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Different versions of the "Seamaster" signature style

  1. Engee Oct 15, 2019

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    In attempting to ascertain genuine watches from fakes and redials I'm noticing differences in the way Seamaster is written on dials. I had concluded that the earlier examples have a more angular capital "S" than the later, rounder ones, but I'm now also noticing other differences, particularly in the way the final "r" looks. Some have a much more pronounced flourish than others.

    Today I saw this example of a 2802 8SC which I understand goes back to the late 50s. An image search oon Google brings up a number of different dial and body colours, and some have the more angular style while other the rounder version. This one has the rounder "S" with the more pronounced flourish on the "r"

    Am I right that the style changed at a point in time, and therefore I should be able to match the date to the style of writing, or did different contractors turn out various styles concurrently for any period of time?

    Is there perhaps some kind of guide that I can refer to about this?
     
    s-l1600.jpg
  2. Henneth Oct 15, 2019

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    As far as I know both coat hanger and round Seamaster S coexisted in the 50s up to the early 60s. To be sure if a dial is original and not repainted it’s best to check it against other watches with confirmed original dials. To do that I mostly use the forum to find reference watches of similar age period / reference. The one you posted looks fine btw.
     
    Edited Oct 15, 2019
  3. JwRosenthal Oct 15, 2019

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    I believe this is an old redial. The G in Omega should have the overbite, the S should be a hanger S and I don't see any lume pips at the end of the markers. I agree with Henneth that there was some overlap but that was more around '60-63 from what I have gathered and I believe this is earlier. And the Swiss Made looks a little too big.

    Edit...looking at it again...damn is this a tough one. It all looks pretty good...but the above points still don't gel for me...although the seemingly big Swiss Made may just be a wide angle shot with the bottom of the watch slightly closer to the lens that the top.
     
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  4. aprax Oct 15, 2019

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    The OP's dial is absolutely correct. This version of "Seamaster" was quite common in the '50s, from 1954 onwards at least.
     
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  5. JwRosenthal Oct 15, 2019

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    Dammit- I failed the quiz ::facepalm1::
     
  6. DaveK Yoda of Yodelers Oct 15, 2019

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    Surrender all your seamasters and start again
     
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  7. Davidt Oct 15, 2019

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    This is the 'large bottom, curved S', or whatever the actual name for it is, that was contemporary to the 'coat hanger S' isn't it?

    The 'overbite on the G' didn't come in until mid-late 60's I think.
     
  8. JwRosenthal Oct 15, 2019

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    Well, considering 2 of mine are redials...::facepalm1::::facepalm1::::facepalm1:::whipped:
    Newbie mistakes I will not make again. Now I’m overly cautious.
     
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  9. JwRosenthal Oct 15, 2019

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    I have a waffle dial from the 50’s with the overbite so it gets really confusing.
     
  10. Oldboy Oct 26, 2019

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    Wow! I own the watch in the above photo!
     
  11. JwRosenthal Oct 26, 2019

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    Welcome! And now your watch is immortalized in an OF thread.
     
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  12. STANDY schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector Oct 26, 2019

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    Coat hanger S for reference

    6D594F5F-2852-4D6B-A442-529F0CCADD8E.png
     
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  13. JwRosenthal Oct 26, 2019

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