Omega SeaMaster 300 Watchco: your thoughts about it?

padders · Jul 25, 2017

Archer
Just curious what features you feel make it less robust or useable?

Obviously YMMV but I found the bezel on the couple I have handled didn't seem quite as solidly attached with as firm a reliable a click as a modern Omega diver, a plastic crystal has obvious disadvantages vs sapphire (and of course arguable advantages). The insert is much more prone to damage than even a aluminium one, the quick set date on the 565 isn't as convenient (though obviously not an issue on the 552), some models don't have screw down crowns, (though I know many do) etc etc etc.

I am always wary of answering a question from @Archer like this as it is usually a bear trap and it pays to have your ducks in line before attempting so. I am not attempting to trash the watch at all so don't pull me to pieces, I just think there are reasons why a modern watch may be preferable in some circumstances such as actual diving, not something admittedly I attempt. As an everyday wear I have no issue with a healthy Watchco vs any other, of course due to the rather eclectic way they are put together, not every Watchco is healthy, indeed not every 'Watchco' was put together by Watchco, some builders were more careful and fastidious than others.

w.finkenstaedt · Jul 25, 2017

padders
Obviously YMMV but I found the bezel on the couple I have handled didn't seem quite as solidly attached with as firm a reliable a click as a modern Omega diver, a plastic crystal has obvious disadvantages vs sapphire (and of course arguable advantages). The insert is much more prone to damage than even a aluminium one, the quick set date on the 565 isn't as convenient (though obviously not an issue on the 552), some models don't have screw down crowns, (though I know many do) etc etc etc.

I am always wary of answering a question from @Archer like this as it is usually a bear trap and it pays to have your ducks in line before attempting so. I am not attempting to trash the watch at all so don't pull me to pieces, I just think there are reasons why a modern watch may be preferable in some circumstances such as actual diving, not something admittedly I attempt. As an everyday wear I have no issue with a healthy Watchco vs any other, of course due to the rather eclectic was they are put together, not every Watchco is healthy, indeed not every 'Watchco' was put together by Watchco, some were more careful than others.

Yep, I'll echo a lot of what you said. For actual diving and rough wear, I always use my PO on a rubber NATO. I still love and wear my WatchCo regularly, but I baby it because I know it's a vintage movement and a Bakelite (I believe, Archer can correct me if I'm wrong) bezel.

That said, I'm going to float this afternoon, and I think my WatchCo is going to go with! We'll see how brace I end up being.

Archer · Jul 25, 2017

w.finkenstaedt
It's always interesting to hear that; wouldn't Omega have noticed a few hundred full parts lists going out for 165.024 and the date version, just minus the movement, especially one place?

I'm sure they did notice - I believe the people behind "Watchco" no longer have direct access to parts from Omega - I'm sure I recall a member here announcing this some time ago. I can't say if it's a result of making and selling these watches, but I have been told directly by Omega that doing so is grounds for losing your parts account. I have discussed this situation at length with Omega...I'm quite certain that they track these sales of parts...

w.finkenstaedt
Omega themselves do their best to do exactly what WatchCo did, only they won't change the movement from another piece to a Seamaster 300.

Actually that's not really true. This is a little "inside baseball" in terms of policy details, but Omega does allow a watch to be converted to another model in certain circumstances. For example if you have watch A that uses a specific movement, and another model watch B uses the exact same movement, Omega will convert A to B for you. It can't be a mix of parts, so it has to be a complete conversion from one model to another - they won't allow mods like you see people doing to watches, such as putting a PO bezel and seconds hand on a 22545000. But if you want to convert one watch completely to another, that is allowed under their polices.

If Watchco or any other Omega watchmaker takes in a customers watch and does the conversion according to the policies, that is completely allowed. Watchco was making and selling watches outright - very different thing. It seems like it's just semantics, but it's not...

Cheers, Al

w.finkenstaedt · Jul 25, 2017

Archer
I'm sure they did notice - I believe the people behind "Watchco" no longer have direct access to parts from Omega - I'm sure I recall a member here announcing this some time ago. I can't say if it's a result of making and selling these watches, but I have been told directly by Omega that doing so is grounds for losing your parts account. I have discussed this situation at length with Omega...I'm quite certain that they track these sales of parts...

