Well worth the $1,200 minimum, even without the provenance. With a May 1953 date, it could be a cal. 333 or 343. I'm curious what it will finally go for. gatorcpa
May be a 343, but something is strange here. I believe it's a 2577 case ref...I have never seen a 343 in a 2577 case. (35X caliber is only thing to my knowledge used in a 2577 case.) May be mismatched case/caliber? Don't know how well provenance can be determined without original receipt showing Gordon Cooper as original buyer, so I'd have to buy/value it knowing I could not prove it was owned buy Cooper.
2576 case which is virtually the same as a 2577 - the 2576 is in my experience for a stainless steel 343 and maybe for the gold cap version as well. And dial looks good though pictures aren't the best - "officially certified" was more likely to be absent as it is to be present in the 343s.
Hello, I'm Steve Hankow owner of Farthest Reaches LLC. It seems this Seamaster has generated some interest so thought I'd share some information. I'm representing the Cooper family for the sale of Gordon Cooper's personal space memorabilia and this watch which he owned and wore was given to me as a part of that material. I'm working closely with last wife of (35 yrs) Suzan Cooper along to bring this and many other more space related items to the collecting community. The watch will come with a letter attesting to the fact that it was owned and worn by Gordon Cooper hand signed by Suzan. The provenance doesn't get much better than that. Now, the watch. I had it opened by a jeweler today and here is what I found: Serial # for movement: 12188911 Caliber: 343 17 jewels 14K case On the inside of the back are three rows of number which you of this forum would probably understand better than I. They are: 11045011 2576 2518 In addition i was told everything seems to be in good working order, though it does need a cleaning. Watches are not my area of expertise though I recently sold Wally Schirra's Omega Speedmaster given to him and a small number of pioneer astronauts in 1969 for $48,000. It was 18K gold and a real rarity as well as a beauty. This afternoon I shot some very close up and high resolution photos of the movement for anyone desiring to see them. If seriously interested in acquiring this watch please contact me at [email protected] and I'll send them your way for examination. Since I seem to be handling Omega's formally owned by Astronauts lately seemed only logical that I'd join the forum. I hope you don't mind and more importantly that this email was informative and useful. Steve Hankow Farthest Reaches LLC www.farthestreaches.com
I thank you. Not sure how much I'll be able to contribute to a group of experts like yourselves but certainly do appreciate the warm welcome.
Problem is that my experience museums never want to purchase but rather look for donations or long term loans. Still, a logical suggestion and appreciated.
Omega museum has proactively gone after examples and has participated as a buyer in a number of high profile auctions. Worth a shot.
By far the most storied Omega in their Museum, IMHO, along with Wally Schirra's ref.CK2998: Photo from http://people.timezone.com/library/extras/200609055074
I was a player but way shy. Comments on the straight watch collector value irrespective of the "Space" collector value?
Very uncommon cal 343 bumper chronometre with textured dial in a 14k gold case. Certainly worth collecting - it's on my accumulate list.
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