Obligatory "help me learn about my grandad's watch" post

Hello!
I recently inherited my grandfather's Seamaster de ville and I'd love to know more about it. Family lore says he bought this in the early 60s, and what I've found online looks to confirm that - the S in Seamaster design and the lugs look about right. I haven't found any pictures of a face close to this with the chunky rectangle markers at 12, 3, 6, and 9, especially that the 12 is a single piece without a split or groove.

We don't know if it's ever been serviced, and I haven't taken it to anyone to have the glass pulled off yet so I don't know what numbers are inside the case. It ticks nicely, winds by the crown or by rotating it, and we know he wore it for nice occasions but not daily use.

We think he had this speidel band put on it when he bought it, but it doesn't fit me and I'm probably going to replace it. I saw on this forum a beads of rice bracelet is common and period, but also that vintage examples tend to be fragile and expensive - are there any modern reproductions that would be recommended for a non-collector just wanting it to look decent? I'm probably going to make a leather band but it'd be nice to have a steel one.

Anyone know something cool about this watch? I love the look of it, and automatic wonders have a great sound.

Last, I found Nesbitt's Repair in Seattle, has anyone used them much? Are they worth it, or should I take this directly to Omega service who also has an office here.

Thank you!

What a beautiful heirloom! you can get vintage style bracelets from Privateeyes which is a Japanese company.

I recognise that one 😁

Thank you so much everyone!

Sounds like getting it serviced without polish is the way to go, and I'll confirm that model number SOG53 posted.
Doorstop is certainly the right word for these markers, I love them.

I'll check out Jerry and see what's what. Very much appreciate the help here.

Did he rest the watch on a bed of gravel?

Can anyone tell me how to get this twist o flex band off the watch?

If you can't get if off with a springbar tool, and you intend to trash it, you can always cut through the end link and the spring bar using wire cutters.

So I took it to Jerry and he quoted me $450 for a service without polish - I'm new at this, is that a normal amount? Having trouble finding costs online.
He also was kind enough to remove the bracelet so I can get to work on a leather strap.

Can't say exactly what that included, he was pretty short with his words. I'll find out before agreeing to anything.

Thank you to everyone for the advice. I found a vintage style bracelet I'm pretty happy with for now, and located the pieces I need to make a leather strap. This metal bracelet is from StrapsCo, and isn't fancy but looks about what I was hoping for in the short term. I'll find something nicer later, that Japanese brand looked very nice but hard to get in the US.

A Forstner bracelet with straight end links would be another option and period correct! They are pretty reasonable as well.

https://forstnerbands.com/collections/the-beads-of-rice

Glad you are planing to wear it again. It’s a great watch with a story. Most of these family finds end up on eBay.