Actually that's not really true. This is a little "inside baseball" in terms of policy details, but Omega does allow a watch to be converted to another model in certain circumstances. For example if you have watch A that uses a specific movement, and another model watch B uses the exact same movement, Omega will convert A to B for you. It can't be a mix of parts, so it has to be a complete conversion from one model to another - they won't allow mods like you see people doing to watches, such as putting a PO bezel and seconds hand on a 22545000. But if you want to convert one watch completely to another, that is allowed under their polices.

If Watchco or any other Omega watchmaker takes in a customers watch and does the conversion according to the policies, that is completely allowed. Watchco was making and selling watches outright - very different thing. It seems like it's just semantics, but it's not...

Cheers, Al

Totally understand, which is what happened in my case (bought the watch with an old 552 calibre, had a watchmaker change it). In that case, could I have Omega CH service my WatchCo 300? I obviously plan on having my watchmaker do it, just asking more for curiosity.

Archer · Jul 25, 2017

padders
Obviously YMMV but I found the bezel on the couple I have handled didn't seem quite as solidly attached with as firm a reliable a click as a modern Omega diver, a plastic crystal has obvious disadvantages vs sapphire (and of course arguable advantages). The insert is much more prone to damage than even a aluminium one, the quick set date on the 565 isn't as convenient (though obviously not an issue on the 552), some models don't have screw down crowns, (though I know many do) etc etc etc.

I am always wary of answering a question from @Archer like this as it is usually a bear trap and it pays to have your ducks in line before attempting so. I am not attempting to trash the watch at all so don't pull me to pieces, I just think there are reasons why a modern watch may be preferable in some circumstances such as actual diving, not something admittedly I attempt. As an everyday wear I have no issue with a healthy Watchco vs any other, of course due to the rather eclectic way they are put together, not every Watchco is healthy, indeed not every 'Watchco' was put together by Watchco, some builders were more careful and fastidious than others.

Bear trap? 😲 😀

Anyway, just wondering what you felt made it less robust or less suitable for diving. You didn't mention the first one that came to mind for diving - it has a bi-directional bezel. But the rest I think is all pretty arguable. For a Watchco, there is only one case (1660324) and all those have screw down crowns. I suppose someone could try to fit a regular crown on it, but that would be unusual.

I would agree that in terms of how they are put together and how well they run, it's a mixed bag. I have one that I purchased directly from Watchco, and it needed servicing as soon as I had it in my hands.

OWa
The only NOS part in a Watchco is the movement.

Even the movements were not NOS. I know they advertised some that way, but the one I had in my watch was clearly a used movement from another watch...

Archer · Jul 25, 2017

w.finkenstaedt
Totally understand, which is what happened in my case (bought the watch with an old 552 calibre, had a watchmaker change it). In that case, could I have Omega CH service my WatchCo 300? I obviously plan on having my watchmaker do it, just asking more for curiosity.

The policies would indicate so - however I'm not sure I would rely on every person in every service center being fully up to date on the policies. You may get someone who doesn't understand all this telling you they won't touch it.

ac106 · Jul 25, 2017

KJH666
Copyright and intellectual property rights for starters. I am pretty sure that if you opened a burger bar and had a big M in your name or logo you would be shut down pretty damn quick - what's the difference here, unless Omega genuinely don't care.

There are plenty of people modifying Rolex and they seem to get away with it.

Just seems odd that Omega haven't tried to put a stop to it.

what you are describing with mcdonalds has nothing to do with WatchCo.

You can buy an item alter it and resell it. There aren't any laws against that. For instance selling custom cars or whatnot. Once you buy it you own it.

You can't manufacture an identical item and sell it as an original using a brand name or logo etc . that's counterfeiting,

KJH666
Okay, fair enough. Omega restricting access to parts seems to be a positive step in this scenario.

Are you a big fan of expensive hard to find parts?

