Hi to all on the forum. Been using the forum as a research tool, and what a great time I've had lurking as a guest, thanks for access to this resource. I have two watches that I will try to post for confirmation of what I've found so far and advice on period straps and bracelets that these may have been sold with when issued. Firstly, what I believe to be a 1954 Seamaster. I remember this watch in the 70's, a cherished possesion of my grandad, he loved this watch. Since that time it has not seen the light of day; passed to my dad and brother. Now in my possession, it is about to be loved and worn again. The second watch from the same location I have never set eyes upon before. It is a 1943 - 30 T2. Both work and hold good time, but on reading this forum, I took them to a trusted watch and clock repaired for cleaning and service; no cosmetic work. I love the age trauma that the passage of time has had on them. He says they are in excellent shape and just need minimal cleaning and lubrication. In the meantime I am open to suggestions as to the type and style of strap or bracelet would be appropriate? The Seamaster has a damaged and non original crown and I will effect a repair until I find out what crown is right for it and fit at the next service. I hope the pictures are clear enough for comments on the Seamaster, I have not seen an identical one yet, very close but numbers and hour dots looked larger than mine. Regarding the 30T2, it has angled lugs which makes it distinctive and small Arabic numbers. I have no full face photo (I forgot to take one!!!). I think I spotted one on a thread 9 September 2017 by member Dr No. (On the left in a group of three) in a thread on 30mm of which this is one. Any comments would be helpful and most appreciated.
Been away - the lower one. Where is a reliable place to purchase? I'm in Ireland at present but worldwide post is affordable for small items.
Just says Made in France Genuine Leather, and I cannot remember where I bought it, it was off ebay within the last 5-6 years.
I was quoted an exorbitant price for genuine Omega straps 200 Sterling plus! My main query was did the Seamaster 1954 come with a metal band or leather? The earlier 1943 was more likely leather. Either way, I will have them back soon and will post the missing photo of the 1943 for help in its identification and look forward to wearing them. Thanks for your help.
Leather at that point in time, there are pix around showing ads or their catalogue pix. Bracelets came as an option and became popular circa 1955-6 for Omega. 1954 is right on the cusp, but just remember the head was picked and then a strap or bracelet was picked and installed.
Great info! The picture is building. I researched on this site but the info here is huge. Would have taken me to long to find and get all on my own. Thanks.
Thank Tex - that's so helpful. I wondered about stitching style, machine or hand. That dude is very much in the style of my Grandad too!! Hairstyle, Tash and hairstyle. Now that's freaky.
Straps and Bands are our equivalent of purses and shoes for the Gals......we can have several and it doesn't take too much to learn to switch. Just ask first and go slow.
On the reverse of the 435 there is a narrow imprint of wear that looks like wear from a strap. Could this be from a different style of strap? It looks like imprint from webbing that went under the case. Which is why I asked about a military connection. I will have them back soon from the service ward and try to post better pictures, the above were taken at the jewellers on my phone and are not too good. The Seamaster with be furnished with a suitable leather strap after Ted's input. The 30T2 is the one I am still looking to find out more about. Thanks for you reply.
there are a variety of man-made and natural fiber straps but unless one sees military imprints on the watch itself, it's just a civilian version.
Does anyone know what the hand etched no. 16401 on the inside of the Seamaster case represent? Could it be the original seller?
The query was in reference to grandad serving in Africa and the Caribbean in the latter stages of WW2. Say yo to mine in the Blue Ridge.