Hi guys, I've only recently become interested in watches/movements and I really like early Seamasters and other similar looking 1960s watches. This watch has been in my family for around 15 years or so now, it was purchased second hand in Vietnam in the 1990s I believe. I've never seen a Seamaster with a dial that looks anything like this, and haven't been able to find anything close to similar online. It appears to be cal 565, the serial begins with #302 (which from what i can tell means it could be dated to around 1969 or 1970, and the case reference is 166 037 SP, which I think also points to a similar time-frame? It's very rough condition but functions quite well, and still looks quite charming despite being put through the washing machine (not my doing) at some point. Does anyone know anything about this watch or its origins? I was convinced it was fake until I opened the case tonight and saw the movement, but I really don't know what I'm looking at or talking about other than information I've managed to gather online.
No. Night and day. I'm not convinced it is a redial yet. But I'm very close. Font looks funny. Picture is very poor. I've seen stranger dials that were original. gatorcpa
thanks for the replies! I don't really mind whether it's a redial or whether it's 100% original, I like it either way. Sorry about the poor quality photos, I only have my phone camera. Here are a few more that might be slightly more clear. View attachment 195280
As others have noted, the watch has had a hard life but it still has a certain charm. It should be cleaned, oiled and adjusted but left as is for now. Looking at the dial I think it's unusual but original. The quality of the stamping is extremely good, specifically the changes from black to white backgrounds. It still has an original Ω crystal that can be bought back to "as new". I like it.
Glad you don't mind if it's a redial or not. Having said that, it's a public forum so if it's deemed to be a redial (which it is) than some would just like to know that. The Seamaster logo is clearly warped and on an angle, fonts of varying widths. Indeed though it was masterfully created in other regards and an interesting unique piece.
I'm thinking that it possibly is because of the alignment of the black and white sectors. Whilst the join is perfectly aligned at 6 o'clock, it is off centre at 12 o'clock such that the entire dot lies within the black sector, as does part of the number "2". Also, the entire "m" in Seamaster is white, even though part of the tail is in the white sector.