Grandfather's Seamaster & Servicing

JEM_99 · Jun 11, 2020

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum, but have recently started to become interested in vintage watches after wearing modern pieces for a few years. At christmas my Grandfather handed down his seamaster, I've never seen him wear it, so it has undoubtedly been sitting without use for a good couple of decades.

Does anyone have more info on this watch? I've been through the old catalgoues and can't seem to find anything identical. It is still in good working order but was looking to get it serviced (no way I could do this myself!) and was wondering how much I should be expecting to pay?

I don't have my caseback tool with me- so sorry for now movement pictures! I know the strap has been replaced at some point. My Dad thinks this was purchased mid 60s.

Thanks in advance (sorry for the rubbish pics)!

timecube · Jun 11, 2020

JEM_99
Hi all,

I'm new to this forum, but have recently started to become interested in vintage watches after wearing modern pieces for a few years. At christmas my Grandfather handed down his seamaster, I've never seen him wear it, so it has undoubtedly been sitting without use for a good couple of decades.

Congratulations!
That's a nifty watch and in good shape!

It is nice when grandparents leave their kids with precious treasures, when they die,
but it's just FABULOUS when they get to pass them on while still here!

Does anyone have more info on this watch? I've been through the old catalgoues and can't seem to find anything identical. It is still in good working order but was looking to get it serviced (no way I could do this myself!) and was wondering how much I should be expecting to pay?

"more info" will come from the movement caliber, Serial number and caseback. So.... get that tool crankin'.
Assuming you're brave enough. Sensible people would just take it to a watchmaker and have them open it. But if you already have a caseback tool you are probably brave enough. 😀

I don't have my caseback tool with me- so sorry for now movement pictures! I know the strap has been replaced at some point. My Dad thinks this was purchased mid 60s.

Thanks in advance (sorry for the rubbish pics)!

How much it will cost depends on your location. In general, something in the ballpark of USD$200 - $400 or so. If parts are damaged and need replacement, it will cost more.

If you post a general idea of where you're at, someone here may be able to refer you to a local watchmaker in your area.

JEM_99 · Jun 11, 2020

timecube
Congratulations!
That's a nifty watch and in good shape!

It is nice when grandparents leave their kids with precious treasures, when they die,
but it's just FABULOUS when they get to pass them on while still here!

"more info" will come from the movement caliber, Serial number and caseback. So.... get that tool crankin'.
Assuming you're brave enough. Sensible people would just take it to a watchmaker and have them open it. But if you already have a caseback tool you are probably brave enough. 😀

How much it will cost depends on your location. In general, something in the ballpark of USD$200 - $400 or so. If parts are damaged and need replacement, it will cost more.

If you post a general idea of where you're at, someone here may be able to refer you to a local watchmaker in your area.

Thank you! It's a great little piece and will hopefully go on for generations to come!
Managed to find another caseback tool.. but it will not shift- I think the years of sitting has got it on there tight!

I'm in Nottingham- UK so that works about £150-£320- that's about what I was expecting! I'll have to have another go at opening later 😀

Edward53 · Jun 11, 2020

That's a nice watch. If you try opening it again, be extremely careful as bits of dried gasket may fall into the works and this can do some damage.

EDIT: In South Yorkshire and highly recommended: http://thewatchspotblog.com/. And I don't know the model number but mid-60s is bang on datewise.

JEM_99 · Jun 11, 2020

Edward53
That's a nice watch. If you try opening it again, be extremely careful as bits of dried gasket may fall into the works and this can do some damage.

EDIT: In South Yorkshire and highly recommended: http://thewatchspotblog.com/. And I don't know the model number but mid-60s is bang on datewise.

Cheers, I'll bear that in mind if I have another go.
And thank you very much sir, I will take a look at them!

JwRosenthal · Jun 11, 2020

My guess from case shape, lugs & dial is that it’s a 165.003 with a 552 movement. The best of the silver 60’s dialed Seamaster’s IMO as they wear a little chunkier than the sleek DeVille’s (unless you like sleek).
For a watchmaker with an Omega parts account (any qualified watchmaker can service them but you need a parts account to get parts) I would expect to pay a little more- but in the end it’s worth it and you can live worry free. Plus, what kind of watch can you buy with this kind of quality for under $1k?

Oh, and a very important note- the case on this watch is razor sharp- still has the factory finish and chamfers. Make sure to tell whomever is working on it NOT to polish it. Polishing, although making it shinier, will remove metal and round off those crisp edges.

Edward53 · Jun 11, 2020

JwRosenthal
My guess from case shape, lugs & dial is that it’s a 165.003 with a 552 movement.

That was my initial thought too, but it can't be as there's no Automatic on the dial. The 165.003 has a semi-recessed crown and chamfered lugs so this isn't the same case. I don't know what it is.

amcclell · Jun 11, 2020

I have the same cased seamster with the flat back. It is likely a 600 series movement in yours. The 500 series ones had a domed caseback and automatic written on the dial. Mine is a 135.005 reference with a 610. Don't work too hard on getting it apart as it really doesn't matter. If you are getting it serviced, you will find out the reference and movement when your watchmaker has it apart. Without the proper tools you may end up marking up the caseback just to satisfy our curiosity. If it hasn't been apart in decades, the seals may be broken down and stuck like glue. Here is mine.

JEM_99 · Jun 11, 2020

amcclell
I have the same cased seamster with the flat back. It is likely a 600 series movement in yours. The 500 series ones had a domed caseback and automatic written on the dial. Mine is a 135.005 reference with a 610.

Ah thank you, I was leaning towards that from what I have seen, but I really have no clue!

Had another go on the caseback.. it feels like it's set in cement! I think I'll leave that to a professional....
The story continues!

amcclell · Jun 11, 2020

Good plan - better to avoid the idiot marks.

JwRosenthal · Jun 11, 2020

Edward53
That was my initial thought too, but it can't be as there's no Automatic on the dial. The 165.003 has a semi-recessed crown and chamfered lugs so this isn't the same case. I don't know what it is.

🤦 No automatic...need to get my eyes checked

Spruce · Jun 11, 2020

I recently bought a 165.003 with a 552 case and the crown is quite significantly semi-recessed.

amcclell · Jun 11, 2020

I think it is a 165.005

Grandfather's Seamaster & Servicing

JEM_99

timecube

JEM_99

Edward53

JEM_99

JwRosenthal

Edward53

amcclell

JEM_99

amcclell

JwRosenthal

Spruce

amcclell

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