Black honeycomb seamaster

Hi everyone, all the stunning black honeycombs in possession of some OF members have gotten me searching for one as well for a while.

Just came across this one in the 2849 reference, currently in auction.
Unfortunately I have quite some doubts but did want to check your thoughts as these don't come up often.
It seems quite polished, and I doubt about the crystal. Crown is different from other 2849s (I think it should be clover). Also, the hands seems rather big compared to others of the same reference, especially the hour hand.
And then finally the Caseback; the ones I've seen have the seahorse logo, but not sure if that is standard for all of them.

Well- I guess I hope you will tell me my doubts are false and this is a great watch to start bidding for. 😀)

Need more clear photos of the dial, but it looks like a redial to me. Also, there’s something off about the case - typically these are gold capped and the backs of the lugs are steel rather than gold capped/filled. So something is fishy with this one IMO.

FYI, no hippocampus on the caseback is fine if the serial of the movement dates to 1955-early 1958. Hands seem fine for a non-luminous dial. Crown is wrong as you say.

Agreeing with @seekingseaquest , something’s off with the dial.

My guess for the case would be it’s from a different (gold-filled) ref altogether and dial + movement were transplanted.

Also, why has the bezel melted into the top left lug?


There’s a lot going on with it, and I don’t mean this in a good way.

Thanks, I didn't know that! And agreed with both, this case looks odd as well!

Out of curiosity - what is it about the dial that makes you think redial?

And yes, I will stay away!

This is why I purchased a new DeVille from AD. Vintage inspired without headache.

Great catch about the pointy and flat A; it's present on automatic, but not on calendar indeed. Thanks!