My Dad's old Seamaster 2849-2SC

DoctorEvil · May 22, 2021

Hi everyone. Hope you all are in good health.
I've posted previously about this watch but I have more info to share.

This watch belonged to my Dad and he gifted it to me earlier this year. His parents gave it to him around 1959-1960. He wore it for a long time, until about 1980 and it was this watch that first got me interested in Omega. As you can see from the pics, the model number, serial number and movement number are not visible on the outside. I knew that the info I wanted was inside but was unsure how to open up the case. And I didn't want to take it to a watch repair place and be charged just for opening it up (I know, I'm a tight wad!). Anyway, after reading some forum posts and watching a couple of YouTube videos I finally plucked up the courage to try opening it myself. I inserted a scalpel blade in between the case and the back cover and slowly created a gap. After this, I could then use a pry tool to open it the rest of the way. As I opened it up, my pulse quickened and I felt like Aladdin entering the proverbial cave. I was so excited!

So, here are my pics of the watch's insides. I'll admit that I'm no expert but it doesn't look too bad considering it's never had a service. It still ticks along. And now I have the info I want so that I can trace the watch's history.

I hope you enjoy my pics and thanks for reading.

View attachment 1225133

malilis · May 22, 2021

Hi ! This watch would sure benefit from a service !! even if it works alright .. and at the same time a bit of cleaning of the case shall end up with a new watch !!

krogerfoot · May 22, 2021

Well done. You absolutely should get the watch serviced and if the scratches on the crystal are too deep to polish out, you may be able to source a new one. You will be amazed how new the watch will look.

DoctorEvil · May 22, 2021

malilis
Hi ! This watch would sure benefit from a service !! even if it works alright .. and at the same time a bit of cleaning of the case shall end up with a new watch !!

Hi there. Yes, I've agonised about whether to service it. At this stage, I'm not planning on wearing it on a regular basis so servicing could be an expensive exercise for little benefit. From what I can see, it will also need new period correct hands because the current ones are corroded. In addition to the case, the dial might also need a clean as I can see small spots on it. I had originally thought about getting a nice strap for it so I could use it as a dress watch with a suit or tux. But now, I think that it doesn't quite look "dressy" enough so I've cooled off on servicing it.

ConElPueblo · May 22, 2021

If it hadn't been your father's, I would have congratulated you on a very well preserved watch of a reference that is most often found in pretty poor condition.

A gorgeous watch with a great story. What a treasure!

ConElPueblo · May 22, 2021

DoctorEvil
...I could use it as a dress watch with a suit or tux. But now, I think that it doesn't quite look "dressy" enough so I've cooled off on servicing it.

You'll be surprised to see what a sympathetic polish and a new crystal can do to it. This will clean up extremely well, I am sure. I probaly wouldn't touch the hands though a new set would look magnificient.

DoctorEvil · May 22, 2021

ConElPueblo
If it hadn't been your father's, I would have congratulated you on a very well preserved watch of a reference that is most often found in pretty poor condition.

A gorgeous watch with a great story. What a treasure!

Thank you for your kind words.
Yes, this watch is a treasure and in due course I'll most likely end up passing it on to my son.
How does that Patek Phillipe ad slogan go? 😉

DoctorEvil · May 22, 2021

ConElPueblo
You'll be surprised to see what a sympathetic polish and a new crystal can do to it. This will clean up extremely well, I am sure. I probaly wouldn't touch the hands though a new set would look magnificient.

Yes, I agree that a new crystal and hands would transform this watch like cinderella. However, I've also come across many debates on this forum about the pros and cons of replacing visible parts and how it affects the watch's originality/collectability/value etc so I'm undecided. I'm still a newbie in the watch game (esp vintage) and I don't want to do anything that could diminish these things.

watchyouwant · May 22, 2021

Now we talk value ? Well, as it is unserviced, it might be a $600 watch. Service adds $200. And get you something, you can enjoy daily. Heirloom ? Priceless.

