Hi, I bought this 1950's Seamaster on ebay and its on its way from Argentina. I paid $327.00. I need some advice regarding whats best to do with this watch. Frankly, I bought it because the Speedmaster that I have isn't (in my opinion) dressy enough. Additionally, I love the case shape of these early seamasters. Anyway, I know re-dialing is a bad thing. If you purchased this watch and were sending it out for overhaul etc, what would you ask for? Re-lume? new hands? Light polish for the case? This is my first disaster recovery and I'd rather make a good decision. Let me know? Thanks!
Best thing to do would be return it. It's a complete disaster, movement is a mess, dial badly refinished with mismatched markers, hands are incorrect...
Is the condition other than what was shown in the listing? Or did you buy it, knowing it was like this?
Im going to post the "after" pics so you can see what I see. Its a 70+ year old watch and yes, it needs some TLC, but when its done, it will be amazing. Anyway, since Im not returning it, if anyone has other advice, please let me know?
The price I paid was appropriate for the condition, I knew it would require work. Better looking examples sell for far more money than I paid
here is one in great condition.. I suspect that I will pay less than the 2K difference to make this thing look great! https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/wat...t0gg3NPtdfybAdzxhyAaArWlEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
How much are you going to have to put into it when all is said and done? Sometimes, what appears to be a good deal, isn't.
Okay, so you're going to pay $1127-$1327 for a for a nice example that you can get, already serviced for under $1000? Am I missing something?
A complete overhaul will make this thing right. The example of the good looking one was the first that I found on a google search. Ive been burned before by the good looking bumper watch that was "just serviced" (thats code for no, it wasnt).. Any watch that I get from ebay needs a full overhaul. I suspect with a tear down, cleaning, lube and adjust, this will be great
You've received advice from a community of collectors. Most on this forum wouldn't touch that and even fewer would put money into it to restore it. To most of us, this watch will never be "great." Take it or leave it.
You did.. anyone can say that the watch has been serviced. Ive been burned by the lies before. And honestly, buying from some random person on the site where I dont have posting rights on the "for sale" area? Nope.. not going to happen. Did the guy who lost 5K because he got scammed on the purchase of a speedmaster get his money back yet? I'll let a professional shop that will warranty their work fix this one up and I'll avoid letting some scam artist working the "for sale" section steal from me. Thanks
I like your vision of restoration and with time, plenty of parts, patients and plenty of money you’ll have a time piece worth showing off. Good that you’re planning to bring it back to life.