Advice needed about old seamaster

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Theego22

·Jul 9, 2023

I recently inherited an old seamaster that's not in great condition. Can anyone tell me anything about it? The strap is not original but I'm sure the watch is. The dial is quite yellowed and the crystal is fairly scratched. Does anyone have any advice on roughly how much it would cost to get it restored?

Thanks in advance!

 

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Nepomuceño

·Jul 10, 2023

Reference 2577. Roughly from the early 50s. Looks like it has been honestly worn. Correct crown and the waffle dial is a nice plus. All the lume is nicely intact as well.

No need for a restoration. Get it serviced and take that flexo strap off quick. Where are you located roughly? People can give you recommendations based on where you are. Service cost will vary if your watch needs parts. It’ll be more than a few hundred dollars give or take. It’s a very nice heirloom.

 

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Davidt

·Jul 10, 2023

Looks in decent condition. The crystal is obviously making it look poor.
I’d take some fine wooden toothpicks to gently remove some of the dirt, then buy a tube of polywatch to polish the crystal. That will improve matters tremendously.

Don’t have the case polished but have a watchmaker service the movement.

 

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Theego22

·Jul 10, 2023

Thanks for your replies 😀 I'm based in the UK. The last picture is the most accurate in terms of the actual colour of the dial. I'm not super keen on wearing it while it is so yellowed (I know that will upset lots of people here). Is it frowned upon to replace the dial with one less yellowed or is originality very important?

 

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Davidt

·Jul 10, 2023

Finding a replacement dial will be very difficult. You’d either need to;
- buy a better watch with a better dial (in which case why take the good dial out of a good watch?)
- find a loose replacement dial in good condition which could take years
- have yours refinished (a personal decision but extremely frowned upon by collectors)
- live with it.

Again, don’t underestimate how much polishing/replacing the crystal will improve the look of the dial.

If you do a search on the forum you should also find recommendations for good UK watchmakers.

 

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Vitezi

·Jul 10, 2023

Crystals can yellow with age, so the dial underneath might still be a nice off-white color. A watchmaker can source you a replacement crystal as part of the service.

 

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Dan S

·Jul 10, 2023

If you don't like the heirloom watch, maybe one of your other relatives would appreciate it more. Or if there is no sentimental connection, you should sell it and buy something you like. Messing around with the dial would be a mistake.

 

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DrmexicoII

·Jul 10, 2023

@Theego22 - heed @Dan S advice above. You can't undo dial work. If you don't like it but can appreciate it as an heirloom don't wear it but display it, if you can't appreciate as either move it along to someone that does.

There are quite a few sympathetic watchmakers in the UK that will service it for you. It will be around 200 - 300 quid.

Also, don't underestimate how tastes change. With time and familiarity you might find yourself falling in love with it. Take your time with your decision would be my advice. You can buy many watches. There's only one of these your family member wore.

 

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Donn Chambers

·Jul 10, 2023

I also vote to replace the dial and have the movement serviced and nothing else. I think that dial will look pretty good und a new crystal. Polyeatch will get rid of the scratches (maybe, if they aren’t too deep) but not the yellowing.

 

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Theego22

·Jul 10, 2023

Thanks everyone, really great advice. I didn't think that it could be the crystal that's discoloured and that replacing it could help. I'd much rather keep it as original as possible and not mess with the dial if I can avoid it. It sounds like replacing the crystal, getting the movement serviced and replacing the strap will be a good start. I'd definitely like to keep the watch and get it to a point where I can wear it (maybe not daily, but certainly for special events) as it does have sentimental value and I feel very lucky to have had this passed on to me. I'll try and find a local watchmaker to speak to and get a quote for the work.

 

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gbesq

·Jul 10, 2023

Donn Chambers

I also vote to replace the dial and have the movement serviced and nothing else. I think that dial will look pretty good und a new crystal. Polyeatch will get rid of the scratches (maybe, if they aren’t too deep) but not the yellowing.

I think that you meant to say replace the crystal and not the dial?

 

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Donn Chambers

·Jul 10, 2023

gbesq

I think that you meant to say replace the crystal and not the dial?

Oops. Yes, definitely meant replace crystal, not dial. Not enough coffee before replying!

 

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Theego22

·Jul 21, 2023

Quick update on the watch. It's now in the safe hands of Mitka Watches for a full service. I'm really looking forward to seeing it cleaned up a little. I'll post more pics and info here when I can.

In the meantime, I'm trying to research straps/bracelets, so if anyone has any advice on good places to buy from, or the type you think would look best or be most authentic please let me know.

 

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gbesq

·Jul 21, 2023

A beads of rice bracelet would look very nice on this. Here’s a photo of my Seamaster 2635 to give you an idea of what the combination looks like.

If you prefer a strap, Artisan Straps out of Sydney, Australia makes some very nice ones:

Edited: Jul 21, 2023

 

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MtV

·Jul 21, 2023

Do note they weren’t initially meant to be combined with BoRs, and they don’t always sit all that great accordingly. At least it’s the later 2577 case style with the beveled lugs, those work better with the #11 endlinks than the earlier cases.

Here’s an example with the same case you have on a BoR:

 

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Theego22

·Sep 3, 2023

Hey all, final update for the time being. Mitka did an awesome job servicing the watch and getting it back to me in time for my honeymoon. He also did a video of the service. If anyone is interested it is here:

.

I'm very happy I followed all your advice as, although this wouldn't have been my first choice of watch, I've already grown to really like the style and enjoy wearing it.

 

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gbesq

·Sep 3, 2023

Nicely done. It's now a very nice heirloom that you should be proud to wear.

 

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theluckyluke

·Sep 3, 2023

Super cool and instructive to have a video of the service. The watch is stunning. Enjoy it!!

 

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DrmexicoII

·Sep 3, 2023

Glad you're enjoying it and congratulations on getting married!

 

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OneTwo

·Sep 3, 2023

Theego22

Hey all, final update for the time being. Mitka did an awesome job servicing the watch and getting it back to me in time for my honeymoon. He also did a video of the service. If anyone is interested it is here:

.

I'm very happy I followed all your advice as, although this wouldn't have been my first choice of watch, I've already grown to really like the style and enjoy wearing it.

It’s a beaut! Congrats and well done! Wear it in good health!