BAJJ · May 22, 2021

I would get it serviced, cleaned, maybe a light buff (not polish) on the case and possibly a new crystal if the old scratches won't buff out and leave the rest alone. It will then be a delight to wear, a nod of respect to your father and peace of mind knowing its good for years to come.

krogerfoot · May 22, 2021

DoctorEvil
Hi there. Yes, I've agonised about whether to service it. At this stage, I'm not planning on wearing it on a regular basis so servicing could be an expensive exercise for little benefit. From what I can see, it will also need new period correct hands because the current ones are corroded. In addition to the case, the dial might also need a clean as I can see small spots on it. I had originally thought about getting a nice strap for it so I could use it as a dress watch with a suit or tux. But now, I think that it doesn't quite look "dressy" enough so I've cooled off on servicing it.

Let me reiterate that just polishing or replacing the crystal will do wonders, although you’ll need to service it no matter what. When my watchmaker said he had found a genuine replacement crystal for my similar watch, I was like, $60? Sure, why not. The old crystal was in better shape than yours, but the transformation from that one change was breathtaking. I think the hands on your watch look fine.

DoctorEvil · May 22, 2021

watchyouwant
Now we talk value ? Well, as it is unserviced, it might be a $600 watch. Service adds $200. And get you something, you can enjoy daily. Heirloom ? Priceless.

Hi there and thanks for your input.
Agree with your assessment re monetary value after servicing. However, I anticipate the cost of a service would be a lot more than $200 so I can't really justify the expenditure. In terms of sentimental value, no question it's priceless. Even if this was a Paul Newman Daytona I still wouldn't sell it. What my son does with this watch after I'm gone though is another matter. So I want to preserve the value of this watch in case he chooses to sell it later.

jaguar11 · May 22, 2021

Very nice looker!

MtV · May 22, 2021

Very nice find! And if I may, without the attention of distracting from your example: After a service and a nice clean-up, it’ll look closer to this

(slightly different indices, but still very similar configuration) 😀

Wlcutter · May 22, 2021

Congrats @DoctorEvil, that's a stellar example. If you need help finding a watchmaker for this, post your location. And I'd echo the sentiments to leave everything--hands included--but that a crystal change will be a breeze (tho pricey; Omega upped their prices this year) and servicing should be a snap.

SkunkPrince · May 22, 2021

During service, the crystal and crown will be replaced (should be, anyways) to restore proper water resistance. Fortunately that crown is still available and the crystal probably is too. Caseback gasket is always changed.

Even if you wear it intermittently, if you get it serviced you'll be able to wear it off and on over the next ten years.

Syrte · May 22, 2021

Very nice.
No matter what else you do, do not touch that dial. It is perfect as it is and you risk causing irreversible damage for no good reason.

DoctorEvil · May 22, 2021

MtV
Very nice find! And if I may, without the attention of distracting from your example: After a service and a nice clean-up, it’ll look closer to this

(slightly different indices, but still very similar configuration) 😀

Very nice. You've got a beauty there.

DoctorEvil · May 22, 2021

Wlcutter
Congrats @DoctorEvil, that's a stellar example. If you need help finding a watchmaker for this, post your location. And I'd echo the sentiments to leave everything--hands included--but that a crystal change will be a breeze (tho pricey; Omega upped their prices this year) and servicing should be a snap.

Thanks for your offer of help. If I do decide one day to service it, I'll give you guys a yell.

cineaste · May 22, 2021

DoctorEvil
Hi there and thanks for your input.
Agree with your assessment re monetary value after servicing. However, I anticipate the cost of a service would be a lot more than $200 so I can't really justify the expenditure. In terms of sentimental value, no question it's priceless. Even if this was a Paul Newman Daytona I still wouldn't sell it. What my son does with this watch after I'm gone though is another matter. So I want to preserve the value of this watch in case he chooses to sell it later.

How much does service cost in the US? Here in Germany just movement service should be around 100-150 (and 150 will include ultrasonic cleaning of the case).

My Dad's old Seamaster 2849-2SC

DoctorEvil

malilis

krogerfoot

DoctorEvil

ConElPueblo

ConElPueblo

DoctorEvil

DoctorEvil

watchyouwant

BAJJ

krogerfoot

DoctorEvil

jaguar11

MtV

Wlcutter

SkunkPrince

Syrte

DoctorEvil

DoctorEvil

cineaste

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