I own my grandfather's (RIP) 1957 (?) Omega Seamaster Automatic. The original movement was replaced long ago and I would like to find out what the original movement was and restore it. The movement that's in there now is a 17 jewel, caliber 550, #22183017. However, the case number is 2846-6-SC and the back is engraved with my grandfather's name and dated 1958.

I have everything that the watch came with. The manuals and certificate in the pic, white cloth in the box, red leather box, red cardboard box, sticker from the back of the bezel, and the $155 foil price tag.

If anyone can help me with more info is greatly appreciated!

 

The Movement model is likely to be correct, although the serial number suggests it is a bit from the early 1960's. Your dial is also refinished, so you will need to find a correct original.

 

Ref 2846 would have originally been fitted with a caliber 500 or possibly a 501, with a serial number around 16 million (ca 1958).

 

oops.... yes, missed that the OPs watch is a 550.

 

I apologize. I did know the replacement movent was 1960's. I also know thay the second hand is missimg.

As far as the dial is concerned, what are the issues? I had the dial refinished to the exact colors and markings as it was when I received it just repainted.

 

Would you suggest a 500 or 501 or does it matter for correctness?

 

If it has no collector value and only sentimental value to you, then I'm sure you can live with the re-finished dial. To a collector, this is a big issue. The O in Omega is not straight in line with the rest of the letters for one thing.

 

It is sentimental and it will never leave my family but I want it correct as well. Would you be able to point me in the right direction to get it redone? I live in South Jersey but I'm open to suggestions. What are the other issues? I would really like a list if you would be so kind.

 

I have two ref. 2846, a 2846-11 SC from 1958 with cal. 501 and a 2846-2 SC from 1956 with a cal. 501

 

Pictures of these might be helpful to OP!

 

2846-11 SC:






2846-2 SC:

 

Thank you very much for the reference! I saw a 501 on eBay for $175 I believe.

 

Buck,
Can you or anyone on this forum help me with getting my watch right??

 

Hi Gatorcpa,
Thank you for replying. It has a cal. 550 in it now. The only numbers I can find are the ones on the Omega guarantee certificate in the pic I posted. I don't know if there's any way to trace back to get info or not.

In the booklet titled "Your Omega Automatic" says that its a 17 jewel. Being new to vintage watches, I'm not sure if a 17 jewel cal. 501 is much different than a 19 jewel or 20 jewel cal. 501.

Right now ebay is my go to site. I'm keeping an eye on what's there and I'm going to go from there.

As far as the dial is concerned, I need to find a reputable and accurate place to do the restoration. I found an image or two that I believe are close to the original dial.

Thank you very much!
Mike

 

That is quite true. I at least need a few things done to get it in working/wearable condition. One of the three legs holding the dial is broken off and the sweep second hand needs to be put in. I'm looking for someone I can trust to do the work correctly.

 

I have some 500/501 dials but they are in abysmal condition.
I just tried both and a 550 will fit in a 2846 case but a 500/501 dial will not fit a 550 movement so is the refinished dial even original? I would do as the other members suggest and hunt down a nice 501 dial and movement on the internet. That is great that you are honoring your grandfather by restoring his watch!