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Estimated cost to fix this Seamaster

G
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Hi,

This watch is being offered locally for a pretty cheap price. I don't think the seller is aware of the potential.

I've been looking to get a vintage omega and this might be it. It has a lot of wear and tear, but the seller says that it runs well and keeps time. It has not been serviced in 15 years, if at all. I've asked for better shots of the dial and the mechanics. I am guessing it's a cal. 267, but I am not yet sure.

The markings are all on the crystal and not on the dial. Assuming the dial is in good condition and the watch just needs service, could anyone help me "guesstimate" the costs of having a watchmaker replace the crystal and buff out the body, as well as service the inner workings? I'm new to vintage omegas and therefor not very knowledgeable about what costs to expect.

Thanks!
440_1306996078.jpg 440_1320266082.jpg 440_2000587822.jpg
 
Davidt
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The range is large.

Best case - standard service and polish the crystal.

Worse case - standard service plus large number of movement parts, new crystal, new crown etc
 
G
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Davidt Davidt
The range is large.

Best case - standard service and polish the crystal.

Worse case - standard service plus large number of movement parts, new crystal, new crown etc
Thanks. I assumes as much, but in monetary terms, do you have an estimate (I know this also will vary depending on location, watchmakers, etc.)? What I'm trying to figure out is if it's worth it if I can get the watch for practically nothing, or if I should buy a watch in working condition instead.
 
DSotW
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It really depends on where you live and if there is anything wrong internally / if parts need to be replaced.

You can polish the crystal yourself with some Polywatch, it would already look a lot better.

Best you could do would be to ask a reputable local watchmaker for an estimate.
 
G
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Passover Passover
How much is "pretty cheap"? 😀

Haven't agreed on a final price yet, but I'm guessing somewhere along the lines of the equvialent of 100 euros.
 
Passover
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G Grotius
Haven't agreed on a final price yet, but I'm guessing somewhere along the lines of the equvialent of 100 euros.

Thats pretty cheap! 👍
 
Edward53
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It looks as if there is a decent dial under that and for 100 Euros, you can't really go wrong. The crown is a later replacement; early Seamaster "clover" crowns are still available and hopefully that's the right type for this watch.

Why do you want to "buff out the body"? Polishing the case reduces a watch's collectability and value. That case looks absolutely fine and all it needs is a gentle cleaning. A lot of the crud round the edge of the crystal would come off with just a toothpick.
 
Passover
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Agree with @Edward53

Excellent looking chamfers on the lugs

upload_2020-7-15_11-22-19.png


Do not let there be any polishing carried out and make that pretty clear when you give the watch for a service
 
DSotW
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Passover Passover
Do not let there be any polishing carried out and make that pretty clear when you give the watch for a service

This x1000... Some watchmakers consider a polish as part of a service, so be careful! Tell them only what you want them to actually do.

I had this happen on my daily wearer Zenith AutoSport, asked for it to be serviced, he failed to mention that it included a full polish. He did a good job, but it's missing the mojo it had before...
 
Biezmez
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G Grotius
Thanks. I assumes as much, but in monetary terms, do you have an estimate (I know this also will vary depending on location, watchmakers, etc.)?

Hi
That looks to me like a nice original Seamaster. I normally pay approx €200/250 for a service on the watch plus any parts that might be necessary. You’ve already received a number of comments from other members about the condition and originality. Hopefully you can get away with just a polish of the glass. Personally I would also swop out the crown.

Best of luck.
Chris
 
SkunkPrince
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You can polish your watch... by hand. While the watchmaker is servicing the movement, a mild polish like Simichrome can improve its looks greatly.

When these guys say “don’t polish”, what they mean is don’t let some incompetent boob melt the case with a buffer. Otherwise fabulous watchmakers can do that... I had a CMW totally ruin a CK 14700 case so bad I had to replace it.
 
SkunkPrince
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And, don’t be afraid to replace the crystal with an Omega replacement. I do not agree with leaving old ones on because water can get in.
 
janice&fred
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G Grotius
Haven't agreed on a final price yet, but I'm guessing somewhere along the lines of the equvialent of 100 euros.

Oh baby! Let me know if you want to sell it as-is and triple your investment! 😁
 
G
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Thanks for all the replies.

I forwarded the pictures to my local watchmaker, who estimates the total costs to about 500 euros. Comparing to the figures I've found elsewhere, and the high cost of living in my country, I suppose that is fair.

However, it seems the seller has caught on. I'm guessing they got quite a few inquiries about it and they're now asking a higher price. Good for them, I suppose.

Armed with a little more knowledge I'll continiue bargain hunting. I have already got my eyes on a Seamaster automatic from the mid 60-s.

Thanks anyways!
 
Dan S
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Personally I would consider 500 Euros to be a bit on the high side to service a simple hand-winding movement, but perhaps your watchmaker is protecting himself with a high estimate.

G Grotius
However, it seems the seller has caught on. I'm guessing they got quite a few inquiries about it and they're now asking a higher price. Good for them, I suppose.

With experience, you will act quickly and decisively in the future. You missed out on a bargain for a nice watch.
 
Engee
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G Grotius
Thanks for all the replies.

I forwarded the pictures to my local watchmaker, who estimates the total costs to about 500 euros. Comparing to the figures I've found elsewhere, and the high cost of living in my country, I suppose that is fair.
Consider sending it to another country - I think you'd get a good service for around half of that, including most parts, in the UK.
 
janice&fred
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G Grotius
However, it seems the seller has caught on. I'm guessing they got quite a few inquiries about it

Just mine, and it's being shipped as we speak 😁
 
WatchTimes
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That is like showing a picture of a cars engine and asking how much to fix it, cant tell just from seeing one pic.
 
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