So, after having been interested in Omega's earlier chronometer watches for some time, I have gone from primarily looking at Constellations to being quite intrigued by the 50's Seamaster bumper Chronometers. One or two has foolishly went by me, so when I recently found an interesting listing, I promised myself that I wouldn't pass it by. Photos from the listing: That made me curious! I researched the ref. and found that it was a jumbo-sized Seamaster and the movement+dial checked out as chronometer items. The listing made a note about the size, but not that the gold cap was rose gold or that the watch had a chronometer movement. I was lucky to win the bidding war (which was only a light skirmish, really), so after a pretty horrible experience getting it to my address, I finally received the watch yesterday! I knew that the condition of the watch wasn't great and true enough there are some damage to the dial and the gold cap has worn away on some parts of the lugs and crown. It's not enough to quell my enthusiasm, however, as I'm thrilled to finally own a bumper chronometer I wouldn't have minded it being a smaller ref. as I have tiny wrists, but I guess that the size will be a boon, should I choose to move it on at some point. I have done a bit of research and turned up... nearly nothing. The best place on the net is, naturally, Omegaforums.net and on here I dug up a thread from earlier this year, where @ChrisN shows his gorgeous Seamaster Chronometer - a thread I participated in briefly. What makes this particularly interesting is that upon reading, I was struck by the many similarities: Chris' specimen is also cal. 354, rose gold capped and of the same reference. Noting the serial number of his watch, I opened the case back on mine and found... A serial number just nine digits lower! I'm pretty blown away by this, as it means they probably was at the factory at the same time, but ended up with different dials It also makes my comment and Chris' reply in the thread even more portentous: ...which was pretty much how the sibling watch to Chris' ended up in my possession I realise that the condition of the watch will be a turn-off for many, but I'm really thrilled to have this uncommon specimen in my very modest collection. I guess I'll be pouring money in it for a service, which it obviously needs. Cheers, Troels.
Nice find! I think you're going to win the trophy for "Longest Average Shipment Transit Time" at this year's Offies (I assume that's what the OF annual award show is called, yes?)!
Great story and really pleased you got one. I think these genuinely deserve the overused tag "rare" and are great watches. I like the oversize case and only have small wrists but it's a different look for a fifties watch and for anyone who doesn't have a bumper, the dum-dum feel as the rotor settles on a spring makes them almost like a live thing. Enjoy your watch. Regards, Chris
Congratulations! The large bumper Seamaster Chronometres are uncommon. I have a 354 as well, though not gold capped.
Thats a nice watch you got there. Just out of curiosity, how much did this come for? Sent from my CP8676_I03 using Tapatalk
