I need some help identifying a 1963 Omega Seamaster watch I received from my father. The watch was giving to him as a graduation gift in 1963 and has his graduation date engraved on the caseback. The markings on the dial show "Omega Automatic" underneath the logo near the 12 position of the dial and the word "Seamaster" near the 6 position. All words are faded. I can tell it is an automatic because when I picked it up I heard it wind internally and second hand started to sweep. The crystal has many scratches. I don't know if the strap is original or not. The width is 37.6mm including the crown, and about 35mm excluding the crown. The lug width is 18mm and the lug-to-lug width is 42.5mm The case thickness is 12mm. I'm looking to find out more about this watch such as the caliber and reference number. How would I determine the value of this watch? Would this watch be better left as is or restored? If restored, to what level should the changes be? Thanks!
Welcome RushHour99 and congratulations on your recent acquisition Omega made many similar models in the early sixties, yours looks a bit like a ref 14700 I won on ebay earlier this year The bracelet is probably not original, mine arrived on a stretch band as well but I prefer it on a leather strap Mine has a calibre 552, the best way to learn the exact reference and calibre you have is to remove the case back, see this thread 1st ! omegaforums.net/threads/a-warning-you-morons-and-do-it-yourselfers.37759/ There are many options to restore or retain originality, however primary driver of value on this time piece is sentimental
That bracelet also has sprung ends, which cut into the case, even steel cases. A major "get that thing off of there now" kind of deals. Tom