Hi folks, I'm still a fairly new collector, though I've worn a 41mm quartz Seamaster for years. Anyway, a non-watch expert friend of mine recently tipped me off to a somewhat older model Seamaster coming into his family's jewelry shop. They deal primarily in diamonds, but this was apparently part of a trade. What I do know about the watch is as follows: steel bracelet and case, blue dial/bezel, 'Seamaster' in the white font, not red as seen in the 2221.80, date at the 3:00 position. Divots/holes in back of case so from the way he described them (5 equidistant round divots) I believe he simply means it is a screw-back model. He thinks it to be an automatic movement, not quartz, and described it as "either a 36 or 38 mm". The bracelet is apparently heavily scuffed and at the least will need a good polishing. Sorry but I won't be able to get photos until the item is actually up on the shelf for sale. Anyone feel like lending an opinion as to the model ref number from the paltry details above? Any thoughts as to a fair market value? Thanks for helping out a newbie and for lending any thoughts opinions at all!
Well sounds like a 90s bond midsize seamaster professional 300m ref 2551.80.00 Can't say for sure without photos. As for value, these are abundant and relatively inexpensive, and a quick google/ebay search will give you the approximate value. It all depends on the condition though.
Ah, many thanks. I think that must be the one; I'm so used to the quartz models I kept thinking of the 2561.80 I believe they're going to start at 1K-1100, so I'll have to take a look in person once I can. Thanks again!
Update* Got to see the watch in person today, still no pics as per the store's policy unfortunately. It is indeed a 2551.80.00. Clean dial and crystal, some scuffing along edges of case, significant scuffing on bracelet however does not appear too deep. The luminescent markings appear strong for the age and the dial face itself retains sharp clarity. Wasn't able to take the backing off (like I mentioned, watches aren't generally their specialty), however the automatic movement did appear to be running smoothly and keeping time correctly for the few minutes I observed it, syncing quite closely in second and minute progression with the Tag Formula 1 I wore today. They're planning to list it at 1,300 U.S. but have offered it to me for 1K plus tax for a total of $1080 U.S. Twenty-four hour no questions asked return policy; the owner did say he was fine with me having it examined by my watch repair specialist during that 24. As per Ebay and online sellers I've observed this seems fairly reasonable, even with the consideration that the bracelet will need a full, if light, polishing. Anyone want to lend their two cents on this offer? As always, thanks!
Well the price is ok but the mid size pieces trade at about $300-400 less than the full size ones and you may have to factor in a service sooner or later which could cost you maybe $250-450 depending on who you use. With this in mind you should be comparing it with other serviced mid sized autos on eBay etc at circa $1300-1400. An OK price but not cheap cheap. Be aware that the mid sized models are not massively desirable in the West where bigger wrists are the norm. They sell better in Asia, Japanese eBay sellers list dozens of them. I had one and with my 7.25” wrist I was glad to swap it within a year for a 41mm full size.
Indeed. I had one before but sold it after acquiring or pieces. If you like the aesthetics and how it wears then go for it.
Thanks for the input guys. That's about what I figured, reasonably fair but not a steal. The size doesn't bother me, as I personally tend to gravitate towards midsize watches out of my own personal preference. For example, despite loving the design of some of the recent Planet Ocean models I just can't get comfortable with their size/weight and quickly traded off the one I did have; likely will soon do the same with my Tag Formula 1 full size. Thanks again!