So this one arrived after what I consider to be a pretty low ball best offer was surprisingly accepted by a seller on Ebay. The listing had limited details and a few extremely poor seller photos, but sometimes those are good places to find a deal.

It's going to need a full service as it runs but not for very long (cal 551?). I cleaned up the outside lightly as it was pretty dirty. Arrived with a broken Speidel band. Obviously the crystal needs replacement. I think overall the watch looks honest but wondering if spending a lot more to get this up and running is worth it or did I make a bad bet on this one and should call it a lesson or spare parts?

This one has the same markers as my 1966 168.005 but I also like this no-date version and cross hairs.

(Also apologies for the quality of my photos as well. Movement shot is from the seller)

 

I love when a good find comes on one of the old expandable link Spiedels, it just makes the watch seem like it's honest....

That being said, the lugs look very nice, still have a clean chamfer. Cool piece.

 

Loose the Spiedel asap. Ruins the lugs.
Nice dail. Stay away from touching it.

W

 

Agree - and the bezel is still sharp. I would service it, new plexi and a nice strap. Do not touch case and dial. And then wear it a lot.

 

Definitely a 551, looks like a ref 14381 in which case you were lucky with that crown as these have the small "Seamaster" crown more often than not. I agree with the others that the dial is best left alone. It will look miles better with a new crystal and a 7-row BOR would really set it off. Great find!

 

Black gator strap for sure.

 

Thanks - is a correct BOR hard to find these days?

 

I can definitely see that !

 

I was happy the dial seems to have just the right amount of age..

 

Well back from the watchmaker - movement work, new plexi and a little cleaning. Added the BOR. Happy with the result and keeping time perfectly (as expected from this caliber)

 

Another example of how a new crystal can do wonders for the dial. IMHO, brown croc strap would complement the rose gold hands and would look better than the BOR. Regardless, nice pick up!

 

Looks great, lots of character with a very nice and sharp case

 

Nice!

 

Thanks - just switched out a brown croc for the BOR but I do agree it was a bit warmer with the rose gold

 

Looks like a good, honest watch. Congrats on the pick up!

 

I like the way it turned out. You can't go wrong with these.

 

It turned out great, a real honest looking watch you have there.

 

That was a super find! Great job seeing past the initial condition and getting yourself a nice, honest Connie! I'd like to see a pic on your brown croc strap

 

I will have to put it back on the croc. In the meantime today I'm wearing his cousin on black strap.