Have I bought a turkey of a vintage Seamaster?!

JamesV · Feb 12, 2021

Hi All

First let me say how great it was to find this forum. It all seems friendly and very knowledgeable and I’ve learnt a great deal already. I’m new here and of course I wish I’d joined before I made my first Omega purchase. I’ve long admired the Seamaster and decided to take the plunge as a birthday present a few weeks ago.
So I bought the pictured watch on eBay after losing out on a couple of auctions for Cosmic 2000s and I suppose I was a bit impulsive.
I would be grateful if anyone could take the time to do a bit of an appraisal of the piece.
As you will quickly, no doubt see the hands differ from each other (the minute hand is the only thing that fluoresces). I also doubt that the crown is original and yes that’s an ugly scratch on the dial between the 9 and 10. Also the glass feels cheap and ‘plasticky’ and there is a bit of a see saw movement to it.
I don’t have the means to open the back so can’t check for a serial number or movement caliber. Any guesses would be welcome. It does keep great time.
I can say I really, really like my first Omega!! One thing that swung it for me was the strap which is wonderful.

Finally, how fixable are any of these issues or any others you find? Also, I am UK based in Northamptonshire and wonder if anyone can recommend a good watchmaker who could carry out sympathetic restoration.
Thanks in advance for any advice and thanks for having me on board.

Dan S · Feb 12, 2021

From a collector's perspective it's a turkey. But if it appeals to you, enjoy it. As you mentioned, the hands are wrong, but the biggest issue is that the dial is repainted and they neglected to replace the lume dots. The clasp looks legit, but I'm not sure about the bracelet itself. Someone else will know better.

JwRosenthal · Feb 12, 2021

So the questions before answers:

How much do you love it?

Can you return it?

How much did you pay for it?

Welcome to the group

STANDY · Feb 12, 2021

Couple of Questions

How long have you had it

edit, ^^^^ @JwRosenthal has already asked the rest

Wlcutter · Feb 12, 2021

First, congrats--that's a great feeling.

Aside from the issues already raised, I'd also note the case has been (imo) really, really hurt by its time with a polishing wheel. Regardless of if this one's a keeper for you or not, I'd urge you to try to get a sharp-cased 1960s Seamaster when you can; they're phenomenal.

Regarding this one's reference: It looks like the body of an earlier, beefy-lugs Seamaster, but the caseback is (I think) wrong somehow. When you get it opened, it'll be fascinating to see.

Regardless: if you like it, none of the rest of this stuff matters a whit, and enjoy.

Maganator · Feb 12, 2021

Hi James

It has the wrong hands and crown. The dial has been poorly repainted and the lume plots are missing.

You could end up sinking a lot into making the watch right again. My advice would be to keep an eye out on the Private Watch Sales section here and you will see plenty of watches you like in varying price ranges.

As others have said, though, if you like it that is all that really matters.

sleepyastronaut · Feb 12, 2021

Welcome to the forum! Don't be hard on yourself, we all have to start somewhere.

Maganator · Feb 12, 2021

Here is a lovely example with great patina and it is very affordable. I have bought from Kyle before and he is a straight-shooter. You'll have to pay import VAT of course but even with the additional 20% it is still a great buy.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-1950s-omega-seamaster-2846-cal-501.127137/#post-1719253

Passover · Feb 12, 2021

Hi James,

may I ask which is the diameter without crown?

Watch looks small or should I clean my glasses?

All the best!

Spruce · Feb 12, 2021

Hi James,

Yours is, in my view, a pretty watch with a nice shaped case, indices and hands.

It’ll be helpful to you if you can answer the questions posed by @JwRosenthal and, in addition, tell us where you bought it and what the seller told you about the watch when he sold it.

We can then advise you whether or not you can return it or if you’re stuck with it.

If you bring your watch to a forum of knowledgeable collectors you’re almost inevitably going to get detailed answers.

If you’re landed with the watch and can’t return it then you may have to make the best of it and, if that’s the case, it’s not all bad:

First off, you like it- or you wouldn’t have bought it.
Second, 99% of those who see you wearing it will admire it as a nice looking vintage watch made by a prestigious watchmaker.
Third, and knowing it’s not necessarily destined to be kept in the safe and worn only for best, it can be worn as your daily 'beater' (although remember that it won’t be waterproof).

And, if you end up keeping it, get it serviced and get that crown changed 😀:facepalm2:😀.

So far as servicing is concerned, we all have our favourites. Some of us can pop in and discuss a watch, others (me included) do everything by post and email.
I live in London and use a watch service in Hampshire.

JamesV · Feb 12, 2021

Dan S
From a collector's perspective it's a turkey. But if it appeals to you, enjoy it. As you mentioned, the hands are wrong, but the biggest issue is that the dial is repainted and they neglected to replace the lume dots. The clasp looks legit, but I'm not sure about the bracelet itself. Someone else will know better.

Thanks for your reply Dan. Do you know what I would google if I wanted to see a good one? I read something about Shacmans & son (?) the strap maker on this forum which suggested they were a quality maker.

JwRosenthal
So the questions before answers:

How much do you love it?

Can you return it?

How much did you pay for it?

Welcome to the group

Well I’m starting to love it less! I doubt I’d be able to return it. I paid £500. Thank you.

JamesV · Feb 12, 2021

STANDY
Couple of Questions

How long have you had it

edit, ^^^^ @JwRosenthal has already asked the rest

I’ve had it about a month.

JamesV · Feb 12, 2021

Wlcutter
First, congrats--that's a great feeling.

