My Omega SM300 Military Spec

Posts
7,664
Likes
26,577
the bezel that shows in the auction listing isn't correct either right? looks to be a later variant?

Definitely very different, in terms of sharpness, fonts and color. Yours is below.

But I do not know if the auction bezel was "correct" for the model or not.

baz45.jpg

baz46.jpg
Edited:
 
Posts
27
Likes
49
Definitely very different, in terms of sharpness, fonts and color. Yours is below.

baz45.jpg

baz46.jpg
I can see it's different, my question was, is the bezel in the first pic a later bezel as well? That one probably wasnt original to the watch either judging from the font
 
Posts
27
Likes
49
I have to say it's pretty upsetting to come on here to share a new purchase, then to have my piece scrutinized to the point that it's authenticity is being questioned, when this very watch has been used as a reference years before the bonhams auction (seen here https://www.mwrforum.net/forums/sho...-Military-Seamaster-300-Dial-Reference-Thread) , on the military watch forums as being correct, no one had anything bad to say about the dial then. Also, I would like to think a major auction house knows a proper dial when they see one.

It seems like there is alot of uncertainty with some of the members comments here in regards to my watch. Either you think the dial is fake or it's not? However I seem to be finding many examples with the same traits as mine. As for the bezel that is photographed in the auction listing, that bezel looks like a later service style bezel judging by the font style and not correct for the piece. So if someone placed a bezel with correct military font on the watch and replaced it with something that wasn't correct to begin with, then I'm fine with that. However, the dial is now of a concern, however it seems many are unsure now about their original suspicions. so some clarity would be much appreciated
Edited:
 
Posts
2,555
Likes
5,606
I have to say it's pretty upsetting to come on here to share a new purchase, then to have my piece scrutinized to the point that it's authenticity is being questioned, when this very watch has been used as a reference years before the bonhams auction, on the military watch forums as being correct.

I can certainly understand that, especially given that it won’t have been a cheap purchase, but IF there is something wrong then wouldn’t you rather know ? And for collective knowledge it’s better that facts are out there in the public domain.

And I’m not sure you could describe the MWR post as being a reference for correctness and originality. I think it’s just a compilation of variations that have been seen.
 
Posts
27
Likes
49
I can certainly understand that, especially given that it won’t have been a cheap purchase, but IF there is something wrong then wouldn’t you rather know ? And for collective knowledge it’s better that facts are out there in the public domain.

And I’m not sure you could describe the MWR post as being a reference for correctness and originality. I think it’s just a compilation of variations that have been seen.
agreed, I would like to know. But now it seems some are unsure and it might be ok. I have to say with my years of collecting nothing but vintage rolex, I understand dial variations better than many. I am newer to omega, however I know a redial when I see one and this to me does not have any red flags based on my personal research. However, when some people start talking, it does indeed put doubt in the air, even for the more experienced expert collectors out there. It just seems like many are just talking to talk before they do any real research, when I am seeing many examples that match my dials particular variation. It's easy to just comment on a forum without putting much thought behind the comment. The last thing I want to do is have to defend my watch. However, if any one has a real doubt, then yes I want to know. But as it stands, anything that has been pointed out, is actually looking correct on other examples im finding on the net and providing here as a reference
 
Posts
90
Likes
343
I have to say it's pretty upsetting to come on here to share a new purchase, then to have my piece scrutinized to the point that it's authenticity is being questioned, when this very watch has been used as a reference years before the bonhams auction (seen here https://www.mwrforum.net/forums/sho...-Military-Seamaster-300-Dial-Reference-Thread) , on the military watch forums as being correct, no one had anything bad to say about the dial then. Also, I would like to think a major auction house knows a proper dial when they see one.

Sorry for starting this, my intention was not to question the authenticity - especially considering that I'm new to vintage watches and most of what I've learned comes from OF, I don't feel like I have a right to question anything. I can only ask... questions. 😉

BT crossing minute markers seems to be ruled out I guess.
The "closed" 6 is what caught my eye, because this is something that I've found in some "buyer's guide" for SM300 (even though I'm not even close to buying one anytime soon 🤦) - that neither 6 nor 9 should be done this way. Might be wrong, perhaps? I'll try to find that page.
Edited:
 
Posts
27
Likes
49
Sorry for starting this, my intention was not to question the authenticity - especially considering that I'm new to vintage watches and most of what I've learned comes from OF, I don't feel like I have a right to question anything. I can only ask... questions. 😉

BT crossing minute markers seems to be ruled out I guess.
The "closed" 6 is what caught my eye, because this is something that I've found in some "buyer's guide" for SM300 (even though I'm not even close to buying one anytime soon 🤦) - that neither 6 nor 9 should be done this way. Might be wrong, perhaps? I'll try to find that page.
please check this old auction out of a different mill-sm300 with same closed 6 dial as mine
https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/23509/lot/203/
 
Posts
27
Likes
49
here is a picture of a collector from instagram that I have spoken to as well and one of his mil sm300 also has this rare b6tbl blue tinted bezel as well like mine. pic for reference
 
Posts
907
Likes
2,485
Just a thought, how was the numbers and text printed on the SM300 dials around this era?

There was a thread on Rolex forum that the pad used for printing some dials wore down rapidly and thus making the print on later made dials “bolder” and not as sharp as the pads wore out.

Could this give us an explanation?
 
Posts
1,843
Likes
3,555
Personally I think the dial is okay, just a bit sloppy printing. The bezel that was on the watch previously is an earlier type not later. I guess a previous owner swapped it to what they thought was more correct for an issued 0552.
 
Posts
1,843
Likes
3,555
Just a thought, how was the numbers and text printed on the SM300 dials around this era?

There was a thread on Rolex forum that the pad used for printing some dials wore down rapidly and thus making the print on later made dials “bolder” and not as sharp as the pads wore out.

Could this give us an explanation?
Could be something like this.
 
Posts
1,846
Likes
3,843
I think its ok and as #Dash1 said sloppy printing you got to remember when these were made no one gave a toss is if there was a slight defect on the dial as they were after all worn to be used and abused
 
Posts
27
Likes
49
Personally I think the dial is okay, just a bit sloppy printing. The bezel that was on the watch previously is an earlier type not later. I guess a previous owner swapped it to what they thought was more correct for an issued 0552.
here are more examples found for reference in regards to the blue tint bezel aka The "B6TBL"

So all seems correct to me and as others have recently pointed out, looks correct to them as well. I sent @kox a PM so I am hoping he chimes in soon with his expertise.



Edited:
 
Posts
27
Likes
49
another Fat closed 6 BT dial just like mine for reference

and another
 
Posts
444
Likes
748
@SubKing welcome to the forum. It is a beautiful timepiece!

The OF has members that have deep knowledge on vintage omega watches and a good spirit towards sharing information.

I'm a newbie here (following for just a few months), but I feel that the questions concerning your watch were in good faith.

Enjoy your watch and wear it in good health.
😀
 
Posts
17,571
Likes
26,613
Is it possible that these are service dials put on while they where still being issued and returned? I don’t know how long these where in use. I know earlier MOD pieces have variations due to this.
Edited:
 
Posts
2,707
Likes
17,391
I am not suitably qualified to comment on the minutiae of detail and these days are take more care on what I choose to spend my time on. Either way it looks great. I hope it is all square for you. Best wishes.
 
Posts
27
Likes
49
This is watch that was "inspired" by the Seamaster Military:
100% which is why there are many more surviving examples of the milsub when compared to the sm300 mil-spec. The seamaster 300 was the first and actually wasn't as reliable as the submariner, which is why the sm300 had a short life with the MOD. They then moved on to the sub which had a much longer run.