Well, my first purchase has arrived!



Was just wondering, should I definitely get it serviced, even if it keeps good time? I do intend to wear it regularly. I was surprised to be able to hear it winding quite audibly when I move it. And what should I ask for, just cleaning and oiling? And how much should I expect to pay? I'm in Australia. Thanks for the advice, guys, as always.

 

Yes, definitely get it serviced. The fact that it runs and keeps time is a bonus, not an indicator that you can just use it. The cost will depend to a large extent on how much work is required - you might expect that on a fifty-plus years watch. Regarding the winding noise - what calibre movement do you have? Or case ref will do, if you know that.

 

What John said

Go for a clean, oil and adjust. It should be able to be done for $200 to $300 and you can get pics of the innards when the watchmaker has it open.

What part of Oz do you lurk in?

Cheers

Jim

 

Thanks for the tips! I may have done some winding, but I'll leave it be now. Cal 503, according to the seller.

I live in Brisbane. Going to hit up Halls Jewellers in West End.

 

If it is a cal 503 there should not be any noise from the winding rotor. All the more reason to get it serviced before you use it at all!

 

We have some other queenslanders, dsio and Trev
They should drop by soon to recommend somewhere for service. Australia is quite expensive. I've tried 2 different places in canberra and both charge about double what seems to be the goon rate in the US. For really good watches, people (including myself) post the watches overseas to trusted people for servicing.

 

I think I might know the one you mean! What's his shop called?

Re expense, I considered The vintage watch store on Elizabeth arcade, but considering the markup on their watches I'm pretty sure it would be overpriced.

A little worried about that winding noise now, but I'll bring it in tomorrow for a service.

 

Ash, how much is a service with your guy? I might post stuff up there!

 

When you say winding quite audibly, what does it sound like? Is it a thump when you shake it from side to side? The Seamaster script on your watch is more common on the early bumper models from what I've noticed.

 

It sounds like a quieter version of when you wind if by hand.

 

It must be a 503 then. Interesting, every Seamaster calendar I've looked at has a coat hanger S and no drop R in the script. This one is a 2849 with cal 503



I've been looking for a Seamaster with your script for a while now but they are harder to find than normal

 

Nice! I know who to call if I want to flip it

 

Weird -- the guy I was thinking of, who I've been to once, is just across and up the street about 20 metres.

 

You Queenslanders are fast alright. It needs the right crown too when you get it serviced

 

Is that expensive? Sorry, here come the serious noob questions.

 

Nope, here are a few but you may be able to get one in Aus from Watchco or Watchadoo and save on shipping or the watchmaker you use may be able to source something