Black Seamaster 30

[cineaste]

I bought the following example on Ebay. The seller did not provide any movement photos, but claims the watch is losing around 30 seconds per day. Is it a good buy?

Edited: May 19, 2021

 

[TexOmega]

Blurry pictures

 

[cineaste]

That is indeed the problem, I have asked the seller for more pictures, but proceeded with bidding because I did not want to miss out. I guess if the dial is clean it is a good buy, otherwise not so much…

 

[kcgunner]

I am always very suspicious of watches on ebay. But you may be fine. I'd get it authenticated first thing when you get it though to be safe.

 

[cineaste]

I would prefer to buy it from here, but these black dials rarely come up for sale in the forum. Even when they do, the seller is usually located in the US and usually they are priced at around $1k.

 

[kcgunner]

cineaste

I would prefer to buy it from here, but these black dials rarely come up for sale in the forum. Even when they do, the seller is usually located in the US and usually they are priced at around $1k.

If it’s hard to find and you really want it, take the chance then!

 

[Spruce]

kcgunner

I am always very suspicious of watches on ebay. But you may be fine. I'd get it authenticated first thing when you get it though to be safe.

I’ve bought (and sold) watches on eBay and, on occasion, returned watches. I think it’s a good platform but, as with anything to do with collectible watches, you have to choose carefully.

 

[cristos71]

The dial on your new SM30 looks good to me. The second example you show looks like a redial

 

[cineaste]

I received the watch and it is already with my watchmaker, should have it back in 4 weeks. Here are some more pictures. Can we find out from the serial when the movement was made? Thanks!

Edited: Jul 20, 2021

 

[cristos71]

Yes we can, did you try working it out for yourself?

 

[Syzygy]

Google 'Omega Serial Number Chart' and you might learn the year.

 

[cineaste]

I guess it’s 1962 then!

 

[ScDevon]

I'm a newbie to posting on the forum, but a long-time Omega fan. That dial detail seems legit with that style "S" in Seamaster and these dials are hard to fake well. The black lacquer looks almost "poured" around the hour markers on a proper black dial like this one. With a "19" serial number movement, the watch is at least period correct. Nice watch! That cal. 286 movement could be the best workhorse movement ever when properly serviced.

 

[Edward53]

Fortune favours the bold! Well not always, but it did in this case. Lovely watch.

 

[ScDevon]

In 1964, (i think) the script and the "S" is different compared to your earlier dial. I'm certainly no dial expert, but this is my 1964 Seamaster 30 Cal. 286. ref. 135.007 serial # 21,xxxxx. I'm not qualified to say if everything is original or not, but it has "dagger' hands and faint "T SWISS MADE T" text at the bottom and decayed lume on the hands and hour markers and an Omega crown. I'm running a flat top tension ring crystal on it now and a Fin Watch Straps strap because I just like the look. The marks at 11:00 are just dust on the outside of the crystal. Photos are harsh on a watch!