Large Hippocampus ref 2997-1?! Looking for Caseback identification help.

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Giff2577

·Aug 2, 2018

Hello everyone! I am a fan of the larger 19mm Hippocampus Seamaster caseback watches and I recently acquired an unusual caseback from “a watchmakers estate” with unfortunately no information as to its origins.

It is marked reference 2997-1! I have not been able to dig up any information on that reference in Omega books or through online searches. The large Hippocampus logo was only used in the years 1958-1959. AJTT lists it as being used on references 2975 and 2846. I have two large Hippocampus references (2984/2989) and 2849.

The caseback was manufactured by HF (Huguenin Frères) as you know one of the case makers for the Seamaster 300 and the Speedmaster. The similarly numbered Speedmaster 2998 was made in 1959. So the reference number and the large Hippocampus seem to place it from ~1959. Is it feasible that this is a Seamaster 300 reference? The caseback is large at 33mm and it is similar in size to my 165.024 caseback but with more height and less flat. There are also some watchmaker markings scratched into it.

Do any members have any knowledge of a reference 2997 Seamaster or have seen one?
Thank you!

 

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Giff2577

·Aug 11, 2018

Bueller, Bueller, Bueller?

I’m still hoping for some insight on Ref. 2997-1.

 

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wwhntr

·Aug 11, 2018

I also follow these large hippocampus case backs, but this is the first of that ref and also the first screw back.

 

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Giff2577

·Aug 11, 2018

wwhntr

I also follow these large hippocampus case backs, but this is the first of that ref and also the first screw back.

I see you have a gold medallion one as your avatar!

 

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seekingseaquest

·Aug 11, 2018

Very curious about this one.

I’ve found two references to a 2997. The first I assume to be a 2998 typo but I know little about Speedmasters so wanted to share. The second was from a list of references here on OF, and the original post has since been deleted (visible only in a reply). Would be interested in knowing where that list came from.

http://vintage-watch.blogspot.com/2014/06/321-pre-moon-speedmaster-omega-105012.html?m=1

https://omegaforums.net/threads/identify-this-vintage-omega-w-crosshair-dial.56128/

 

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Giff2577

·Aug 11, 2018

seekingseaquest

Very curious about this one.

I’ve found two references to a 2997. The first I assume to be a 2998 typo but I know little about Speedmasters so wanted to share. The second was from a list of references here on OF, and the original post has since been deleted (visible only in a reply). Would be interested in knowing where that list came from.

http://vintage-watch.blogspot.com/2014/06/321-pre-moon-speedmaster-omega-105012.html?m=1

https://omegaforums.net/threads/identify-this-vintage-omega-w-crosshair-dial.56128/

Thank you for the reply!

I also happened upon the first link and assumed it was a typo intending 2998.

Thanks for finding the post with the list of references. I’ll have to look into that as a lead!

 

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tamura

·Aug 11, 2018

I have a big logo screw back on a 36mm case - ref. 2992

 

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airansun

·Aug 11, 2018

tamura

I have a big logo screw back on a 36mm case - ref. 2992

@tamura :

I can’t believe you posted such nice pictures of the case back but not the face or the movement!

🍿

 

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Giff2577

·Aug 11, 2018

tamura

I have a big logo screw back on a 36mm case - ref. 2992

Thank you very much for sharing! It looks very similar. Could I bother you to post a photo of the front?

 

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tamura

·Aug 11, 2018

sorry,

 

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Giff2577

·Aug 11, 2018

tamura

sorry,

Wow! That is a gorgeous dial! Thank you for posting your watch with a very similar caseback!

 

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seekingseaquest

·May 3, 2019

Reviving an old thread for another 2997 case back.. not that this helps with understanding what they fit..

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/202669125648

 

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Shabbaz

·May 4, 2019

Looks like the caseback of my 2976...

 

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seekingseaquest

·May 4, 2019

That’s a jumbo, right? Same with the 2992 above.

Some googling uncovered this apparent 2997. It seems just like a 2846.. which if so is a bit anticlimactic.

https://www.bidsquare.com/online-au...-with-stainless-steel-case-back-number-451738

 

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Shabbaz

·May 4, 2019

Yes. It's 38mm.

 

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HairspringHarry

·Jul 29, 2019

Hi there
I have a Seamaster ref 2997 SC with a 34mm case and cal 501 dating to 1958 also with the large hippocampus logo. Production dates all seem to add up so looks like this is what they are.
Hope this helps!
HH

 

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seekingseaquest

·Jul 29, 2019

Interesting, thanks for sharing. I’m guessing the serial dates it to 1958ish?

 

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HairspringHarry

·Jul 31, 2019

seekingseaquest

Interesting, thanks for sharing. I’m guessing the serial dates it to 1958ish?

No problem
Yep 1958! Spot on

 

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Magnix

·Aug 19, 2019

This is my Big Hippo caseback 😀

Ref 2849 - 9 SC

What happened to the dial