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Help identifying father's old watch

C
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I recently came across this watch in my late father's belongings. He had once told me he purchased it in Germany, probably around 1953-54, when he was stationed there in the US Air Force.

I know it's in rough shape (he had it in a box with other watches), but I plan to get it repaired professionally and keep it in the family to pass to one of my children.

My questions are:
A) what model is this? Seamaster? I've done a bit of searching, but I can't find any thing that matches this one. Specifically, I can't find any instance of a 2635-1 with a 344 movement. Nothing that matches the dial face, either.
B) what did this originally look like? I'd like to restore it to it's original condition as much as possible (e.g. what type of band, etc.)

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance,
Sean

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Davidt
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I’m not an expert on these 50’s models and most Seamasters had it written on the dial. However, some of the early ones did not. I believe this ref is one of the early Seamasters without the text on the dial.

The dial also looks original. There were usually many dial variations for each reference so not uncommon to struggle finding a perfect match online.
 
Bruce235
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Welcome and sorry for the loss of your father.
Looks like the dial was refinished long ago. Usually we don't recommend restoring a dial, but with this one it's up to you. I think I would just leave as is.
It is a gents watch, no model name.
Needs service and you can replace the crown as that one doesn't look original.
It will look great with a clean and new crystal.
Edit, I defer to David on the originality of the dial. It does look like the lettering has been wiped off in a cleaning attempt.
 
Davidt
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I think the distortions and ‘gaps’ in the lettering are the result of crystal damage. The dial is clearly aged but it does look original to me.
 
X350 XJR
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At some point in time the original movement was replaced. This reference calls for a center seconds movement, either caliber 351 or 354.

Some of these were labeled Seamaster and some not. Additionally there were many different dials offered.

The dial on your watch appears original and should look nice with a new crystal.

Not a "correct" watch but it was your father's making it priceless.

Below is a correct example of a ref 2635.

Screen Shot 2024-02-22 at 12.01.06 PM.png
 
Dan S
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The dial is original, IMO (i.e. not repainted). I don't think there is any need to try to restore anything about the watch. It is what it is.
 
gatorcpa
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I think there may be a more simple explanation here.

This watch looks like a Reference 2636, which is the sub-seconds equivalent of the 2635.

omega-vintage-other-omega-KO2636-c84ffd.jpg

https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-other-omega-ko-2636

The other difference is that the Ref. 2636 is not listed as being part of the Seamaster line, so not having the name on the dial would be appropriate.

I would not be concerned about it, so long as the watch is sealed properly after servicing. It may be that the cases are identical and the case back of one reference will fit the other.
gatorcpa
 
C
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Hi all. Thanks for the quick replies and the information. It was very helpful. For now, I'm going to assume that this is probably not a ref 2635 and maybe a ref 2636. Most likely the case-back was switched at one time, but as I don't know the history of the watch, anything is possible. I guess as long as the case sizes match I'll be able to get parts for it. Again, thanks!
 
C
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Just like to follow up - got the watch serviced, cleaned, and the crystal replaced. It's a keeper. Thanks again for the all the information!
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Edited:
 
DaveK
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Looks great. Nice strap choice 👍
 
X350 XJR
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Nice result, glad it's got a new life.
 
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