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HankJS
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New member and I am posting an image of my watch: 1970 Omega Seamaster 300. I do not intend to sell, just looking for advice on what to do having not worn the watch in probably 10 or more years. It has been on my wrist for about a week, stays running and is keeping accurate time for at least a week. I purchased the watch on a "College Weeks" spree in Bermuda in 1970. The actual year of manufacture may be earlier. It has never been serviced, therefore never opened. Bracelet is the original, showing wear patina.

Unfortunately, I do not have the original box or receipt. I left those behind trying to sneak it through US Customs and failed. Don't remember exactly, duty was $20 or $30. Luckily, no fine and didn't miss the flight.

Absolutely no good at taking smartphone pix.

Regards,
HankJS
Newark, DE
HJS_OmegaSM_300.jpg
Edited:
 
GordanDaniel
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That is a fantastic story. It is too bad about your box and papers. though being the original owner it probably does not matter to you much.
My first piece of advice (and about the only i can really give). is to NOT send it back to Omega for a service.
I believe the majority of members here will say the same.
They typically over polish and replace parts etc. Taking away the watches originality.
 
UCZ_15
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Thats a really cool piece you got there! I'd take it to an independent watchmaker who knows Omegas first rather than let Omega sniff at it. Omega will change and replace and polish it so that it loses its "age" and charm and potential selling value if you're into that sort of thing.

An independent watchmacker would still be able to identify the model, open it up and see whats going on in the movement etc. etc.
 
GordanDaniel
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If it has not been worn in 10+ years, it should likely be serviced, Like UCZ_15 said above, take it to a well regarded independent watchmaker.
 
HankJS
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Another bit of information, looking at the crystal off angle, there are what I call "spider veins" visible. Some may be visible along the edges in photo. Can an independent watchmaker make that replacement? Without a record of abuse, any suggestions how these come about?
 
GordanDaniel
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HankJS HankJS
Another bit of information, looking at the crystal off angle, there are what I call "spider veins" visible. Some may be visible along the edges in photo. Can an independent watchmaker make that replacement? Without a record of abuse, any suggestions how these come about?


My personal advice would be to leave the spider cracks.
 
redpcar
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HankJS HankJS
Another bit of information, looking at the crystal off angle, there are what I call "spider veins" visible. Some may be visible along the edges in photo. Can an independent watchmaker make that replacement? Without a record of abuse, any suggestions how these come about?

If the crystal is oxidizing (cracks from age), it will simply be replaced. Very acceptable for a vintage watch.
 
GordanDaniel
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redpcar redpcar
If the crystal is oxidizing (cracks from age), it will simply be replaced. Very acceptable for a vintage watch.


Wow, i read crystal, but in my head i heard dial. Yes the crystal will be replaced and that is normal.
Dials are another thing.

My mistake!
Edited:
 
redpcar
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GordanDaniel GordanDaniel
Wow, i read crystial, in my head i heard dial. Yes the crystal will be replace and that is normal.
Dials are another thing.

My mistake!
I could see the crystal hazing in the pic 😀
 
Ravineman
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Nice story. Welcome.

Lots of amazing Omega knowledge here.
 
ndgal
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Hello Hank.
That's a beautiful example!
I am betting this 165.024 is a 1968 production. 25.5XX.XXX serial range. Cal 550. CB case.
Send your watch to LA Watchworks for service.
It will run like new again and they are the best in the business when it comes to vintage watch service & restoration.

http://www.lawatchworks.com
 
Foo2rama
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Picked a heck of a day to join lol.
 
UCZ_15
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ndgal ndgal
Hello Hank.
That's a beautiful example!
I am betting this 165.024 is a 1968 production. 25.5XX.XXX serial range. Cal 550. CB case.
Send your watch to LA Watchworks for service.
It will run like new again and they are the best in the business when it comes to vintage watch service & restoration.

http://www.lawatchworks.com

One day, I aspire to this level of knowledge in absolutely any field!
 
HankJS
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I did a deep dive into stored relics and found the guarantee booklet to the topic watch:
Purchased Aug. 26, 1970
# 25.619.602
Bracelet: 1968
Edited:
 
watchyouwant
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HankJS HankJS
I did a deep dive into stored relics and found the guarantee booklet to the topic watch:
Purchased Aug. 26, 1970
# 25.619.602
Bracelet: 1968

Next time you mail the empty box and papers to yourself...... anyway. Super story and will remind you for the rest of your life. all other advice will be given here. have it pressure tested , wear it and feel young. kind regards from Down Under. Achim
 
Cuttysark
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Really nice tale 😀
I love the warm patina on it!
The case and the bracelet are also in stunning conditions!
 
MtnMarine
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Beautiful piece. That patina is amazing and nice story to go along with it! Enjoy it and welcome!!!
 
HankJS
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Some Seamasters came with a 17 jewel movement, others with 24. Is there any way to know which one my SM300 has without opening it?
 
ndgal
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HankJS HankJS
Some Seamasters came with a 17 jewel movement, others with 24. Is there any way to know which one my SM300 has without opening it?
This serial range could be either Cal 550 or 552.
I have a couple in my archives with slightly lower serials. 25.57X.XXX & 25.58X.XXX Both have cal 550.
 
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