDoctor just south of Columbus, I honestly had a really good feel for him, not sure why I wrote that.
    You mentioned its dirty earlier @ChrisN , should they properly clean out the inside of the case as well?
    Thank you for your insight!
     
    Edited Jul 3, 2019
  9. X350 XJR Vintage Omega Aficionado Jul 3, 2019

    Posts
    12,430
    Likes
    29,483
    No the bezel is not missing, there are several Jonell (US market) cased references like this.
     
    ChrisN and Onion0909 like this.
  10. efauser I ♥ karma!!! Jul 3, 2019

    Posts
    8,644
    Likes
    14,210
    The missing screw would likely do it, too. Good catch @ChrisN
     
  11. byunjoe Jul 3, 2019

    Posts
    224
    Likes
    404
    As for 18mm bands, I do suggest getting one custom made, and custom made doesn't have to be extra pricey, either. Anything from Martu straps or Veblenist (just contact for custom sizes).
     
  12. X350 XJR Vintage Omega Aficionado Jul 3, 2019

    Posts
    12,430
    Likes
    29,483
    The reason 18mm straps don't seem to fit many US reference watches is because they were originally fitted with straps measuring 11/16 of an inch or nominally 17.5mm.
     
    Onion0909 and byunjoe like this.
  13. byunjoe Jul 3, 2019

    Posts
    224
    Likes
    404
    I've always assumed that was only written as it was the nearest, and cleanest fraction. No wonder I've always had trouble fitting straps with US cased watches in general!
     
  14. Onion0909 Jul 3, 2019

    Posts
    85
    Likes
    328
    That's perfect!! I've been looking for someone like that for a while..apparently not in the right spots! Thank you very much!
    That is very helpful to know as well- will look for a few 11/16 bands

    Thank you both!!

    I'll have TheWatchDoctor take those stickers off next time I'm In there so we can hopefully get some more details on it.

    If anyone else has details until then please share em here- thanks again!!
     
  15. Onion0909 Jul 10, 2019

    Posts
    85
    Likes
    328
    So I brought it back to Jeff @ The Watch Doctor, he popped a new screw in there to hold the movement tight (thanks again @ChrisN for pointing that out), and I got the attached picture of the inside of the caseback.
    Any ideas about what model this may be or how I could find more info on it? @X350 XJR would be seriously thankful of any insight you might have, it appears as though you have a lot of knowledge on these oldies!!
    Also got him to put on an Omega crown...not sure if that was a good move or not...and replace the seal in the back. Got a 17mm band off the bay that works pretty well, could use being a 11/16ths but I wasn't patient enough to hunt any more!! As far as a new crystal goes, would it be worth getting the original Omega one if it's just for personal use? Or could I get away with a generic?
    Would love to get it relumed as well... just for my use, do any of you guys have experience with that? Is it worth doing with lume plots that small on the hands?
    Below is his shop...i think its my new favorite place
    20190710_124123.jpg
    Below is the inside of the caseback, looks to be a looks like it's the numbers are KM6303 and M22701 20190710_122005.jpg
    And with new band...loving it
    20190710_140616.jpg
    And new crown
    20190710_135234.jpg
     
    KingCrouchy likes this.
  16. Jacob Brueckman Feb 4, 2022

    Posts
    20
    Likes
    9
    HOLY SHIT! I bought your watch over 2 years ago! I was digging around trying to research this model and I found this thread. I was surprised at how similar our watches looked and then I saw pictures I remembered from the eBay order. It wasn’t until I popped the case back off that I almost laughed in pure surprise! I want to assure you that it is in good hands and now I know a little more about the history. Thanks for stabilizing the movement before you sold it off - good man!
     
    ABCE7373-8AB1-45E3-9BF0-B3FD33243611.jpeg 496F8F18-9348-436D-A52A-75DDF034FDCB.jpeg 7C2630F8-F7B6-486F-9CE7-9A17E182F019.jpeg A6A85598-9163-4ACA-855F-F5E4EE91B3BB.jpeg 90E4D3D3-C42E-4205-8DC9-151032328F3F.jpeg
    DaveK and jeppehh like this.
  17. JwRosenthal Feb 4, 2022

    Posts
    14,861
    Likes
    40,076
    Nice web sleuthing! Please remove that sticker before you put the back on it- it’s already on its way into the movement and you can see where the rotor has been rubbing it.
     
  18. Jacob Brueckman Feb 4, 2022

    Posts
    20
    Likes
    9
    Got it removed. What a fun coincidence.