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  1. Juj Jan 21, 2019

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    Hi. I'm a newbie on here. Tasked with buying a vintage Omega for a family member, ( I love vintage watches and clocks), I went to a clock and watch fair. Venue had moved; I got totally lost and arrived as vendors were packing up. Bought what I was told was a 'Seamaster'. Didn't stop to think, as pushed for time. Now unsure/worried about authenticity. Searched internet. Only found a couple of watches without the 'Seamaster' logo, (one on Omega's vintage watch site). Would very much appreciate your knowledgeable opinions. Thanks! IMG_20190121_114144.jpg IMG_20190121_111219.jpg IMG_20190121_110702.jpg IMG_20190121_110403.jpg
     
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  2. Kwijibo Jan 21, 2019

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    No Seamaster on the dial is a bad sign. First thng to do is open the watch and read the number in the caseback. Probably a Seamaster case with the wrong dial.
     
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  3. S.H. Jan 21, 2019

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    Yes, it is a two tone monobloc seamaster case fitted with another omega dial. Probably a 550 family caliber inside. Seamaster dials are mostly (there are exceptions, some are branded Geneve) marked with a Seamaster script. Automatics are also marked as such, this one should be.
     
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  4. Kwijibo Jan 21, 2019

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    a special tool or crystal claw is requested to open these watches. It's safer than try to remove the bezel into which the crystal is held. The good thing is it's not that hard to find the good dial. I would guesse a 565 inside. This case reminds me of the early seamaster deville.
     
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  5. trash_gordon Jan 21, 2019

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    This is a goldcap case. Means a steel body with a massive 18k gold cap.
    Dial is most probably wrong.
     
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  6. Kwijibo Jan 21, 2019

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    I think they were also made in 14k gold in some coutries.
     
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  7. trash_gordon Jan 21, 2019

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    That can be…but all have a massive gold cap.
     
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  8. alam Jan 21, 2019

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    I read somewhere Omega never made gold caps in 18K, instead they were all 14K... now, not sure if I would call an approx 200 micron (0.02 cm) gold cap “massive”. :)
     
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  9. Juj Jan 21, 2019

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    Thanks Kwijibo. Thought as much. Can't get into the watch: no sign of a place to insert a case knife. Looks like I'll have to find a working jeweller/watch repairer. So annoyed with myself!
     
  10. S.H. Jan 21, 2019

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    On this one, I don't think so, the crystal is fitted to the bezel, both forming an assembly which comes off. You would have to know what you are doing though, I would no try it at home without some training.


    Also, 200-250microns is massive ... compared to gold (electro)plating, 10-40microns in most cases.
     
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  11. Juj Jan 21, 2019

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    Thanks, S.H. On a massive learning curve here, so wouldn't like to start messing around with the case. After ascertaining the movement, any advice as to where to start looking for dials?
     
  12. KingCrouchy Jan 21, 2019

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    Ebay is your best bet. Ask here, when you found a Dial, for advice.
     
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  13. S.H. Jan 21, 2019

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    ebay, and have some luck and good eyes because depending on the casing style, dials can be physically different but fit the same caliber. Wait until after you have the exact case reference, it will help narrow the search.
     
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  14. Juj Jan 21, 2019

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    Thanks, KingCrouchy. Will do!
     
  15. François Pépin Jan 21, 2019

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    Like others, I doubt this dial is a Seamaster... But it looks an original Omega.

    To open this king of unishell case, you can remove the slit stem by pulling off the crown - simply pull hard! Then you can use a blower to increase the pressure and the dial should pop up. Normally, you will then have to turn the movement a little bit and it will be able to go out.

    But if you do not know what you are doing, let a watchmaker do it for you!
     
    Edited Jan 21, 2019
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  16. hoipolloi Vintage Omega Connoisseur Jan 21, 2019

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    Not turning the movement but the movement retaining ring.
    It has two positions, locked and released.

    2019-01-21_12-47-39.jpg
     
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  17. François Pépin Jan 21, 2019

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    You are right! It has been a while since I have serviced my last movement of this series!
     
  18. Juj Jan 21, 2019

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    Followed on-line advice and the movement came out quite easily. Here is the case and movement. Off to check serial numbers now.
     
    IMG_20190121_210030.jpg IMG_20190121_205950.jpg
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  19. aibarraza Feb 3, 2019

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    on-line advice? i can't seem to find any. Thanks in advance.
     
  20. JimInOz Melbourne Australia Feb 4, 2019

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    Note that there are two types of Omega "monobloc" or Unishell cases.

    1. - The "Unicoc", where the removal of the crystal is done with a crystal lift (e.g. Tool 107) and then the movement can be accessed.

    2. - The "Monocoque", where the movement is accessed by removing the bezel/crystal assembly with a case knife.

    Looking at the bevels on the bezel of the OPs watch, this would be a Monocoque case.
     
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