Another guy with his Father's watch Cal 503 2849 8SC

dsf025 · Feb 17, 2022

Greetings Vintage OF- Newbie and 1st time poster, thank you in advance for your indulgence. I have a 1958 Omega Seamaster. Pictures posted. Just had it serviced, took 2 years and 2 different watch repair shops (Covid delayed things considerably). Issue turned out to be a broken Oscillating Weight Axle. It took quite awhile for the 2nd watchmaker to hunt down a NOS (new original stock) piece. The 1st guy was apparently trying to get one from Omega in Switzerland. As a note the axle cost $180 and the service charge was $495. As mentioned this was my Father's and he picked it up while in the Navy stationed in Guam sometime around 1958-1960, so cost did not exceed sentimental value. It won't be sold and will be handed down. Questions I have:
1. I strongly suspect that this was repainted or has a replacement dial.
a. There is no "swiss made" label under the 6 position.
b. I see no evidence of lume on the hands or hour markers. Did Omega sell non lume Seamasters in the 50's?
c. The A in Automatic seems to have a truncated left leg.
d. The S in Seamaster seems more fish hook than coat hanger like. Script seems chunky/clumsy (compared to other examples in forum).
2. How can you tell if the crystal is signed? Would this version have a Cyclops over the date?
3. Crown seems original, at least has the Omega symbol.
Whether the dial is a repaint or original doesn't change anything, just gives me some insight into potential history. Perhaps he cracked the crystal, filled with water and got it reworked in Hong Kong or Japan, who knows?
Thank you for any assistance!

TheGreekPhysique · Feb 17, 2022

First and foremost congratulations on the watch! This is my favorite vintage omega reference.

1. yes the dial has been redone
2. The crown is not correct. Should be the clover crown for this watch.
3. You can tell the crystal is signed as it has a small omega symbol right in the middle. It’s easier to see at an angle. It shouldn’t have a cyclops

my 2849 says hello!

Canuck · Feb 17, 2022

I don’t usually give my opinion on dials, because I feel that there is too much to consider, to be certain. But I will offer an opinion on this dial. It has been refinished, but very poorly. The minutes chapter ring doesn’t line up with the index markers. The printing lacks the fineness that is found on an original, untouched dial. When did Omega begin embossing the middle of the crystal with the Omega symbol? Your crystal lacks the symbol. It may or may not be a genuine replacement. I would not expect to see a magnifier over the date on this model.

dmtowl · Feb 17, 2022

Extremely and poorly redialed

Vitezi · Feb 17, 2022

Redialed or not, the best watches are heirloom watches and yours looks perfect to me 👍

gbesq · Feb 17, 2022

It’s a poor redial, but still an heirloom. I know that many would consider it heresy, but there are companies that refinish dials to a much higher standard than the present dial on this watch. In short, you may wish to consider redialing your redial. The other option would be to find a donor watch with an original dial in decent shape and swap the original dial from the donor watch with the refinished dial that you currently have.

TimeODanaos · Feb 17, 2022

Welcome! I see your SM has the 1958-only "big seahorse" caseback medallion, which imo really makes this reference complete. Your father chose well, and I'm glad you're keeping it in the family.

Walrus · Feb 17, 2022

Vitezi
Redialed or not, the best watches are heirloom watches and yours looks perfect to me 👍

My sentiments exactly. If the gentleman had not mentioned it was his pops watch you look at things a little more critical but yeah it’s a redial noticeable a novice like myself can pick it up with a quick glance but if I were in OP’s shoes I’d do the full service and anything else needed. You just can’t put a price on family stuff. I put more into my grandfathers watch than the watch was worth it wasn’t even something I had to think about.

SkunkPrince · Feb 17, 2022

gbesq
It’s a poor redial, but still an heirloom. I know that many would consider it heresy, but there are companies that refinish dials to a much higher standard than the present dial on this watch. In short, you may wish to consider redialing your redial. The other option would be to find a donor watch with an original dial in decent shape and swap the original dial from the donor watch with the refinished dial that you currently have.

I would consider Omega for this; if the factory refinishes it, even if it's not 100% perfect, it's still "the mother ship".

gbesq · Feb 17, 2022

SkunkPrince
I would consider Omega for this; if the factory refinishes it, even if it's not 100% perfect, it's still "the mother ship".

I would agree with that.

Dr No · Feb 17, 2022

Ref 2849 is a common reference. Searching for a donor dial should be relatively easy.

Art

dsf025 · Feb 18, 2022

Thanks all for your input, much appreciated! I'll keep my eye out for a donor dial and a clover crown.

Sa Calobra · Feb 20, 2022

Really love these 2849s!

Widows Son · Feb 20, 2022

Beautiful watch!!! It was fairly common years ago to have the dial refinished when the watch was in for service. Like mentioned earlier, look for a donor dial or have ir refinished (International Dial). Have that baby serviced and wear the heck out of it.