Need Help Identifying Vintage Seamaster Please...

seekingseaquest

Nice one. Looks like a 2849 reference dating to the very late 1950s, probably 1959 or so. 503 caliber movement most likely. Definitely worth servicing, but I recommend no polishing or replacement of any cosmetic parts.

Tell us your location and someone can recommend a watchmaker.

DoctorEvil

Would that diminish it's value?

Passover

Yes, this would be the case.

The pictures aren't the best but it seems that the watch case is in very good condition, far better than the average conditon for an end 50s watch

Removing the dirt, crystal polish and a service, that's all and you have a very nice watch.

You have the unique opportunity to keep a family piece in it's original condition

Trust @seekingseaquest he knows what he is saying.

chipsotoole

I wouldn't go for another cyclops eye crystal...

Passover

Looks like an Omega signed crystal, how about that, OP?

Edward53

What a nice, unspoilt watch. I can't see a ding on the case, but in any case I would accept that as part of its history and leave well alone. Polishing removes the sharp definition of the case which is why collectors don't like it. It's fine to polish the crystal though, and it might come out clear. The bracelet is no big deal and if you prefer a leather strap, go for it. It does need servicing as running it dry will abrade the inner workings. Servicing by a competent vintage specialist in the UK could cost anywhere from £150-250 and will be both cheaper and more sympathetic than sending it to Omega, which is usually best avoided with a vintage watch.

DoctorEvil

Thank you for your compliments @Edward53 . Also thanks for the price quotation. I must admit, I had been considering taking it to the local Omega service centre for servicing because if they had to replace any worn parts then hopefully they use genuine Omega ones.

Rudi99

Hi @DoctorEvil and welcome. Very nice watch gifted by your father.

I would also recommend polishing the crystal, as it would already give a fresh new looking to the watch.

Check this out:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/quick-cleanup-of-roy-rogers-1952-omega.124906/

Also, sending it back to Omega would be not only extremely expensive but there have been also so many accounts of people having their watches totally revamped, with new dials for instance, which in this case (and in most cases too), would take value out of the watch.

Independent watchmakers with an Omega account can order original parts and will take good care of your watch.

Best,

Rudi

DoctorEvil

Thank you for your warm welcome and compliments.

I'd have to say that this was the watch that first made me aware of Omega. My Dad wore it all the time when I was a kid and he absolutely swore by it. I'm impressed that it still works after all this time despite not having had a service. If an Omega was good enough for him, it's good enough for me so I ended up getting a Seamaster Pro 2551.80 when choosing my first "good" mechanical watch. No regrets at all and I'll likely end up passing all my watches to my kids in due course.

Thanks also for your advice re servicing and for the link to the thread. I'll check it out.

It seems the consensus of opinion on this forum is to leave the watch in as original a condition as possible to help preserve it's value so that's what I'll likely do.