Is this old Seamaster 300 worth restoring?

P

Posts

4

Likes

14

piratesfl

·Sep 23, 2025

I’ve spent a few hours on this forum and have learned a lot. I’m not a high end watch kinda guy but I acquired this old seamaster 300 from an estate. It looks like it’s been worn for a few decades. Would Omega be able to bring it back to life through servicing? Is this one too far gone? I haven’t opened the back yet, but it runs and keeps time if worn (or lightly shaken). Feels a little “clunky” like something’s loose inside but still works.

 

Posts

23,123

Likes

51,623

Dan S

·Sep 23, 2025

It’s extremely rare to have the bezel inlay intact. I would not mess around with that watch. Go slowly. Movement service and hands relumed by an experienced independent watchmaker. Definitely not omega!

Please post in focus photos in better light

 

Posts

15,185

Likes

44,597

Canuck

·Sep 23, 2025

Also, crystal is cracked. Should be dealt with.

 

Posts

12,872

Likes

22,240

Davidt

·Sep 23, 2025

To any work here slow and right. Rushing into something and getting it wrong will have a large negative impact.

If you can post some better pictures along with what country you’re in, you’ll likely get some recommendations

 

Posts

264

Likes

256

bazelot

·Sep 23, 2025

It is not worth restoring, just give it to me instead 😀

 

P

Posts

4

Likes

14

piratesfl

·Sep 23, 2025

I’m in the US. The crystal is definitely cracked and crazed. The hands are completey worn through in the center. I’m going to take it and have the back opened up. I’m really curious as to its age. I’ve seen so many variations of but nothing that is a direct match to this one.

 

Posts

35

Likes

9

jeff48

·Sep 23, 2025

Yes definitely worth saving. Looks to be a 165.014 1963 ish through 1967 ish. Hands need a re-lume, exercise caution everywhere else.
Replacement crystals are available but OEM replacements from NOS (new old stock) will be expensive. Parts for the movement will be readily available, in fact, running movements of this type are available if a full replacement is needed. Don’t over polish the case, the back will definitely not handle an over polish situation. You’ve got a great start on a great watch.

 

Posts

5,541

Likes

9,368

watchyouwant

·Sep 23, 2025

bazelot

It is not worth restoring, just give it to me instead 😀

If that falls through , I'm next in line. I would even pay for postage ...

 

Posts

23,123

Likes

51,623

Dan S

·Sep 23, 2025

P piratesfl

I’ve seen so many variations of but nothing that is a direct match to this one.

Not sure what you mean by this, this is not a rare model. Probably a 165.014, but opening it will tell for sure.

 

Posts

33,153

Likes

37,886

dsio

·Sep 23, 2025·Ash @ ΩF

I wouldn't even be worried about the movement noises, the Cal 552 powering it is about the cheapest part of the whole watch and you can find a donor for parts super easily. Really nice find.

 

Posts

2,803

Likes

5,877

Fallout Boy

·Sep 23, 2025

Great watch - do NOT relume, just clean and service the inside (from parts of the old lume).

Hands will not match after reluming with the "overall patina" (Jose, Perezcope). Esp. with a test later under UV-light.
There is no need for any lume on the hands.

 

Posts

705

Likes

990

Dsplash

·Sep 24, 2025

Ahahah what you have here is every SM300 lover’s dream project! 😁

Honestly, if that kind of patina doesn’t attract you, just sell it to someone who does 😀
You’ll get enough cash to buy a watch you want and that one will have a chance to get a new life!

 

Posts

965

Likes

4,031

Cuttysark

·Sep 24, 2025

Nice watch!
It's a 2913 with the 165.014 or 024 hands.
The caseback is thicker than the refs. 14755 and 165.014 because of the old cal. 501.
The dial is radium. The hands tritium.
Don't send it to Omega for the restoration they will remove all the valuable parts.
You have to search the original hands. Maybe on Ebay.
If you want to sell as is there's a long waiting line here 😀 I'm in this line too!
Nico

 

P

Posts

4

Likes

14

piratesfl

·Sep 25, 2025

Thanks for all of the advice and feedback! I’ve been occasionally walking with it to simulate wear and it’s been keeping accurate time. I spent a little time with some toothpaste, toothpicks, and a polishing rag yesterday cleaning the old 2913 up. I was able to get a few of the corroded spots looking much better. I plan to get the movement serviced, the crystal replaced, and a black leather band for it. Maybe this Omega is turning me into a watch guy.

 

Posts

6,273

Likes

9,833

Mark020

·Sep 25, 2025·not the sharpest pencil in the ΩF drawer

Really fantastic watch

 

Posts

2,803

Likes

5,877

Fallout Boy

·Sep 25, 2025

A good watch-maker can stabilize the rest of the lume of the hands by laquering - on the back-side

 

Posts

23,123

Likes

51,623

Dan S

·Sep 25, 2025

If they are not the original hands I wouldn’t hesitate to have them relumed and color matched.

 

Posts

437

Likes

751

smorrisonmd

·Sep 25, 2025

P piratesfl

Thanks for all of the advice and feedback! I’ve been occasionally walking with it to simulate wear and it’s been keeping accurate time. I spent a little time with some toothpaste, toothpicks, and a polishing rag yesterday cleaning the old 2913 up. I was able to get a few of the corroded spots looking much better. I plan to get the movement serviced, the crystal replaced, and a black leather band for it. Maybe this Omega is turning me into a watch guy.

While a leather strap will look fine, that watch deserves an appropriate bracelet. Should not be hard to fine, but won't be cheap 😀.

 

P

Posts

4

Likes

14

piratesfl

·Sep 25, 2025

smorrisonmd

While a leather strap will look fine, that watch deserves an appropriate bracelet. Should not be hard to fine, but won't be cheap 😀.

Definitely not cheap! But, yes I agree.

 

Posts

9,481

Likes

51,945

gbesq

·Sep 25, 2025

Wow, wow, wow. As others have said, do not send it to Omega for service. You need an expert.