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  1. 1965fairlane Mar 9, 2019

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    I received this watch about 20 years ago after my Grandfather passed away. As the story goes... he served in the army and lost part of his foot in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. After the injury, he was given desk duty in Belgium and picked up the Omega watch then. I assume this is right around 1945.

    He never spoke of the war, or his time overseas so this is truly all I know. My mom remembers the watch as a child, it glowing as it left the room after tucking her in at night. That was around 1950.

    I have worn the watch sparingly, and as far as I can tell it keeps perfect time... assuming I wind it two full turns each night before bed. I have never had it worked on, although I did replace the bracelet. It had a cheap metal elastic "rip your arm hair out" band when I received it. I have no watch tools and have never taken the back off (not sure if that is smart to do anyway?).

    I have done a lot of reading and looking online for some details on this watch. I cannot find anything like it, but it is very possible I am just not looking in the right places! I have seen a few military watches that come close though.

    What I would like to know is...

    1. Does the date range sound right?
    2. What would the original watch band have looked like and made of?
    3. The back says it is a Seamaster, but I cannot find a single watch with similar back online.
    4. Would you restore it? It barely glows anymore, and it would be cool to get the dial replaced (assuming that is possible) and see it in its full glory.
    5. Would you wear this every day? Assuming my dates are correct, it is a 75 year old watch.

    Thanks in advance for any input you might have!

    IMG_1208.jpg IMG_1210.jpg IMG_1211.jpg
     
  2. 1965fairlane Mar 9, 2019

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    So... I post this and immediately see another like mine in the "vintage black dials" post. It was a Suveran? Mine does not say that on the back though. In that last pic above, it definitely says Seamaster.
     
  3. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Mar 9, 2019

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    Pretty sure he did not buy that watch before 1948... As that was the first year for them.

    That looks like very fragile radium lume though.

    A very competent watchmaker can remove the back. Clear pictures of the movement and caseback and we can answer all questions.

    Although an expert on this period might speak up.
     
  4. 1965fairlane Mar 9, 2019

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    Got the nerve to take the back off... 9829951 is what is printed in the pic. I assume that is the movement number and the watch is from 1943?

    IMG_1212.JPG IMG_1214.JPG
     
  5. 1965fairlane Mar 9, 2019

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    Better pic...

    IMG_1216.jpg
     
  6. 1965fairlane Mar 9, 2019

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  7. Toishome Mar 9, 2019

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    Wow thats a pretty early Omega. Serial puts it between 1939 to 1944.
     
  8. Toishome Mar 9, 2019

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    The answer to your questions:

    1. Does the date range sound right? Yes
    2. What would the original watch band have looked like and made of? Probably had a leather band.
    3. The back says it is a Seamaster, but I cannot find a single watch with similar back online. Hard to find an Omega wristwatch this old. Not common.
    4. Would you restore it? It barely glows anymore, and it would be cool to get the dial replaced (assuming that is possible) and see it in its full glory. I would service it. Not by Omega and wouldn't replace any of the original parts.
    5. Would you wear this every day? Assuming my dates are correct, it is a 75 year old watch. I would :)
     
  9. efauser I ♥ karma!!! Mar 9, 2019

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  10. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Mar 9, 2019

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    I would not replace the dial.

    The radium lume will need an expert though to stabilize it and not ruin it.

    I’m with @efauser im not sure the watch left the factory like that. You would think Seamaster would be on the dial and the movement seems early. I’m wondering if an earlier dial and movement got recased in the 50’s or 60’s.

    That being said it’s a great heirloom. Which an expert could stabilize the dial and be enjoyed.
     
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  11. 1965fairlane Mar 9, 2019

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    Thank you for the responses!

    Could it be possible the back alone isn't original, while the rest of the watch is? My grandfather was notoriously frugal. While not impossible, I cannot imagine him putting a lot of money into rebuilding the watch.

    I did note that the left bumper spring is loose. I turned it around by hand for the second interior pic. Looking on-line, there is one local option. A place called Gunderson's. I'll take it in there before that screw/spring comes loose and gets lodged in somewhere.

    Now to find a good leather strap befitting of this watch!
     
  12. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Mar 9, 2019

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    Gunderson's The jeweler in The Midwest?

    Most likely no.

    The problem is the radium lume. It’s radio active and will very quickly turn to dust if touched which is bad for the dial and worse if someone breathes it.

    Hence a specialist who can stabilize it and is good enough to not disturb it when they service it. Many a dial like this has been damaged when being serviced and mess up the lume. Which then means it needs to be cleaned and resumed with modern non radioactive materials to look good. Which at this point would ruin the watch to many people or collectors.

    It’s your heirloom so that might be the way you want to go.