Inherited Seamaster

Objornen · May 19, 2023

Hi guys,

I just inherited an Omega Seamaster from my grandfather. Ive been google'ing for information about the watch, but but have not been able to find that much info since there are small differences with the looks of these watches.
Could anyone help me with providing info about the watch?

My grandfather got it from his dad, whom got it from his brother who was a sailor. I have no idea where in the world he got the watch as he was sailing all over the globe.

The watch was serviced in the 90's. They cleaned it up and fixed(maybe replaced) the knob as is was hard to wind.
I winded the watch about an hour ago and its still running correct.

My grandfather and great grandfather where both farmers and by the scratches and marks on the watch it sees they wore it at work some days.

Since the watch is running and looks good I plan on using it sometimes. And I doubt that its worth more than my sentimental value.

Hope to hear from you!

MtV · May 19, 2023

Welcome aboard - and what a cool heirloom. Yes, the case and the dial show it's been used during its life, but it's not merely sentimental value. Definitely a few hundred €/$.

It looks like a reference 2848 to me, with what is often called a "honeycomb", e.g. a structured dial, that's actually quite desirable. Movement will be a caliber 490/491 and it's from mid-late 50s. All the information are on the inside of the case back and on the movement. If you want to know where it's from, Omega will provide an "Extract of the Archives" for 120CHF or so, telling you exactly where it was delivered to. You're right that the "knob", aka the crown, was replaced, but I wouldn't worry about that. Standard procedure during a service, and even the correct style of "clover"-crowns are still available on eBay etc.

Much like with a barn-find car, while the watch might be running, it won't be healthy for the movement to be used now with the last service being 30 or so years in the past. If you do want to use it - which I would, 100%, if I were you - I'd recommend handing it to a watchmaker who's sympathetic to vintage pieces. Let us know where you are located and I'm sure someone can recommend one. I wouldnt hand it to Omega, though. You'll receive a watch in return that'll look new, and all the charm of the dings and scratches your ancestors caused will be gone.

seekingseaquest · May 19, 2023

MtV
Welcome aboard - and what a cool heirloom. Yes, the case and the dial show it's been used during its life, but it's not merely sentimental value. Definitely a few hundred €/$.

It looks like a reference 2848 to me, with what is often called a "honeycomb", e.g. a structured dial, that's actually quite desirable. Movement will be a caliber 490/491 and it's from mid-late 50s. All the information are on the inside of the case back and on the movement. If you want to know where it's from, Omega will provide an "Extract of the Archives" for 120CHF or so, telling you exactly where it was delivered to. You're right that the "knob", aka the crown, was replaced, but I wouldn't worry about that. Standard procedure during a service, and even the correct style of "clover"-crowns are still available on eBay etc.

Much like with a barn-find car, while the watch might be running, it won't be healthy for the movement to be used now with the last service being 30 or so years in the past. If you do want to use it - which I would, 100%, if I were you - I'd recommend handing it to a watchmaker who's sympathetic to vintage pieces. Let us know where you are located and I'm sure someone can recommend one. I wouldnt hand it to Omega, though. You'll receive a watch in return that'll look new, and all the charm of the dings and scratches your ancestors caused will be gone.

The dial is missing the “automatic” text 😉

It’s a 2759 ref from the mid-1950s with probably a 410 caliber movement. I think the crown is original - these are very rare crowns that only came on this model. The dial looks repainted to me - I say that because the black printed tick marks don’t align with the applied markers.

Regardless, it’s a cool watch and a great heirloom. Definitely get it serviced and enjoy.

MtV · May 19, 2023

seekingseaquest
The dial is missing the “automatic” text 😉

It’s a 2759 ref from the mid-1950s with probably a 410 caliber movement. I think the crown is original - these are very rare crowns that only came on this model. The dial looks repainted to me - I say that because the black printed tick marks don’t align with the applied markers.

Regardless, it’s a cool watch and a great heirloom. Definitely get it serviced and enjoy.

Haha, you’re right of course and it explains the crown. My bad, glad your eyes are sharper. 😀

Objornen · May 21, 2023

MtV
Haha, you’re right of course and it explains the crown. My bad, glad your eyes are sharper. 😀

Thank you very much both of you! You guys obviously know your Omegas

I will follow up on your advise of having the watch serviced. Im located in Norway, and I think I know of a watchmaker that can service it. I will let you know how it goes!

Thanks again, this was exactly what I was hoping for

Inherited Seamaster

Objornen

MtV

seekingseaquest

MtV

Objornen

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