Help rate these two 552 movements?

gyromiterob · Sep 17, 2021

Hi all, for those of you adept at determining the condition of a movement from pictures, was wondering what you thought of these two movements? I've seen other folks describe movements as "completely tired", etc. but am not really sure how you can tell. Other than scratches from prior servicing(?), these look clean, but I don't really know more than that. Thanks in advance for your thoughts! (Sorry, pics aren't great and serial numbers have been obscured.)

SkunkPrince · Sep 17, 2021

Both of them look like they've had the serial numbers removed. Contrast with:

Dan S · Sep 17, 2021

The photos are altered to make the serial numbers illegible.

SkunkPrince · Sep 17, 2021

Dan S
The photos are altered to make the serial numbers illegible.

I suppose that's possible. But the whole thing?

Dan S · Sep 17, 2021

Yes, you can see the photoshop artifacts if you look closely. Or not even that closely really, they're pretty obvious.

SkunkPrince · Sep 17, 2021

Dan S
Yes, you can see the photoshop artifacts if you look closely. Or not even that closely really, they're pretty obvious.

Heh I'll trust you. Looks like scrape marks to me. 😀

perks713 · Sep 17, 2021

Dan S
Yes, you can see the photoshop artifacts if you look closely. Or not even that closely really, they're pretty obvious.

I think this is most likely as well but if I were purchasing them I’d ask for photos of the movement with at least partial serial numbers.

gyromiterob · Sep 17, 2021

Sorry for the confusion. The serial numbers were digitally removed. Was wondering how these movements rated despite the serial numbers.

Foo2rama · Sep 17, 2021

Photoshop removal of SN I can see the clone stamp tool was used.

Scarecrow Boat · Sep 17, 2021

SkunkPrince
Heh I'll trust you. Looks like scrape marks to me. 😀

Hey Tom, I have marked up image using color to point out repeating clone artifacts to show the owner of these movements had edited the SN out. I used to edit images for several publications. Once it’s pointed out, it’s easy to see repeating marks/artifacts.

gyromiterob · Sep 17, 2021

This really went off the rails. Original post says serial numbers have been obscured. I really only wanted an opinion on the movements. Haha. ::facepalm1::

Foo2rama · Sep 17, 2021

Scarecrow Boat
As someone that used to professionally edit images for several publications, I have crudely (using my phone annotation) pointed out where the owner of these movements had edited out the SN. Using color, I have pointed out repeating marks. There are plenty more marks to highlight, but I figured five colors was enough haha

Im pretty sure your seeing artifacts from the clone tool.

Scarecrow Boat · Sep 17, 2021

Foo2rama
Im pretty sure your seeing artifacts from the clone tool.

That was the point of my post 😉 I was pointing out the artifacts to Tom. I edited my post to say artifacts instead of marks.

mac_omega · Sep 17, 2021

as nobody has commented on the condition of the movement yet I will try to help:

the first mov. has some brassing (loss of plating) - rotor seems OK

the second mov. shows rotor rub - so you must be cautious. the rotor axle/bearing might be worn out and needs repair

gyromiterob · Sep 17, 2021

mac_omega
the second mov. shows rotor rub - so you must be cautious. the rotor axle/bearing might be worn out and needs repair

So, if the movement was serviced, should I be worried about this? Thanks so much for responding!

DaveK · Sep 18, 2021

gyromiterob
So, if the movement was serviced, should I be worried about this? Thanks so much for responding!

Passover · Sep 18, 2021

gyromiterob
So, if the movement was serviced

If you regularly read posts here on OF you might have noticed that "Serviced" is always a bit difficult.

Unless you have a receipt for a recent professional vintage service you should assume the watch to be unserviced.

To me both movements look good that means you have no obvious missing parts, dirt, different looking brass parts, water damage etc.

regulators are in the middle position, screwheads show a bit wear but not too bad.

You often see worse movements posted here

If I was interested in buying a watch with one of the movments shown I would go ahead with the purchase.

Hope that helps

krogerfoot · Sep 18, 2021

gyromiterob
Other than scratches from prior servicing(?)

Just armchair logic here, but I have a hard time imagining a movement getting scratched up during a routine service. Case knives and screwdrivers might slip while getting a case open or loosening a screw, but I don’t know how a watch tech would manage to inflict scratches on the winding weight. Again, armchair logic—I have no practical insight into watch repair.

JimInOz · Sep 18, 2021

They both look pretty to me (I always liked the 552 caliber).

To add any value to my comment, I would need to strip and examine all components of both movements.

Trying to evaluate condition of a movement based on a photograph is a bit like looking at a lady at the other end of the bar at midnight and thinking "she looks nice".

Next morning..................

philips · Sep 18, 2021

I think the movements are OK. I take it the watch is going to have a closed caseback. Personally, I would evaluate the entire watch. If the case is unpolished and in very nice condition, the dial and hands very good, with original crown and it's a model I'm after that's going to score a lot of points. If there is some doubt about the movement matching the watch, that's another story.

Help rate these two 552 movements?

gyromiterob

SkunkPrince

Dan S

SkunkPrince

Dan S

SkunkPrince

perks713

gyromiterob

Foo2rama

Scarecrow Boat

gyromiterob

Foo2rama

Scarecrow Boat

mac_omega

gyromiterob

DaveK

Passover

krogerfoot

JimInOz

philips

Similar threads

Omega Seamaster 300 ref. 165.024 - Original Owner Watch Project with 552 Movement

Saved this Seamaster 300 552 Movement!

Omega Cosmic cases, dials, crystals, 552 movement