Hey guys,

I just took a bit of a gamble on this seamaster 300 that was up for auction locally. Unfortunately I only spotted it today and was not able to view or get too much more information on it.



From the one (that's right one photo), I was able to tell the bezel looked good, the hands are replacement, the dial well could be original (let's hope even if it is a bit green), the crown looks naiad and the bracelet looks like a 1171/633.

I will be picking this up in the next few days, so hopefully my gamble will pay off! And if not I might have some parts to move on.

Let me know what you think of the watch and how much of a risk I took.

 

If that crown is wrong, drop me a line - I have one I mistakenly bought. Otherwise, good luck everything is correct!

 

In my opinion you were right..it was a risk but let's see what we'll say the members with more experience..

 

I love a good gamble

 

No worries, you have yourself a fine SM300 there

 

Ok I picked the watch up today before work, everything looks good . The case back is a bit worn, but it seems to be from an estate (as per the very low valuation paper that came with it) and may be a one owner watch.

The papers also stated it to be a 165.024-64 which I will most likely confirm with an extract down the road and taking the caseback off later.

The 'Swiss' marking on the dial is obscured for some reason so unable to see the T's but to my untrained eye the dial looks vintage. There is also the pinholes at 12 & 6. The crystal has the omega symbol in the centre.

The bezel looks great, a little wear and still clicks nicely bidirectional.

The watch overall is well worn, but the case is not too damaged. And very very dirty! Needs a good scrub, along with the 1171/1 bracelet and 633 endlinks

Photos below.

 

Hellava deal. Bezel alone went for over $2,000 on eBay last week. Well done.

 

I have always enjoyed seeing posts by @EdtheAussie as the his OF name is close to my late dear mother's name, Edythe.

 

As much as I want to know where this "local auction house" is, and the fact that you've been able to pick up the watch this morning should really narrow it down, I think you'd be wise to keep this to yourself.
You've been rewarded for your hunting and you never know if something else might come along soon.

Congratulations

Ian
Brisbane (unsuccessful auction hunter)

 

Fair point Ian, I try delving through gumtree but find I am always too slow! And too be honest I was surprised I got it, I think there may have only been one other bidder.

 

That is a lovely sentiment Gemini

 

Here in the states we would call this an O.J. (after OJ Simpson). You got away with it.

 

Looks good, let's see what it looks like after the filth has been removed

 

Wow! If the serial is low I have a pair of candle hands in good condition to sell.

 

I love the WABI on that especially the crazed crystal - please don't change it

 

Dirty, grimy, and just the way I like 'em!

Killer watch! Get some hands sorted and you have a cracking 300.

 

I eventually got the caseback off, with the help of my Pahawi caseback opener and some careful pressure. I have confirmed that the serial is 2379xxxx and the reference on the case back is 165.024-64.

Would the most appropriate replacement hands be candle stick for the period?

 

I think so

 

You must have felt like a million dollar man when you finally got the watch. Great gamble. No better feeling than receiving a watch after a gamble that actually paid off.
Few years ago, I spotted a Connie at a very small auction house in France which seemed in 18k gold. They presented it as "gold color". However, they didn't want to certify that it was 18k gold because there was not gold marking on the case and they did not have the tool to open the caseback. I bought it for nothing ($200 or $250), brought it home and opened the caseback. Bingo! You can bet I was happy when I saw the "0.750/18K" inscription inside the caseback.