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How did I do on these Seamasters?

F
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I have period correct (OEM) replacement crowns coming for both. This was my first venture into vintage Omegas. There’s just something about old school watchmaking and that brass look that I love. I paid $490 for the 2849 Calendar (1959) and $570 for the 165.002 (1967). I didn’t buy them to resell, just to enjoy.

I just need a watchmaker to just go through them and service them. The 2849 has low amplitude (in the “160’s” I was told) What should a service run in the US for these movements? They seem “basic” and straightforward from a watchmakers standpoint. I’ve been quoted $450 but that seems excessive, but I’m also naive.

One question I have is when I pull the stem out to the position to set the time, if I push and pull on the stem in the position, I notice the whole movement inside the case along with the dial move. But when I look at the back, it seems it has the clamps in the right place with the screws attached. What could cause that? if those parts need to be replaced, does anyone have reference numbers for the clamps and screws?

IMG_6218.webp IMG_6217.webp IMG_6219.webp IMG_6212.webp IMG_6213.webp IMG_6208.webp IMG_6223.webp IMG_6209.webp IMG_6214.webp
 
SOG53
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450 is reasonable for service. Don't bother trying to figure out parts, thats the watchmakers job.
The second one looks like a redial, so you may want to pass on servicing that one.
 
Dan S
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The no date has a repainted dial. Can you return that one? If not, I'd just take what you can get for it and chalk it up to noob tax.

The calendar watch looks legit and will probably look ok on the wrist. If it's not running well, you should probably have it serviced. The crystal is cracked, so that will need to be replaced, and you might want to have the hands relumed.

More important than the price of the service is whether the watchmaker will actually do a service. The bargain basement shops sometimes really don't do much. FYI, a no-date hand-winding watch is basic. An automatic watch with a date function has much more that can go wrong. In fact, I'd say that most of the repairs I've had to make on new purchases involve the date function and the auto-winding mechanism. A no-date hand-winding watch often just needs a service, unless it has been tampered with or abused.
Edited:
 
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Dan S Dan S
The no date has a repainted dial. Can you return that one? If not, I'd just take what you can get for it and chalk it up to noob tax.

The calendar watch looks legit and will probably look ok on the wrist. If it's not running well, you should probably have it serviced. The crystal is cracked, so that will need to be replaced, and you might want to have the hands relumed.

More important than the price of the service is whether the watchmaker will actually do a service. The bargain basement shops sometimes really don't do much. FYI, a no-date hand-winding watch is basic. An automatic watch with a date function has much more that can go wrong. In fact, I'd say that most of the repairs I've had to make on new purchases involve the date function and the auto-winding mechanism. A no-date hand-winding watch often just needs a service, unless it has been tampered with or abused.
Dan S Dan S
The no date has a repainted dial. Can you return that one? If not, I'd just take what you can get for it and chalk it up to noob tax.

The calendar watch looks legit and will probably look ok on the wrist. If it's not running well, you should probably have it serviced. The crystal is cracked, so that will need to be replaced, and you might want to have the hands relumed.

More important than the price of the service is whether the watchmaker will actually do a service. The bargain basement shops sometimes really don't do much. FYI, a no-date hand-winding watch is basic. An automatic watch with a date function has much more that can go wrong. In fact, I'd say that most of the repairs I've had to make on new purchases involve the date function and the auto-winding mechanism. A no-date hand-winding watch often just needs a service, unless it has been tampered with or abused.
Thanks! The no date still looks good on the wrist, so I’ll just avoid the service on that one, like I said, these were purchased to wear, not resell, I’m just glad the movements are legit. I took them to a watchmaker that services vintage omegas here in Florida and he said the no date was running really well, just the calendar had low amplitude. He said for $450 he completely disassembles the watch and replaces parts as he find them out of spec (for additional cost).
 
F
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Dan S Dan S
The no date has a repainted dial. Can you return that one? If not, I'd just take what you can get for it and chalk it up to noob tax.

The calendar watch looks legit and will probably look ok on the wrist. If it's not running well, you should probably have it serviced. The crystal is cracked, so that will need to be replaced, and you might want to have the hands relumed.

More important than the price of the service is whether the watchmaker will actually do a service. The bargain basement shops sometimes really don't do much. FYI, a no-date hand-winding watch is basic. An automatic watch with a date function has much more that can go wrong. In fact, I'd say that most of the repairs I've had to make on new purchases involve the date function and the auto-winding mechanism. A no-date hand-winding watch often just needs a service, unless it has been tampered with or abused.
One more thing, Dan. On a scale of 1-10, as far as repainted dials go, how would you rate that dial?
 
TexOmega
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I cannot speak for Dan, I would say poor, you pick the number for that.
 
Dan S
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I don't know about a rating, but it's not the type of redial that you have to take a second look to be sure.
 
SOG53
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It’s a clear redial but that does not mean you can’t wear and enjoy it. This was common practice in the past at service to keep watches looking nice.
 
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TexOmega TexOmega
I cannot speak for Dan, I would say poor, you pick the number for that.
That’s fair enough! Guess I’ll pay the idiot tax lol
 
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SOG53 SOG53
It’s a clear redial but that does not mean you can’t wear and enjoy it. This was common practice in the past at service to keep watches looking nice.
That’s the way I see it. It’s been serviced a few times in the past, as I can see the several different watchmakers markings on the caseback. It’s all part of this watches 50+ year story, which is what’s interesting to me.
 
TexOmega
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F focal06
That’s fair enough! Guess I’ll pay the idiot tax lol


I can show mine, if you want to see it.....it had a small "a" in AUTOMATIC. We all have noob stories!
 
F
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SOG53 SOG53
My 2849 says hi and welcome to OF
IMG_3218.webp
Very nice! I like the bracelet. Compliments the look. Thanks!
 
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TexOmega TexOmega
I can show mine, if you want to see it.....it had a small "a" in AUTOMATIC. We all have noob stories!
Whoops! 😅.
 
SOG53
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TexOmega TexOmega
I can show mine, if you want to see it.....it had a small "a" in AUTOMATIC. We all have noob stories!
That would be a good thread: “ Show us your noob tax watches”

Maybe it’s been done already?
 
Dan S
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SOG53 SOG53
That would be a good thread: “ Show us your noob tax watches”

Maybe it’s been done already?
That's a great idea. I just wonder if I still have photos of those.

Edit: I found it! You need to start a thread.
Edited:
 
F
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SOG53 SOG53
That would be a good thread: “ Show us your noob tax watches”

Maybe it’s been done already?
Dang, my first post here and I started a noob tax thread haha! 😂
 
Dan S
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F focal06
Dang, my first post here and I started a noob tax thread haha! 😂
That's actually pretty normal. At least one of your watches was totally fine.
 
lenndon
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You can also keep an eye open for a 165.002 dial down the line and have it swapped for a better one. If you are patient, which it seems like you are since you already like it like that, I am sure you will get one at some point.
 
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