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Black Spots on Speedmaster Dial

K
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Hello all, I’ve been a long time Omega fan and recently decided to add a “real” Omega watch to my Seamaster 120 quartz. I landed on the 3510.50 (I know, I know - lots of mixed reviews here) but I got a good deal, wanted an automatic and have very small wrists.

Upon its arrival, I noticed some black marks around the edge of the dial. Most notably, it’s can be seen at the 25 and 17.5 second markers where it appears to cover the white markings. However it can be seen just around the edge of the dial elsewhere. To me it looks like some sort of residue, but I was curious if anyone had any ideas about what it could be and if anything could be done about it.

I love the watch otherwise and I’m not sure it’s really a dealbreaker to me based on the deal I got, but definitely something I would like to address if possible.
 
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BlackTalon
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More between 5 and 10, although harder to see. Looks like the finish on the edge of the dial was deteriorated and that's how someone 'fixed' it.
 
mutanthands
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Looks like there’s a bit of a chip in the dial below “60”, too.
 
K
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Sharpie was honestly my first reaction too. I just thought perhaps something else was more likely. Is there really any corrective action forward here besides replacing the dial?
 
mutanthands
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Probably much easier / cheaper to replace the dial.
I would think it’s quite hard to fill in such chips and then blend the paint.
I’m no watch restorer, so happily to be corrected.
 
K
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I captured a photo that really highlights the problem areas. It’s generally not even this visible in person, but the lighting really reflected well. It’s sad to see someone did such a poor job of “correction” to an otherwise excellent watch.
 
DA34A3E3-0D1F-4E6A-B368-00625C263990.jpeg
BlackTalon
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Hard to find more than a 5 minute stretch that doesn't have damage at the edge.
 
Evitzee
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If the price was good enough you can always have it serviced with a new dial.
 
7enderbender
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If the deal was great have it serviced and Omega will take care of you. Those watches aren’t cheap to service though and it would be a shame to lose the original lume on these.
If you can return it and find a better one I’d suggest that.
It’s a great watch and the people giving it mixed reviews don’t really know what they’re talking about. I’ve had one of those for over thirty years with lots of wear. It’s very reliable and remains my most accurate mechanical watch.
 
justacpa
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I originally looked at your pics on my phone and couldn't see any spots, but now on my laptop I can plainly see them. Whoever "serviced" the watch did a poor job. Yeah, I'd get that fixed.
 
K
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So I do have the option to return it, but I saw a new old stock dial available on EBay. Is anyone familiar enough with this watch to know how involved swapping them out would be? I’m just wanting to feel out my options.
 
redzer007
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Very cheap to swap dials by local.watch maker. My guy charges me 50 ish. Not a job I'd try my self
 
FREDMAYCOIN
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If you feel you paid a fair price, without a significant discount return it and buy another.
 
S
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K kmk008
Hello all, I’ve been a long time Omega fan and recently decided to add a “real” Omega watch to my Seamaster 120 quartz. I landed on the 3510.50 (I know, I know - lots of mixed reviews here) but I got a good deal, wanted an automatic and have very small wrists.

Upon its arrival, I noticed some black marks around the edge of the dial. Most notably, it’s can be seen at the 25 and 17.5 second markers where it appears to cover the white markings. However it can be seen just around the edge of the dial elsewhere. To me it looks like some sort of residue, but I was curious if anyone had any ideas about what it could be and if anything could be done about it.

I love the watch otherwise and I’m not sure it’s really a dealbreaker to me based on the deal I got, but definitely something I would like to address if possible.

If you haven’t already I’d take the caseback off (or if not confident a watchmaker) to look at the movement ASAP. I’d be looking for evidence of corrosion on the movement as it’s possible the person has used paint/sharpie to cover up water damage around the outside of the dial. That’s the only thing I can think of that would damage the dial so extensively on a 25 or so year old watch.

If the movement is damaged send it back. Even if it is not, you will have to factor in the cost of a service AND the dial repair/replacement to work out if you got a decent deal. If I were trying to source a dial I’d be trying to find a used one in good condition so that you will still have a lovely patina.

Also, since this looks like a gen 1 with Hesalite, if you keep it, you need Polywatch. It’ll get that Crystal back to looking new.
 
K
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Well I ultimately decided to send back the 3510.50 and try searching for another.. in the end I found a much newer Speedmaster 38 for sale for only a few hundred dollars more. In the end, this is the one I ended up with and although I do appreciate the design of the 3510.50, the updated features of the 38 ended up giving me some added practically and a much newer watch.
53D57E20-590E-482D-99DE-C0B65EC39CC8.jpeg
 
Dan S
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The hands on the 6 and 9 o'clock sundials are practically invisible. Very strange design.
 
K
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Dan S Dan S
The hands on the 6 and 9 o'clock sundials are practically invisible. Very strange design.
That is strange. In person they’re easily visible but in almost any angle I take a picture, at least one looks invisible.
 
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