Hi Guys I recently inherited a couple of old watches through my grandfather. One being a 1957 Omega Seamaster 300 serial number is 163322736 I have sent the watch off to Omega and had the following response. "The hands, crown, pushers and crystal may be replaced with original spare parts or other aesthetically similar OMEGA parts appropriate to the style of this model, whilst maintaining perfect functioning of the watch. There is no longer any identical case available for this model. After years of wearing, refurbishing the watch and other stresses over time, we can no longer ensure total water resistance. However, the components are replaced in order to guarantee protection from dampness and dust. We therefore recommend that you avoid immersing or splashing the watch (in the shower, sauna, swimming pool). " My grandfather bought it as his fishing watch hence it has a couple of scratches. I would like to keep the watch as original as possible, but would like to also have something to wear on special occasions. If I wanted a new 300 I would purchase one however this watch means more to me than a new one. What would anyone recommend? Cheers Darren
If they will send the watch back to you without bastardizing it, find a good independent watchmaker and have the movement serviced as needed, no replacing of parts (particularly external, including the hands and crown), no polishing, etc., unless you want to destroy the history and value of the watch.
Let us know where you are located, someone can probably recommend an independent watchmaker who is sympathetic to the needs of vintage watches.
I gather you mean these chaps? http://swisstimeservices.co.uk/index.html If so I'll get on it first thing tomorrow.
Agree...do not let Omega service this watch. They will destroy its value. There are plenty of competent watchmakers...what you want is someone who understands what a sympathetic service is. Do you have any photos?
Only of the gold watch i am afraid, the other is with Omega. Will get the watch back and send it off to the Swiss Time Services.
STS without a doubt. I can't imagine Omega would service without changing several cosmetic/case parts. Any pics of the 300 before you sent it off?
Unfortunately not, regretting it now. but it has the stainless strap and missing the black outer ring with the numbers on it. Bezel?
Ah well that's something. Aldo in Italy can recreate the inlay but I understand this can take several months. Aluminium replacements also pop up from time to time (I think one either recently sold on ebay or is oerhaos still available). I really would get it back from Omega and see what STS say, unless Omega offer to service whilst retaining the dial, hands, no case polish etc, but I can't imagine they will.
I wish it was only several months...More like a year The aluminum replacements are worthless...its best to have patience.
My apologies for the delay. Finally I have received back my watches, the Constellation they did a full restoration on without being asked for and the Seamaster came back untouched.
Most importantly they did not destroy your SM300! Could've cost you a smaller fortune! Seriously. They have no vintage feeling whatsoever at Omega. Or at least not before. May have been better recently, the price increase on rare vintage Omega pieces cannot have escaped them completely. The Museum ought to have spread some knowledge about it internally. The bracelet alone is worth serious bucks!