Can I have some advice on this vintage pre-Seamaster?

Giovanni2023 · Sep 16, 2023

Hello, fellow Omega enthusiasts!

I just bought a Seamaster without the text on the dial (1958, Caliber Ω 470). I understand that these are getting pretty rare?

My dad always had a vintage Omega that I admired, and I'm happy to have discovered the joys of horology.

I purchased this one (offered $750 and the offer was accepted!). There are more pics on the eBay listing I provided, and I list the details below from the seller (who is a private collector).

I would appreciate any opinions, or thoughts if this was a good purchase decision. Much appreciated.
I do feel very good about it. I hope I made a good decision, as I'm still very much learning. Thank you in advance!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/166329479601

Vintage Mint Swiss Omega Pre-Seamaster Automatic Watch with Bracelet, Black Dial

A rare and fine Omega Automatic Seamaster, reference CK 14773-1 SC, dating to Pre-Seamaster production in 1958.

Stainless steel case, screw back, 34.5mm diameter, with beautiful downturned lugs.

Case maintains the original factory finish.
- Original matte black dial with applied silver baton markers, in excellent condition.
- Applied silver "Ω" logo with printed "Omega Automatic" below 12 o'clock.
- Original silver toned alpha hands.
- Original crown.
- Original crystal.
- Omega Caliber Ω 470 automatic winding movement, serviced and in running order.
- Omega original logo bracelet (to fit 8" or a bit larger).

Spruce · Sep 16, 2023

Giovanni2023
Hello, fellow Omega enthusiasts!

I just bought a Seamaster without the text on the dial (1958, Caliber Ω 470). I understand that these are getting pretty rare?

My dad always had a vintage Omega that I admired, and I'm happy to have discovered the joys of horology.

I purchased this one (offered $750 and the offer was accepted!). There are more pics on the eBay listing I provided, and I list the details below from the seller (who is a private collector).

I would appreciate any opinions, or thoughts if this was a good purchase decision. Much appreciated.
I do feel very good about it. I hope I made a good decision, as I'm still very much learning. Thank you in advance!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/166329479601

Vintage Mint Swiss Omega Pre-Seamaster Automatic Watch with Bracelet, Black Dial

A rare and fine Omega Automatic Seamaster, reference CK 14773-1 SC, dating to Pre-Seamaster production in 1958.

Stainless steel case, screw back, 34.5mm diameter, with beautiful downturned lugs.

Case maintains the original factory finish.
- Original matte black dial with applied silver baton markers, in excellent condition.
- Applied silver "Ω" logo with printed "Omega Automatic" below 12 o'clock.
- Original silver toned alpha hands.
- Original crown.
- Original crystal.
- Omega Caliber Ω 470 automatic winding movement, serviced and in running order.
- Omega original logo bracelet (to fit 8" or a bit larger).

Hi Giovanni,
And welcome to the OF.
This thread is not for questions.
Please start a fresh thread, you can cut and paste the above, and post as many photos as you like because it’s easier for us to see the watch rather than click on the link.
Good luck

dsio · Sep 16, 2023

Spruce
Hi Giovanni,
And welcome to the OF.
This thread is not for questions.
Please start a fresh thread, you can cut and paste the above, and post as many photos as you like because it’s easier for us to see the watch rather than click on the link.
Good luck

I moved this now too

Dan S · Sep 16, 2023

The dial could be ok, which is unusual, I'd need to see more photos. The case is too far gone for me, personally.

Edit: After a closer look, the dial appears to be repainted.

Donn Chambers · Sep 16, 2023

Someone can correct me, but I don’t think a watch from the 50s can really by a “pre-Seamaster” since that model was introduced in 1948.

It’s just an unmarked Seamaster dial (or repainted incorrectly, as someone suggested).

Giovanni2023 · Sep 16, 2023

Donn Chambers
Someone can correct me, but I don’t think a watch from the 50s can really by a “pre-Seamaster” since that model was introduced in 1948.

It’s just an unmarked Seamaster dial (or repainted incorrectly, as someone suggested).

Yes, thanks everyone for looking and helping with this. I tried to cancel the order by writing the seller this morning at 5 am. At 11:30 am he told me he shipped it this morning so he can't cancel it now. Also, about the radium he says, "No radium." I think this is an admission that he knows it is not an original dial as described on the ebay listing. I guess when it was repainted they changed out the radium luminous? If its authentic and original it must have radium if dated from the late 50's, I assume.

