Help with old Omega watch

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Hi
I inherited what I think is a genuine Omega Seamaster, it belonged to my father who passed away in 2002. Since 2002 it’s been tucked away in a draw and forgotten about.
I always remember my father having the watch which he told me his brother had bought him as an 18th or more likely 21st birthday present present. He was born in 1948 so it’d have been 1966 or 1969 when he was given the watch.
The watch is in a very poor state and hasn’t been looked after. It used to work whilst my father was alive but no longer does.
The original strap had broken at some point and my father replaced it with the cheap strap it now has.
My questions to those who know about these watches are, does it look like a genuine Omega?
Is there a known specialist who you would recommend to service it and replace the parts needing replacing?
Would the original strap have been leather or metal?
Is it worth anything? I’m not wanting to sell it, but I would like to know if it has any value other than the memories I have of it.
Thanks in advance.
Philip.
 
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Just needs some TLC. Nice heirloom with value. What country are you in?
 
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North east UK.
I’ve looked for specialists near by but haven’t been able to find anyone.
I’d like to hear recommendations of someone who has knowledge in bringing it back to life and if it’s worth spending money on it.
 
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Simon freese is a name that comes up alot on here.
Haven't used him myself so no first hand experience but gets great reviews.

I believe he's located in Essex but you can post the watch to him. As in sure you can with most other providers.

He has a website and YouTube channel f you wanted to check him out.

Zero affiliation fyi.

Pete.
 
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Thanks for the recommendation Pete, I’ll take a look at his YouTube site.
Philip.
 
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and if it’s worth spending money on it.

No one has said it of yet, but HELL YES. A real, unmolested Seamaster 300 is worth thousands. But it's your dad's so don't sell it, that would be... not smart.

There are a couple of companies in the US making original style flat-link bracelets that would look really nice with your watch. I recommend this one:

https://forstnerbands.com/collectio...tner-flat-link-bracelet-for-omega-speedmaster

Here it is on my "WatchCo" Seamaster 300; what that means is that it was made from a vintage movement and new service parts from Omega.

 
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Dont sell this for cheap….
 
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Dont sell this for cheap….

Yup, I was just gonna emphasize the same. Wouldnt be surprised if you already had a few messages with offers from a lurking shark or two. It's a lovely heirloom and if you're willing to invest some money in a quality (!) service, this'll be an absolute beauty you can actually wear, just like your dad did. 😀
 
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Thanks for all the reply’s.
I will contact Simon Freese and ask his advice when I get chance later this week.
I’ve no intention of selling the watch and I doubt it’s worth enough to make me consider selling, especially in its current condition.
It’d just be nice to have it working again.
 
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Thanks for all the reply’s.
I will contact Simon Freese and ask his advice when I get chance later this week.
I’ve no intention of selling the watch and I doubt it’s worth enough to make me consider selling, especially in its current condition.
It’d just be nice to have it working again.


It's current condition is actually where you would stand to gain the most if you did have to sell it.
And I think you would be surprised at its current value. Very surprised.

A sympathetic restoration and you will have a very desirable watch to keep as a family memento.
 
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as others have said, it looks like an original, unmolested Seamaster 300 (except for the bracelet). Based on the handset, I’d say it was purchased in 1966 (not 1969). Those hands were only used for a brief period before the sword hands were introduced.
 
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1966 would make sense. I seem to recall being told it was purchased for my father by his brother whilst he was in the army and he’d left the services by 1969.
Where would you place value as it is?
Thanks for all the comments.
 
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1966 would make sense. I seem to recall being told it was purchased for my father by his brother whilst he was in the army and he’d left the services by 1969.
Where would you place value as it is?
Thanks for all the comments.

Watching, with the popcorn ready! I think you are in for a nice surprise. Might be an issue if you have siblings though!
 
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So from what I can gather they are listed for sale at around £6,500 +.
They all look fairly good condition, at least compared to my watch.
Surely the condition of my watch makes it worth less than what they are listed for on chrono24?
There don’t appear to be any listed in a similar state to be able to compare prices.
Tried calling Simon Freeze to say but noticed he only answers calls until 1pm. I’ll try again tomorrow morning and see what he has to say about the watch.