Omega Seamaster 300 ST 165.014 Bezel

Posts
18
Likes
16
Good morning Omega Forum,

What a treasure trove this forum is, with so many knowledgeable minds. This post will be the first of many by myself as I seek to try and share any knowledge I have. I have owned/own some rarer Omegas with a Omega Megaquartz Marine Stardust and an Omega Speedmaster CK2998.

Today I would like to ask about a watch I am not so familiar with. I recently picked up an Omega Seamaster 300 ST 165.014 from 1964.

I have read the discussion on here regarding the bezels on these references, yet I was still a bit stumped when it came to deciding if it is original or re-done. I side with re-done due to the fresher white colour of the markings. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,

Bill Penaluna
 
Posts
7,422
Likes
34,223
They look like some kind of transfer stickers to me, look at the sort of squared off edges surrounding the numbers, so I'd say definitely redone
 
Posts
18
Likes
16
They look like some kind of transfer stickers to me, look at the sort of squared off edges surrounding the numbers, so I'd say definitely redone
Thank you for your response. Yes, I see that now! So many of these bezels don't survive with time.
 
Posts
18
Likes
16
They look like some kind of transfer stickers to me, look at the sort of squared off edges surrounding the numbers, so I'd say definitely redone
It makes quite a difference when looking on a laptop, compared to an iphone.
 
Posts
4,593
Likes
10,791
The advanced clock position of the 30 is what grabs one's eye but nonetheless a very nice job on the bezel especially the aging to match.
 
Posts
20,757
Likes
47,640
The bezel itself should have a distinctly concave shape that isn't apparent in those photos.
 
Posts
18
Likes
16
The bezel itself should have a distinctly concave shape that isn't apparent in those photos.

Thanks Dan. This has a concave shape, however it is less pronounced. It's clear to me now that it is a re-finished bezel. I don't know how it would be rated as a refinished bezel though.
 
Posts
4,593
Likes
10,791
I don't know how it would be rated as a refinished bezel though.

I think it looks great overall. I have seen terrible and spectacular. From what I recall the best comes from a fella in Italy. However I would be quite happy with yours.
 
Posts
20,757
Likes
47,640
Thanks Dan. This has a concave shape, however it is less pronounced. It's clear to me now that it is a re-finished bezel. I don't know how it would be rated as a refinished bezel though.

To the naked eye it looks good, which is the most important thing, since it makes the watch more wearable.
 
Posts
2,434
Likes
9,843
Not a bad bezel job!
I’d also like to see the dial under magnification it looks like the lume may have been redone.
 
Posts
577
Likes
753
I was told that the best way to make sure is not redone is to look at the back of the bezel. The redone ones have some traces of paint at the back, in fact the most prolific repainter of these, leaves on purpose traces at the back.
 
Posts
18
Likes
16
I think it looks great overall. I have seen terrible and spectacular. From what I recall the best comes from a fella in Italy. However I would be quite happy with yours.

That's all that matters really, I'm glad others think it looks good! I have heard about the gentleman in Italy.
 
Posts
18
Likes
16
To the naked eye it looks good, which is the most important thing, since it makes the watch more wearable.

Thanks for your comments on it. It does make the watch something that can be worn and enjoyed, which is important.
 
Posts
18
Likes
16
Not a bad bezel job!
I’d also like to see the dial under magnification it looks like the lume may have been redone.

I will get some close up images to you this evening. I think it is re-done from my experience but it would be good to have a second opinion, thank you.
 
Posts
18
Likes
16
I was told that the best way to make sure is not redone is to look at the back of the bezel. The redone ones have some traces of paint at the back, in fact the most prolific repainter of these, leaves on purpose traces at the back.

What an excellent bit of information. That makes complete sense and will no doubt be beneficial to a lot of people.
 
Posts
20,757
Likes
47,640
Not a bad bezel job!
I’d also like to see the dial under magnification it looks like the lume may have been redone.

I'm not sure I have seen the pinholes in this reference, but @kox would know best.
 
Posts
18
Likes
16
I'm not sure I have seen the pinholes in this reference, but @kox would know best.
Will get some better images on later. It was the pinholes which didn't sit right with me, but I have seen them on others.
 
Posts
946
Likes
2,077
That's all that matters really, I'm glad others think it looks good! I have heard about the gentleman in Italy.


it's clearly a restored bezel, which is in my opinion not a bad thing at all. i prefer the look of an restored (if done well) over a naked bezel.
the rumor about paint traces on the back of the bezel are rumors, if you take off the bezel take care you don't loose the jewel bearings below.