Hello all,

I’m a long time Omega fan with several modern Speedmasters and Seamasters. However, I’ve been sitting on the sidelines of the vintage world trying to learn enough to not get burned before taking the plunge. A few days ago I pulled the trigger on my first vintage piece. It is a 1948 “Pre-Seamaster” bumper automatic with a cal 324 movement. Case model is 2576-1.

I received it a few days ago, and think it looks great. It winds smoothly and according to my iPhone it is running +3 sec/day. I’m sure I paid more for it than may of you would. However I went through a dealer with a very good reputation online, and the watch has been serviced.

Anyway, below are some pictures. Anything I should be aware of that looks incorrect or non-original? Realize this is not a collectors item or in collector grade condition. No movement shot because I am not someone I trust to open a case back. Movement looked very clean in the sellers photos though.

Thanks!

 

everything look ok to me..i had in the past a similar model and from what i remember had the same type of crown so i think it's the right one for this watch..i notice that because for me was the first time when i seen that type of Omega crown.

 

I like it, a nice honest watch with good and even aging/patina all around. I think a decent first buy....depending on the price....

 

Normally, that reference has Seamaster on the dial. Not a "pre Seamaster".

 

If the serial actually dates to 1948, it’s a first-year Seamaster! As others have said, it looks great.

 

Serial is 1151XXXX, which the seller claims dates the watch to 1948. Glad for a 2nd opinion though if anyone has that level of familiarity with these. Regarding the lack of Seamaster on the dial, I did confirm that some variations of this reference do not have the Seamaster text. Honestly, I would prefer it did have the text, but liked everything else about the piece so went ahead.

Thanks for the comments all!

 

Seems like a 1948 serial number to me!

 

Looks nice. Enjoy and wear in good health.

 

Nice example!

 

Looks a nice watch and the feel of these bumpers on the wrist is addictive

Cheers, Chris

 

Very nice! I like the patina...gives it some character.

 

Thanks everyone for the comments. Seems like I did OK with my first vintage purchase. Next up, a 321 Speedmaster right

Swapped on this dark brown strap from an old Tag. I think it dresses it up a bit.

 

I disagree. The 2576 was launched in 1948 with AFAIK no SM dial text and based on a few extracts I seen and watches I have owned I would indeed estimate an 11.5m serial at ‘48 so I think it checks out well. Would want to see the movement and caseback to be sure though. All the 2576/77s I have seen with no dial text are from the 48-50 period and all in the 11m serial range.

 

To me, the 2491 powered by 28.10 with exposed springs are Pre Seamasters. Not the 2576.



2491 and 2576.

 

Ah I see what you mean. You are not disputing that the early 2576s had no text just that you wouldn’t refrer to them as a Pre-Seamaster? In that case I tend to agree.

 

Hi!. Nice looking seamaster. Like you as a newbie I also purchased a 1952 Seamaster cal 343. I probably paid over the odds for it. But it is completely original and it has the original Chronometer certificates and outer and inner boxes.

 

Its a great example of a sub dialed Omega, Seamaster or not. As far as patina goes you got about as good as you can get for even and not detracting from the beauty of the watch. Love these on croc straps as its very period correct "sporty". Put that thing on a low shine reddish brown croc with a contrasting stitch (rios1931 has a few to choose from) and it will pop.