Aside from the issues already raised, I'd also note the case has been (imo) really, really hurt by its time with a polishing wheel. Regardless of if this one's a keeper for you or not, I'd urge you to try to get a sharp-cased 1960s Seamaster when you can; they're phenomenal.

Regarding this one's reference: It looks like the body of an earlier, beefy-lugs Seamaster, but the caseback is (I think) wrong somehow. When you get it opened, it'll be fascinating to see.

Regardless: if you like it, none of the rest of this stuff matters a whit, and enjoy.

JamesV · Feb 12, 2021

Wlcutter
First, congrats--that's a great feeling.

Aside from the issues already raised, I'd also note the case has been (imo) really, really hurt by its time with a polishing wheel. Regardless of if this one's a keeper for you or not, I'd urge you to try to get a sharp-cased 1960s Seamaster when you can; they're phenomenal.

Regarding this one's reference: It looks like the body of an earlier, beefy-lugs Seamaster, but the caseback is (I think) wrong somehow. When you get it opened, it'll be fascinating to see.

Regardless: if you like it, none of the rest of this stuff matters a whit, and enjoy.

Thanks for your reply. Yes I think a 60s Seamaster is exactly what I want. This purchase is the start of my journey and I’m certainly feeling the learning curve! What do you think of the strap?

JwRosenthal · Feb 12, 2021

Sorry we are tainting your love- it’s an unfortunate effect of asking the question you really don’t want the answer to- but you asked because you knew something wasn’t right.

If the seller sold it as “all original”, then even a month out you may have recourse. If they just sold it as a “vintage Omega”, then it is that- so no deception and buyer beware.

My first vintage Omega was a redial- I didn’t know it until I joined here. I have since sold it at a loss and haven’t made that mistake again.

bgrisso · Feb 12, 2021

Spruce
Hi James,

Yours is, in my view, a pretty watch with a nice shaped case, indices and hands.

It’ll be helpful to you if you can answer the questions posed by @JwRosenthal and, in addition, tell us where you bought it and what the seller told you about the watch when he sold it.

We can then advise you whether or not you can return it or if you’re stuck with it.

If you bring your watch to a forum of knowledgeable collectors you’re almost inevitably going to get detailed answers.

If you’re landed with the watch and can’t return it then you may have to make the best of it and, if that’s the case, it’s not all bad:

First off, you like it- or you wouldn’t have bought it.
Second, 99% of those who see you wearing it will admire it as a nice looking vintage watch made by a prestigious watchmaker.
Third, and knowing it’s not necessarily destined to be kept in the safe and worn only for best, it can be worn as your daily 'beater' (although remember that it won’t be waterproof).

And, if you end up keeping it, get it serviced and get that crown changed 😀:facepalm2:😀.

So far as servicing is concerned, we all have our favourites. Some of us can pop in and discuss a watch, others (me included) do everything by post and email.
I live in London and use a watch service in Hampshire.

yes, all this good advice above, OR........................
knowing it’s a redial will eat away at your soul, destroying the very fabric of your existence.
Just depends on what kind of person you are 😉

JamesV · Feb 12, 2021

Maganator
Here is a lovely example with great patina and it is very affordable. I have bought from Kyle before and he is a straight-shooter. You'll have to pay import VAT of course but even with the additional 20% it is still a great buy.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-1950s-omega-seamaster-2846-cal-501.127137/#post-1719253

Yes that’s a very nice watch. I won’t be buying another for a while yet though. Thanks.

JamesV · Feb 12, 2021

Passover
Hi James,

may I ask which is the diameter without crown?

Watch looks small or should I clean my glasses?

All the best!

Hi. It’s a 34mm.

Franco · Feb 12, 2021

Giving as a fact that you have it and enjoy it, may I suggest that before buying next watch , make sure that you or somebody here has the knowledge to buy a nice example - original, not redialled, correct crown and hands etc

JamesV · Feb 12, 2021

Spruce
Hi James,

Yours is, in my view, a pretty watch with a nice shaped case, indices and hands.

It’ll be helpful to you if you can answer the questions posed by @JwRosenthal and, in addition, tell us where you bought it and what the seller told you about the watch when he sold it.

We can then advise you whether or not you can return it or if you’re stuck with it.

If you bring your watch to a forum of knowledgeable collectors you’re almost inevitably going to get detailed answers.

If you’re landed with the watch and can’t return it then you may have to make the best of it and, if that’s the case, it’s not all bad:

First off, you like it- or you wouldn’t have bought it.
Second, 99% of those who see you wearing it will admire it as a nice looking vintage watch made by a prestigious watchmaker.
Third, and knowing it’s not necessarily destined to be kept in the safe and worn only for best, it can be worn as your daily 'beater' (although remember that it won’t be waterproof).

And, if you end up keeping it, get it serviced and get that crown changed 😀:facepalm2:😀.

So far as servicing is concerned, we all have our favourites. Some of us can pop in and discuss a watch, others (me included) do everything by post and email.
I live in London and use a watch service in Hampshire.

Thanks Spruce. As I said I bought it on eBay a month or so ago the seller doubted the crown was original and mentioned he thought it had been polished. He said to his knowledge it was original. I don’t think he was particularly dishonest I think I was a bit too impulsive! I will indeed get the crown replaced.

Have I bought a turkey of a vintage Seamaster?!

JamesV

Dan S

JwRosenthal

STANDY

Wlcutter

Maganator

sleepyastronaut

Maganator

Passover

Spruce

JamesV

JamesV

JamesV

JamesV

JwRosenthal

bgrisso

JamesV

JamesV

Franco

JamesV

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