OWa · Jul 25, 2017

Archer
The policies would indicate so - however I'm not sure I would rely on every person in every service center being fully up to date on the policies. You may get someone who doesn't understand all this telling you they won't touch it.

I would be intersted in this too. Did anyone in this forum got their Watchco serviced by Omega?

KJH666 · Jul 25, 2017

ac106
Are you a big fan of expensive hard to find parts?

Having just bought a 7912 bracelet with original number 6 end links I suppose the answer to that has to be yes.

BlackTalon · Jul 25, 2017

BlackTalon
I will admit I am happy the watchco people did this, as it is doubtful Omega would has resurrected the design anytime soon. I sure as heck can't afford to splurge on a real vintage one. or if I did, I would likely be hesitant to use it as intended. The movement doesn't mean much to me one way or another, but the dial, hands, bezel, etc. are what attracts me to the watch. I suspect there are not nearly enough NOS around for Omega to serious consider reissuing the design themselves -- they usually seem to need at least a couple thousand units.

OWa
The only NOS part in a Watchco is the movement. All other parts are new stock and still available. I (sadly) doubt that Omega would use a 552/565 movement for a reissue. For my personal need a 552 or 565 movement would be sufficient and I do not really need a co-axial movement. I guess Omega would probably ask $ 7000 for a 165.024/166.024 reissue with co-axial movement.

My mistake -- I meant Service Replacements, and not NOS. The movements are used, definitely not NOS.

OWa · Jul 25, 2017

BlackTalon
My mistake -- I meant Service Replacements, and not NOS. The movements are used, definitely not NOS.

You are right. The only 'old' part in a Watchco is the movement.

But I think that the term Watchco is often used as a synonym for those builds that use the 166.0324 case.

BlackTalon · Jul 25, 2017

agreed/ but earlier in the thread someone was asking why they are 'watchcos'. That's kind of lost here on Page 4.

ar.parask13 · Jul 25, 2017

For me it's the easiest way to get an amazing watch of unrivalled design in a reasonable price and fully functional so I really like them!

vitriol · Jul 28, 2017

Guys, I am looking for 565 movement, read few threads - it that true that NOS movements are no longer available (from WatchCo or anyone else who can source Omega parts) and now the only way to go is to buy an another watch as the donor?

Archer · Jul 28, 2017

vitriol
Guys, I am looking for 565 movement, read few threads - it that true that NOS movements are no longer available (from WatchCo or anyone else who can source Omega parts) and now the only way to go is to buy an another watch as the donor?

New complete movements from this era have not been available from Omega for a very long time...

vitriol · Jul 28, 2017

Archer
New complete movements from this era have not been available from Omega for a very long time...

Do you know is it possible to assembly such a movement from service parts? Thanks

Archer · Jul 28, 2017

vitriol
Do you know is it possible to assembly such a movement from service parts? Thanks

Possible but I hope you have a lot of money. It would be like building a car buying it part by part...

vitriol · Jul 28, 2017

Archer
Possible but I hope you have a lot of money. It would be like building a car buying it part by part...

Got it!😀 Looking for a donor then.

OWa · Jul 28, 2017

vitriol
Guys, I am looking for 565 movement, read few threads - it that true that NOS movements are no longer available (from WatchCo or anyone else who can source Omega parts) and now the only way to go is to buy an another watch as the donor?

I got lucky and found a NOS 565 a couple of months ago. They are still available, but not easy to find.
You have to services such a movement anyway, since those are 40+ years old. Many people buy a less desirable donor watch, in order to remove the movement. You have to service such a movement too.
The result is almost the same.

msp1518 · Jul 28, 2017

OMG... That is more gorgeous than my ex wife. And she was hot!

Omega SeaMaster 300 Watchco: your thoughts about it?

padders

w.finkenstaedt

Archer

w.finkenstaedt

Archer

Archer

ac106

OWa

KJH666

BlackTalon

OWa

BlackTalon

ar.parask13

vitriol

Archer

vitriol

Archer

vitriol

OWa

msp1518

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