Hello, this is my first post to the forum. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

I was looking for any input into the watch listed here. It was my father's watch and now it is mine. Specifically I would like to understand:
- year
- model
- its uniqueness or lack thereof
- recommendation for servicing (Omega certified or other)

The watch casing has a serial number that appears to be "H 14157". I have not opened up the case as I don't want to risk hurting the watch. I am able to move the watch hands but the dial will not wind the watch (it appears stuck).

Before I spend money on servicing I was just curious if it is worth it. I really like the watch and would like to use it.

Thank you in advance for any/all information.

 

Yowza. I'll let others more knowledgeable about Omega give you the details, but it's worth a service for sure. Find an independent watch maker (the guys here can help you) and you'll be in business.

 

I'm by no means qualified to provide you with advice on this watch, but one thing that immediately jumps out is that this watch is "double signed". Meaning that, along with Omega, the dial also sports the name of the retailer that originally sold it, in this case "Meister", which is still a major jeweller in Switzerland and Germany.

The fact that the watch is double signed makes it significantly more rare than a standard example, as only a handful of jewellers were given the opportunity to sell "double signed" pieces - Tiffany, Cartier, Serpico y Laino and Meister are the ones I'm most familiar with.

Can't help you beyond that, but it's a cool watch, made more interesting by the Meister dial.

And one thing that I'm sure will become a theme in this thread - don't send it to Omega, find a good independent watchmaker to assist with very carefully and sympathetically restoring this, as the value comes in large part from the originality of the watch components. There's a high likelihood that Omega would replace valuable components if you send it to them. So better to get watchmaker recommendations on this board based on where you're located.

 

Have a watchmaker remove the case back so you can confirm movement and watch reference number.

 

Looks like a late 50's Seamaster chronograph, with 321 movement. The 321 is highly regarded and was the same movement used in the Speedmasters that went to the moon. While not rare, these aren't overly common, especially compared to the standard 50's/60's 'time only' Seamasters.

Despite being called Seamasters, these models aren't particularly waterproof, but they are collectible and with a service by a good vintage specialist, there's no reason this can't be worn for another lifetime.

I'd advise against Omega. They will often replace parts and over polish the case. Where are you located? We'll be able to give some recommendations for watchmakers who are more sympathetic to vintage pieces.

 

By the way, check out this thread

https://omegaforums.net/threads/not-all-321s-are-speedmasters.22332/

 

Thank you for the input/advice. I am in the US (Hawaii). Doubt there are any good watchmakers here. Any suggestion of people I would be comfortable shipping it to? Thanks in advance.

 

Thank you everyone for your input, keep it coming.

If it is from the late 50s there is a good chance that it was actually my grandfathers watch that he passed down to my dad (both are now dead). That makes it even more special to me.

Keep the input coming, I am so glad I found this forum!

 

I'm in the UK so can't help with watchmakers local to you. I suspect you'll be looking at the mainland though. Give it s few hours and someone in the states will chip in.

Your watch looks to be reasonably unpolished (that's a plus as it means the sharp lines on the case are still present and not rounded off from years of polishing). You also have the original al flat foot crown and a new crystal will improve the look of the dial tremendously.

If it was your fathers and possibly grandfathers before him, even more reason to keep it original as possible. Ideally you want to be looking down at the same dial, case, hands etc that they looked down at for all those years and not a modern replacement.

 

I quite like the basic functionality of having the outer markings plain without all the tachy nonsense. I suppose it's main function, apart from telling the time would be as a reasonably accurate stopwatch/elapsed time counter to 0.2 secs.

 

Very unusual combination. Baton hands, which should put the watch in the early sixties. Non Swiss T, but it appear to have tritium dots and hands. Unusual that the 3,6 &9 are partial. Hour indices are placed far from edge which makes me think that the watch may have had a tachymetre. Me thinks it is either a totally custom dial for Meister or a redial.

 

There are quite a few variations on these Seamasters - I think the dial's good.

Good point on the hands though, so probably early 60's rather than late 50's.

 

Nesbitts in Seattle have received some good reviews but I have no first-hand knowledge.

Let's see..... Dad's watch, maybe Grandpa's, .....

Go for the best watchmaker you can find in the world, ship registered and establish good communication beforehand!

Your Son/Grandson's legacy is at stake here. The value is measured with the heart, not the dial or the dollars.

 

Chronodeco in Oregon has worked on my cal321 chronographs, including a Seamaster. Highly recommended.

 

Thank you everyone for the input. I contacted Nesbit's in Seattle and they said they no longer service caliber 321 watches (lack of parts). In addition to Chronodeco suggested above, are there any other suggestions of repair/service options in the States?

 

Hello everyone, I wanted to provide an update. I decided to have my watch serviced by Omega. As the 321 movement is rare and parts are hard to find, they could only do the service in Switzerland. So, back in November I sent it to them. I received the timepiece back this week and I am in love with my new timepiece (actually my Grandfather's from the 50s). It took six months, they said it took three months alone to restore the dial. The total cost was $2,100 but worth every penny. The manager at the Omega store here said she had to admit she opened it up before giving it to me to show all her staff. She advised to me, don't ever sell it, it is unique in many ways. So, here are the pics...before and after.

 

If you're pleased with it, that's what matters. Enjoy the watch.

 

As far as dial work by Omega, that's pretty damn good. I'd be happy with it!

 

That's an amazing redial. Really retains the styling of the old dial down to the open 9 and lume plots. Looks like not a detail was missed.

Crazy how well Omega pulled this one off. If omega did an LE of this seamaster this would be the way to do it. Stunning craftsmanship.

 

That redial is so well done it's hard to tell it actually is one. What's important is that it looks good for you.