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Omega sea master calendar gold 1950s

lauraw
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Hello All,
Hoping to tap into your knowledge to assist with this query.
I have been going through my late grandmother's possessions that have come to me after several years in storage, and I found an Omega watch (as pictured). I was completely ignorant that it was worth anything until yesterday when I posted it on eBay for auction with a $40 starting price. This garnered a huge amount of attention, which made me realise that this was no ordinary watch!
The question now is what to do?!
Restoration? I just popped into Omega, their starting point is $1200 and takes 9 months.
The lady kindly got out the huge book which catalogues their vintage watches and although we didn't find an exact match, she said it was likely mid 1950s due to the 'seamaster' and 'calendar' appearing together at the bottom of the dial. In any case, she said it was a lovely watch and on
1000016900.webp
the more unusual side....
Alternatively I can find a reputable horologist to undertake repairs.
The watch seems to be working, Ie second hand working, just the front case which is badly damaged....
I wouldn't necessarily want the watch looking brand new, just a working vintage watch.
After repairs I could decide to keep or sell. Or I could just stick with the current ebay auction as is!

Thanks in advance for any advice/opinions etc!

IMG20241007130703.webp IMG20241007130726.webp IMG20241007130826.webp
 
SOG53
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Hello and welcome to OF. Looks like an original Omega watch in solid gold case, which is worth a fair amount given price of gold alone. It needs a new crystal which is not a big deal. The dial looks to have been redialed (repainted) at some time in its 70+ year life which was common practice for service back in the day. This reduces the value as a collector grade watch, but not as an heirloom if you wish to keep it. If you want to have it serviced I would not send to Omega but instead find an independent watchmaker with Omega parts account who can service and replace crystal. The reference number is on inside of caseback, and serial number on movement will allow date to be determined. Don't try to open back yourself the solid gold case can be easily scratched. If you want to sell it don't bother with service just sell as-is, leave it on EB and let buyers decide. It is a solid gold case you can see hallmark on the back of one of lugs. Good luck!
 
lauraw
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SOG53 SOG53
Hello and welcome to OF. Looks like an original Omega watch in solid gold case, which is worth a fair amount given price of gold alone. It needs a new crystal which is not a big deal. The dial looks to have been redialed (repainted) at some time in its 70+ year life which was common practice for service back in the day. This reduces the value as a collector grade watch, but not as an heirloom if you wish to keep it. If you want to have it serviced I would not send to Omega but instead find an independent watchmaker with Omega parts account who can service and replace crystal. The reference number is on inside of caseback, and serial number on movement will allow date to be determined. Don't try to open back yourself the solid gold case can be easily scratched. If you want to sell it don't bother with service just sell as-is, leave it on EB and let buyers decide. It is a solid gold case you can see hallmark on the back of one of lugs. Good luck!
Thanks very much for the clear response, that is very helpful indeed!
 
JimInOz
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SOG53 SOG53
The dial looks to have been redialed (repainted) at some time
I think it could be original, the cracks and scratches on the crystal may be distorting what you can see.
Although the C at the end of automatic looks a bit off.
Hard to say without seening the dial sans crystal.
 
Syrte
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Hello Laura and welcome to the forum, this is a nice looking watch, others have already said everything that needed to be said.

I’ll just add that if this community has been helpful- and indeed Omega Forums is known as one of the top places on line for watch expertise where newbies like you can get valuable advice for free— maybe you’ll consider contributing a few dollars to help the following worthy cause :
https://omegaforums.net/threads/please-consider-donating-to-help-fellow-of-member-aroxx-alex-recover-from-a-devastating-stroke.176874/ gbesq
Thread 'Please Consider Donating To Help Fellow OF Member Aroxx (Alex) Recover From A Devastating Stroke' ·
We are seeking to raise funds to help our friend and fellow OF member, Aroxx (Alex) and have set up a GoFundMe page for him at the following link: https://gofund.me/931c3991. The past...
gbesq ·

Best wishes, let us know what happens with your watch!
 
Davidt
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My gut feeling is also that’s it’s been redialed. The script looks inconsistent and the minute marks aren’t evenly spaced.

Laura - if you’re going to sell, sell as is. If you want to keep it, search these forums for a recommended independent watchmaker in your area and have it serviced there, not by Omega.
 
DON
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If you’re going to sell it. Leave it as is and the buyer take care of it

Getting it serviced may not add that much more to the sale price as many buyers figured a cheap service and get it done anyways
 
lauraw
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Davidt Davidt
My gut feeling is also that’s it’s been redialed. The script looks inconsistent and the minute marks aren’t evenly spaced.

Laura - if you’re going to sell, sell as is. If you want to keep it, search these forums for a recommended independent watchmaker in your area and have it serviced there, not by Omega.
Many thanks for the information. After receiving a few quotes for repair, I have decided to proceed with the eBay auction.
Thanks again.
 
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