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Identifying 1960’s Seamaster

R
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Hello, All,
I’m new to the forums and in no way an expert so is anyone able to assist with identifying my 1964 Omega Seamaster Automatic? I haven’t seen any other Seamasters from this era with the Arabic numerals at 6,9 and 12, although I’m sure they exist. I would rather not open the case to access the serial number and not sure I’m capable of doing so anyway so any input will be much appreciated.

IMG_0931.webp
 
sathomasga
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Can you elaborate on why you're certain of the year? Do you have receipts or warranty information from the original purchase? Others with more experience than me will likely provide better information, but that dial does not look like an authentic original Omega dial, nor do the hands. And since that's all you've shown in the single photograph, it would be hard to say anything further. But wait for more opinions before concluding anything; I'm often wrong.
Edited:
 
Dan S
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The dial is certainly not original. We can't say much about the rest of the watch from that one photo.
 
ErichKeane
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Dan S Dan S
The dial is certainly not original. We can't say much about the rest of the watch from that one photo.
Hands don't look good either, and that crown doesn't look right. For that time frame, that date wheel doesn't look correct either.

OP: I'd suggest finding someone who is capable (watchmaker near you!) to open up the back of the case and take pictures of the movement and inside of the case back. From what I can see, it is at best a watch with a ton of replaced parts-with-non-omega variants (and thus very little value), but those pictures would at least tell you if this is just a 100% fake instead ofjust the front half.
 
R
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R Robwatch99
Hello, All,
I’m new to the forums and in no way an expert so is anyone able to assist with identifying my 1964 Omega Seamaster Automatic? I haven’t seen any other Seamasters from this era with the Arabic numerals at 6,9 and 12, although I’m sure they exist. I would rather not open the case to access the serial number and not sure I’m capable of doing so anyway so any input will be much appreciated.

IMG_0931.webp
The watch has been in the family since its purchase in 1964 and I’ve had possession very shortly after that with no intervening servicing. Perhaps 30 years thereafter, it been serviced a few times with Omega and then again very recently by Gray & Sons Jewelers in Florida. It seems from the comments that parts have been replaced although just from looking, the dial looks to
me to be the same dial from its original purchase. I’m certain it has had the 6, 9, 12 Arabic numerals from the beginning. But I much appreciate the comments!
 
R
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R Robwatch99
The watch has been in the family since its purchase in 1964 and I’ve had possession very shortly after that with no intervening servicing. Perhaps 30 years thereafter, it been serviced a few times with Omega and then again very recently by Gray & Sons Jewelers in Florida. It seems from the comments that parts have been replaced although just from looking, the dial looks to
me to be the same dial from its original purchase. I’m certain it has had the 6, 9, 12 Arabic numerals from the beginning. But I much appreciate the comments!
Also, given that non-original parts take away the value, does it make sense to seek out an Omega expert to replace with original parts? I have a sentimental attachment, having had the watch for so many years, but would the cost of doing so be wise from a value perspective?
 
R
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Apologies for the multiple posts. I’ve reviewed some other threads on repair considerations and it’s clear that pursuing a reconstruction to original would be prohibitive and possibly impossible. I’m still curious about the watch since I am certain it was purchased new from a large department store with the face on it now. Again, very thankful to those who have kindly responded!
 
Dan S
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To be more specific. The dial is the original dial, but probably repainted at some point as can be seen from some uneven printing and font discrepancies.

This is really not a cause for concern for an heirloom piece and I wouldn’t recommend a restoration. Just a movement service as needed.
 
ErichKeane
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Dan S Dan S
To be more specific. The dial is the original dial, but probably repainted at some point as can be seen from some uneven printing and font discrepancies.

This is really not a cause for concern for an heirloom piece and I wouldn’t recommend a restoration. Just a movement service as needed.
Right, this watch got a very non-sympathetic service at one point. Im guessing when you mean 'got it serviced at Omega', you really mean "brought it to the AD/Store-that-sells-Omega, and had them service it". I'm guessing at least once there, the jeweler/AD just used a local repair shop (or themselves!).

They attempted to clean the dial and messed it up, so fixed it with a pen/paint/etc. They likely replaced the hands with 'whatever they had that fit', and the crown the same.

At this point, you could either spend a ton of time/effort/cash trying to find authentic replacements, or just have it serviced and love it as it is.
 
R
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Dan S Dan S
To be more specific. The dial is the original dial, but probably repainted at some point as can be seen from some uneven printing and font discrepancies.

This is really not a cause for concern for an heirloom piece and I wouldn’t recommend a restoration. Just a movement service as needed.
Thank you for your helpful input, Dan. As these watches age and receive varied servicing, preserving originality seems like a very difficult achievement. 😊
 
padders
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I'm sorry to report that I am even more pessimistic about the originality than the above commentators. The combo of silver rehaut and (badly worn) gold plated case suggest to me that the crystal is incorrect. The style of refinished dial looks to me to have no place in that case and I suspect is a full transplant, not just a repaint.

I am sure that piece has massive sentimental value, and that is what you need to focus on, since it wont be possible or sensible to put it back to how it was when new without basically throwing half of it away, which would rather throw the sentimental baby out with the bath water. So to speak.

If it runs well, wear it and live with its quirks which represent its journey in your family's care. It won't have the same value, or indeed much at all to another unrelated user.
Edited:
 
R
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padders padders
I'm sorry to report that I am even more pessimistic about the originality than the above commentators. The combo of silver rehaut and (badly worn) gold plated case suggest to me that the crystal is incorrect. The style of refinished dial looks to me to have no place in that case and I suspect is a full transplant, not just a repaint.

I am sure that piece has massive sentimental value, and that is what you need to focus on, since it wont be possible or sensible to put it back to how it was when new without basically throwing half of it away, which would rather throw the sentimental baby out with the bath water. So to speak.

If it runs well, wear it and live with its quirks which represent its journey in your family's care. It won't have the same value, or indeed much at all to another unrelated user.
 
R
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Thank you for your input. I just bought another new watch (fully documented), so best that I enjoy it’s originality and enjoy this Speedmaster the way it is - warts and all!
 
bardamu
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Dan S Dan S
To be more specific. The dial is the original dial, but probably repainted at some point as can be seen from some uneven printing and font discrepancies.

This is really not a cause for concern for an heirloom piece and I wouldn’t recommend a restoration. Just a movement service as needed.

This.
Have it serviced for a daily wear and proudly wear in good health.
 
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