Giovanni2023 · Sep 16, 2023

Giovanni2023
Yes, thanks everyone for looking and helping with this. I tried to cancel the order by writing the seller this morning at 5 am. At 11:30 am he told me he shipped it this morning so he can't cancel it now. Also, about the radium he says, "No radium." I think this is an admission that he knows it is not an original dial as described on the ebay listing. I guess when it was repainted they changed out the radium luminous? If its authentic and original it must have radium if dated from the late 50's, I assume.

Assuming it's a redail, would you say it's very nicely done, a good job? I know it significantly affects the value, but if nicely done can give life back to a watch. What would be a fair price range for this watch? Is $750 too much now? Looks like the radium was removed when it was redone so the watch might make for a nice daily wearer if the price is right. Maybe I can negotiate a better price since the listing was not correct. Or just return it. Trying to decide. Now I need a geiger counter since to test the watch (he says No radium). 😀

SOG53 · Sep 17, 2023

Yes I think 750 too much with repainted dial. I would return it

Giovanni2023 · Sep 18, 2023

I got the watch today. I feels like and looks like a very nice watch. The dail is in too good of a condition to be original, though, but appears to be a well-done refinishing job. The bracelet does feel fake. I had trouble getting good pics with my phone camera but tried to take several to post here. I checked for radium with my GC and sure enough, that part is authentic and confirmed-- making it a pre-62 Omega without a doubt; the lume is gone so no glowing but the radium is quite active. 😀 Hopefully, some of these pictures are helpful. I am going to request a return. Thank you everyone for your educational assistance in my watch-learning journey.

Davidt · Sep 18, 2023

The bracelet is certainly fake but I think the dial might be original.

Have you got one front on, focussed picture of the dial?

wagudc · Sep 18, 2023

Davidt
The bracelet is certainly fake but I think the dial might be original.

Have you got one front on, focussed picture of the dial?

How do you conclude the bracelet is fake from those photos? I don't see any red flags in the low res images. I suspect it is original. If @Giovanni2023 has not handled a vintage bracelet before, it may seem fake because they are so lightweight. The image @Dan S shared pretty strongly shows the dial is repainted. Also, as @ConElPueblo once said about black-dialed Seamasters, "If the writing is white, it is probably shite."

Giovanni2023 · Sep 18, 2023

Those pics are low resolution. Here are the high-resolution pictures which should make it easier to see.

Davidt · Sep 18, 2023

wagudc
How do you conclude the bracelet is fake from those photos? I don't see any red flags in the low res images. I suspect it is original. If @Giovanni2023 has not handled a vintage bracelet before, it may seem fake because they are so lightweight. The image @Dan S shared pretty strongly shows the dial is repainted. Also, as @ConElPueblo once said about black-dialed Seamasters, "If the writing is white, it is probably shite."

The bracelets 100% junk.

Every element, the clasp, claps ‘engraving’, links all wrong.

Davidt · Sep 18, 2023

I still think the dial is original btw

Giovanni2023 · Sep 18, 2023

Giovanni2023
Those pics are low resolution. Here are the high-resolution pictures which should make it easier to see.

And the rest:

wagudc · Sep 18, 2023

Davidt
The bracelets 100% junk.

Every element, the clasp, claps ‘engraving’, links all wrong.

I agree now, looking at the better pictures.

wagudc · Sep 18, 2023

Davidt
I still think the dial is original btw

Maybe so, perhaps others will weigh in.

Dan S · Sep 18, 2023

Davidt
I still think the dial is original btw

The printing looks pretty good. My concern is mainly the apparent paint "shadow" around all of the markers which looks like it could be from paint pooling/climbing the sides of the markers. That aspect looks unusual to me for an original dial, but it's obviously not easy to rule out possible artifacts in the photos.

Giovanni2023 · Sep 18, 2023

Just an update. So I went back and forth with the seller who didn't want to accept the return, and offered me $150 discount. Ultimately he did agree to accept the return. Luckily eBay has good policies that compell this. The seller said he took it to a shop to verify that it was the original dial before listing it. If it is original it is in an unusually pristine condition for its age. It looks very nice on the wrist. A learning experience for me. I'll be less hasty and do more research/due diligence before buying in the future.

seekingseaquest · Sep 18, 2023

I also think the dial is original, especially since it registers on a Geiger counter.. unlikely it would be relumed with radium (that’s assuming it’s not all from the hands of course).

Can I have some advice on this vintage pre-Seamaster?

Giovanni2023

Spruce

dsio

Dan S

Donn Chambers

Giovanni2023

Giovanni2023

SOG53

Giovanni2023

Davidt

wagudc

Giovanni2023

Davidt

Davidt

Giovanni2023

wagudc

wagudc

Dan S

Giovanni2023

seekingseaquest

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