Hi everyone,

I would appreciate your thoughts on the below SM300. Here is what I can gather so far - happy to stand corrected, and please let me know if I missed something. On first blush, everything seems to check out to me, but I'm still trying to learn the intricacies of SM300s.

Bezel: Type "D" in the OF bezel guide (https://omegaforums.net/threads/seamaster-300-bezels.36357/) - flat four, open five, sloped one. Consistent with a 1967/68 production, a 165.024 CB caseback, and a 25' and 26' serial.
Caseback: 165.024, "CB" (consistent with bezel).
Serial: 25,617,047 - consistent with bezel and a 67/68 production.
Movement: 552
NAIAD crown: Also consistent with production up until 1968.
Hands: Sword hands, diamond second hand (?)

Looks polished, but how bad would you say?

 

I asked for a photo of the crown and the seller sent me the below image. It’s missing the three-pointed star - does that mean it’s a service crown?

Any feedback from the experts here would be greatly appreciated!

 

I'm far from being an expert but here is my take: the watch looks original with some nice patina and parts all aged well together. I think your assessment of dial, bezel and hands is mostly correct. The only down point is the case which is a little too soft to my liking

This 24-tooth, fat-logo crown could also be a period-correct one transitioning in 68 when the 24-tooth skinny logo crown began to kinda fade away, IMHO, as also seen in some Speedies from the same period. The three-pointed star version crown that you referred to is for an earliest version for the late 50's straight-lug models, specifically the ref 2913. The earliest versions of the ref 165.024 have the 24-tooth skinny logo without the three-pointed star.

 

did you notice the bezel crack near 12?

 

Yes I noticed the crack, but these bezels are very prone to cracking. I actually think this is a better than average bezel.

 

Is this one you are thinking of buying?

 

Yes I am thinking about buying it. The seller wants $5,400.

 

You have clearly done some research on this. I am no expert but the case has lost its edges. Given the age of the watch you are interested in it is not unreasonable to expect some wear. Is it not suppose to have pinholes on the 6 and 12 markers? Perhaps someone else can clarify this. Throw in the cost of a service to add to the purchase. I do notice some corrosion inside the case back seal groove. My understanding is that corrosion does not stop unless it is removed. The rate of advancement depending on how you wear it may not be an issue. The bezel would not be an issue for me and as you can see mine has damage on it. It does have a charm about it and may be worth an offer. Good luck!

 

The watch appears to be all original with the exception of the crown.
The original crown should be a "Flat Foot" crown.
As you have noticed, the case has been polished. Not the best job. The edge on the 1 o'clock lug looks fairly rounded.
It is hard to see the condition of the dial in detail in these images. It is important that there is no damage, chips, or stains on the dial.

 

Someone just paid full asking price for it ($6,500)...oh well...the hunt continues.

 

In case anyone is interested, here is the original listing:

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/233536954756

 

@ndgal So you have seen a lot of trapezoid dials without date and with sword hands around these serials? And a push in crown on a CB case?

 

I wouldn’t fall off my chair if I was to learn that dial was relumed. There is a pinhole at 7...

 

I still see no feedback on this transaction. Hmmmmm ........makes me scratch my head......