Advice Regarding Two Seamaster 300 Watches

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hxw hxw
Hello all,

I have decided to purchase a vintage (or nos) Seamaster 300. I have been looking for a while, and I had originally decided to purchase a NOS/WatchCo version of the watch - but I was late to the party on all the listings I came across. A few days ago, I came across a vintage Seamaster 300 - and I would love to get any input from the experts here, before I make my decision. I have stared at the images of the watch for some time now, and I find the watch to be authentic - but with a possible relume.

Information I have about the watch in question:
- Judging by the serial numbers (and information from seller), the watch dates to 1968 - and is running the cal. 552.
- It was serviced about a year ago. The crystal and insert holding ring was replaced (both Omega parts.)
- The bezel moves in both directions with the noticeable click and remains snug once set.
- The bezel has a crack around the number 4, and has discoloration around the number 30.
- Crown screws down tight and is also tight when extending the tube; then moves freely when setting the time.
- I believe it may have been re-lumed, allthough the current owner says the watch has not been re-lumed while he has owned it (current owner acquired the watch around 2008). When I asked about the possible re-lume, I received the following response: "If you charge the lume it stays bright for a good bit, but then fades to a dim glow. I can see it during the night, but it is dim."The seller has offered to time the lume for me.Now, on to the pictures! OmegaSeamaster300013.jpg OmegaSeamaster300016.jpg OmegaSeamaster300022.jpg OmegaSeamaster300024a.jpg OmegaSeamaster300025.jpg OmegaSeamaster300027.jpg While I was discussing this watch with seller, I received an offer to buy an SM300 (166.0324) assembled by WatchCo. The seller has no papers from WatchCo on the watch, and I only have these pictures now (more pictures can be arranged this weekend): Watchco_3_zps58e69fbd.jpg SM300_1_zps00a2689e.jpg

There is a USD 500 ($1800 and $2300) difference in price on these two offers.

What would be the best watch to purchase - given the information at hand?
At the moment, I am bit reluctant towards the WatchCo SM, as it has no documents - and I want to be certain that it indeed is assembled by WatchCo.

I appreciate any advice and comments.


most has been said before. one more thing: if you decide to keep the watch co sea 300, everything is perfect. if you want to sell it on and the new owner requests an archive printout, there will be a problem. based on movement numbers the answer will be any kind of dress watch for the donor movement. kind regards. achim
 
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Hello!

I decided to pass on the vintage SM with the new dial, because when I find that vintage Seamaster I am looking for - I want it to be original.
And until I find the one I am looking for, I am thinking about buying a watchco one for daily wear. But I am also looking at a transitional Speedmaster, and a SHOM Seamaster.

But I have now received more pictures of the watchco, I would love any help confirming its authenticity:
_DSC8035a_zps7af1a795.jpg
SM300_back2_zps3c83bb10.jpg
SM300_movement_zps57fefe60.jpg
SM300_back_zpsbdf48854.jpg
SM300_side1_zpsd0a346ec.jpg
SM300_side2_zps65ca3874.jpg

Cheers,

hxw
 
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hxw hxw
Hello!

I decided to pass on the vintage SM with the new dial, because when I find that vintage Seamaster I am looking for - I want it to be original.
And until I find the one I am looking for, I am thinking about buying a watchco one for daily wear. But I am also looking at a transitional Speedmaster, and a SHOM Seamaster.

But I have now received more pictures of the watchco, I would love any help confirming its authenticity:
_DSC8035a_zps7af1a795.jpg
SM300_back2_zps3c83bb10.jpg
SM300_movement_zps57fefe60.jpg
SM300_back_zpsbdf48854.jpg
SM300_side1_zpsd0a346ec.jpg
SM300_side2_zps65ca3874.jpg

Cheers,

hxw
Looks fine to me
 
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Looks fine to me too - too bad they didn't put a black date indicator in it though....black with white numbers looks much better in my view....
 
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Looks fine to me too - too bad they didn't put a black date indicator in it though....black with white numbers looks much better in my view....

Spoke to Neil about this the other day. Black on white seems to be the original factory version though white on black is common and looks better to me, too.
 
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Thank you for your responses! Now I just have to decide which watch to purchase. 馃榾
 
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Thank you for your responses! Now I just have to decide which watch to purchase. 馃榾

.....and what avatar picture to use.
 
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.....and what avatar picture to use.

Choose soon or you'll miss the opportunity like Archer and me! 馃槈
 
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Looks spot on to me, nice cal 565 in there! You'll see the finish on the movement is more of a goldy-bronze in the flesh

Now make sure you get a 1171 bracelet with 633 end links for it
 
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Hi all,
I am bumping this to the top - instead of creating a brand new topic.
I came across yet another vintage SM300 for sale today, and was wondering if anyone would care to tell me what they think about the authenticity?
I am sorry if this one has already been posted, and I haven't searched thorougly enough.

Pictures of the watch:
EDCD6BA2-10F0-4D33-A92A-D1A618923435-5357-000007DD2547AC88_zps28308385.jpg
1F62F56B-18A2-41AD-9861-D7ED0AF59C00-5357-000007DC801F4C76_zps2cbb3807.jpg
2DF90158-F22C-4108-B094-0C4CA98E50BC-5357-000007DC717CE0A5_zps009e7b7b.jpg

The crystal looks chipped, but other than that - I do not see anything that should raise any red flags..


hxw
 
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Looks ok to me. Not sure but the date wheel could be a replacement. Bonus that it's on a 1171 bracelet.
 
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Looks ok to me. Not sure but the date wheel could be a replacement. Bonus that it's on a 1171 bracelet.
The seller has this to say about the date wheel: "Some numbers on the date wheel is faint or slighty faded .. I did not want to change it at this point in time."

It is does not come with the bracelet, head (+ nato) only.
Would you consider $2200 to be a fair price?
 
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Still not sure about the date wheel. Font doesn't seem right. And shame about the bracelet. The patina could be from moisture so I'd want to see a pic of the movement.

However, assuming the case is ok and the movement is clean (can't see either on the photos) $2200 is a good price in today's market.
 
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I will inquire about the movement.

Here are some more pictures of the watch until then:
E4FB5EB5-6A04-40A0-9876-E50CA07639D0-5357-000007DD2A409F45_zps18d15fcf.jpg
53D4A496-CB04-416E-ACE3-BAE6CFE64501-5357-000007DC84004A61_zps1a687eec.jpg
427BAC6C-07AE-4BA1-8FB1-099CED93BDA4-5357-000007DC7CF305BB_zps5e7a6435.jpg
9A42EB16-6641-4108-BC1D-01C8B2D206FC-5357-000007DC7966E85D_zpsa4ed999c.jpg
 
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Case has the usual dings but seems in good, unpolished condition. I'd make sure the movement is ok cos of the possibility of water damage. Wait for a few more opinions from members here first.

Otherwise good so far. 馃榾
 
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Looks ok to me at a fair price. Would want pictures of the caseback - inner and outer as well as the movement to confirm there are no surprises.
 
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Ditto re case back and movement, if they are ok then you have a good watch at a good price. The date wheel is odd but not a big problem to replace I would have thought if it bugs you that much
 
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If its as good as it seems, move quickly. $2,200 is Watchco range, not vintage big-triangle range.
 
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The lume has that potential moisture damage appearance.....check movement out first as others have commented.