Many years ago, my grandfather gave me an early Seamaster f300, which I have treasured. Recently, I acquired another f300 Seamaster from him, this one a Cone. Both are in less than perfect shape, and both have gone back to Omega for repairs. Omega has provided me with their serial numbers, which has given me a moment of pause.
Both watches have 32xxxxxx serial numbers, which seem to correspond to 1970, but it seems that the f300s were first produced in 1971 or 72.
Thus, I'm curious as to which bit of my information is wrong - were f300s produced earlier than 72, or have I got the wrong idea about serial numbers?

Here's my earlier f300 - gold plated on black leather



Versus the recent acquisition - a very battered Cone with a blue face and glass scratched to all blazes, with corrosion on the dial and a slew of other issues listed in the Omega service report. Given that my grandfather wore it every day for the best part of a decade, and took it sailing frequently (it featured in his infamous triple-roll of his little catamaran), I'm not surprised that it's so beaten up.

Any advice is much appreciated

 

Hi and welcome to OF.

Nice watches! Your grandfather had taste!

Here's my f300. Omega vintage website shows that f300 model started in 1970 but the website is reputed to sometimes have incorrect information. Mine has 32 024 xxx serial. Here's extra good information on the movement.

 

Thanks, that's some great info, as well as an exquisite watch. 1970 would fit, and Grandad used to always talk about them having been examples of Omega's newest watches when he got them.
Part of me is tempted to get an extract from the archives, but I don't know how expensive that will be, and these watches are already costing me a pretty penny to bring back to life

 

An extract will cost you 120 USD. Nice Watch btw.

 

I see myself posting this a lot but for those looking for info on f300s or any other hummers, look first at Paul Wirdnam's extensive resource. He has the F300s starting in 1970 and being seen on even earlier serials than those mentioned here:

http://electric-watches.co.uk/makers/omega/omega-f300-tuning-fork/omega-f300-case-numbers-and-dates/

 

Ah, that was me being blind I did some poking around on that site, but somehow missed the section on serial numbers. Many thanks for the link