Good little guide to vintage SM300 types

Revo · Nov 9, 2022

Apologies if this has already been posted here (I looked but couldn’t see it but I’m on my phone).

Anyway this was on WUS and tz-uk, I thought it pretty good

https://luxurywatches635.wordpress.com/2022/11/09/review-of-original-omega-seamaster-300/

jjen · Nov 9, 2022

I was offered one of these a while back. Very cool piece but I was a little afraid of damaging the bezel, I think it is Bakelite and looks fragile

masteroftime · Nov 9, 2022

jjen
... I think it is Bakelite and looks fragile

From what I understand, the later service bezels are acrylic and the early bezels are a cellulose mix and have never been bakelite.

They're more fragile when compared to an aluminum bezel, but not as fragile as people think. Cracks in the bezels seem to be formed by strong blows or improperly removing and bending the bezel. As long as you're careful, they're fine to wear. I'm pretty careful with my dress watches that have acrylic crystals (which are must more delicate), and I try to afford the vintage divers a similar level of care.

jjen · Nov 9, 2022

masteroftime
From what I understand, the later service bezels are acrylic and the early bezels are a cellulose mix and have never been bakelite.

They're more fragile when compared to an aluminum bezel, but not as fragile as people think. Cracks in the bezels seem to be formed by strong blows or improperly removing and bending the bezel. As long as you're careful, they're fine to wear. I'm pretty careful with my dress watches that have acrylic crystals (which are must more delicate), and I try to afford the vintage divers a similar level of care.

Sounds right. I will say it’s tough to find a bezel in really good condition, most look fairly beaten up for better or worse

Good little guide to vintage SM300 types

Revo

jjen

masteroftime

jjen

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