Forums Latest Members
  1. Mouse_at_Large still immune to Speedmaster attraction May 24, 2015

    Posts
    2,015
    Likes
    5,247
    Completely new here, so please bear with me [​IMG]

    A few weeks ago I was sitting talking to my 84 year old mother and she happened to ask me to help her get something out of a jewellery box. She then showed me some watches that belonged to my late father. I knew nothing about vintage watches, and they all seemed to be non-runners and in pretty sorry states, but thought it might be an idea to see about getting them refurbished so she could give one to me and each of my two brothers. One of them appears to be a 1956 Seamaster with date and an original bracelet. I've had it refurbished and in my opinion it looks superb. I particularly like the dial finish (honeycomb?). I suspect it's an earlyish 503 movement as it has the quickish date advance feature by advancing/retreating the time between around the 12 o'clock position. The back does not have the embossed finish, but a rather worn "waterproof" and "Seamaster" text.

    For your information, the other two watches are a late 50's/early 60's 9ct gold 1003 (1003/0 according to Rolex) which I've also had refurbished. There are still a couple of dents on the side of the case, but for me that all adds to the character. It's a bit of a step up from my Swatch, but I intend it to be my daily wear. I also have a very sorry mid to late 50s Cyma bumper which I'm having the devil of a job finding someone to fix, so any advice would be gratefully received!

    Hope you found some of the above of interest

    IMG_20150418_115930.jpg IMG_20150415_152607.jpg IMG_20150131_110644[1].jpg
     
    pippy, Jones in LA, GregH and 6 others like this.
  2. Togri v. 2.0 Wow! Custom title... cool May 24, 2015

    Posts
    2,467
    Likes
    10,920
    Your father had good taste. Do you have any photos of the Seamaster in its previous state?
     
  3. Mouse_at_Large still immune to Speedmaster attraction May 24, 2015

    Posts
    2,015
    Likes
    5,247
    I'm afraid I don't have any "before" pictures. However, I do remember that it was in pretty poor condition. I've noticed that sometimes there is a difference of opinion between collectors as to whether preservation or restoration is the best option. In this case (and leaving aside the inevitable "Triggers Broom" considerations :) ) I think restoration has produced a very satisfactory result. For anyone interested, it was far from cheap, and was undertaken by Swisstec via a local jewellers.

    Just for interest, here is a photo of the bits that were replaced. IMG_20150524_162742[1].jpg
     
  4. li0n May 24, 2015

    Posts
    7
    Likes
    0
    Was the dial of the seamaster like this before being refurbished? Or you had it repainted?
     
  5. Mouse_at_Large still immune to Speedmaster attraction May 24, 2015

    Posts
    2,015
    Likes
    5,247
    I believe the dial has just been cleaned, not repainted. If I remember correctly, it was in reasonable condition and the same colour, but a badly scratched perspex may make this recollection unreliable!
     
  6. wwhntr May 24, 2015

    Posts
    542
    Likes
    365
    Beautiful dial on the Seamaster! Interesting bracelet too. Are any markings/numbers inside the clasp?
     
  7. Mouse_at_Large still immune to Speedmaster attraction May 25, 2015

    Posts
    2,015
    Likes
    5,247
    As far as my poor eyesight can make out, the lettering on the inside reads STEELINOX then OMEGA with the symbol above then SWISS MADE then 2 above 61. there is some elasticity in the links where they attach to the clasp. The embossed OMEGA on the outside of the clasp protrudes slightly.
    IMG_20150525_093318[3].jpg
     
  8. CanberraOmega Rabbitohs and Whisky Supporter May 25, 2015

    Posts
    5,570
    Likes
    6,208
    That bracelet is fascinating, I've never seen one like it. Can we get a wrist shot?

    I'm not a big Rolex fan, but I like that one
     
  9. Mouse_at_Large still immune to Speedmaster attraction May 25, 2015

    Posts
    2,015
    Likes
    5,247
    IMG_20150525_111123[1].jpg IMG_20150525_110956[3].jpg
     
  10. flame Speedmaster Neil May 25, 2015

    Posts
    757
    Likes
    2,271
    Hi

    That Bracelet is going to be a 7912 with (I expect) 18mm #4 end pieces.

    Best - Neil
     
  11. CanberraOmega Rabbitohs and Whisky Supporter May 25, 2015

    Posts
    5,570
    Likes
    6,208
    What watches were they designed for?
     
  12. flame Speedmaster Neil May 25, 2015

    Posts
    757
    Likes
    2,271
    Hi

    Originally would have been sold over the counter as an option with your Watch at purchase....

    So you see them (occasionally) fitted to Constellations & Seamasters with #4 end pieces and then of course Speedmasters , Sm300's & Railmasters with #6 ends.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Best - Neil
     
    GregH and TNTwatch like this.
  13. CanberraOmega Rabbitohs and Whisky Supporter May 25, 2015

    Posts
    5,570
    Likes
    6,208
    Thanks
     
  14. Bubba May 25, 2015

    Posts
    15
    Likes
    5
    Nice present
     
  15. Leftinthelurch Dec 19, 2015

    Posts
    45
    Likes
    25
    These are gorgeous! What reference is your father's Rolex? That is a really nice looking watch with the dauphine hands.