Forums Latest Members

Opinion on Omega 1950's Seamaster Waffle Dial Cal.351 Bumper?

  1. blacktiger Apr 6, 2017

    Posts
    199
    Likes
    175
    Evening Guys,

    Another one again for some feedback! I've asked a few fellow collectors over PM, who quite rightly pointed out it's been polished. Some say overpolished and are some are saying it's not bad at all. In terms of the dial, all feedback has been really good. I want to get the experts opinion if that's possible, I'd appreciate it so much.

    Research shows (to my virtually untrained eye), that the waffle dial looks original and the fonts are correct for an early fifties Seamaster but, I'd want to see a picture of the Swiss Made at the bottom of the dial before I go any further. Hands look the correct length as the minute hand is lining up with the markers. And the minute markers all look like they are on the right track. The piece is for sale from another member here on OF, who've I have asked permission to post this and use his photos.

    Case has the age marks which doesn't bother me too much and there is some marking on the back, possibly from some kind of a NATO strap I would of though. Movement looks clean enough and complete to me but I see a little corrosion on some screws? I'm told it will get a full documented service if I were to make the purchase.

    What do you guys think of it? :)

    Thanks! :p

    - Dan
     
    369872-25071fca970aa48745470749d1c5780b.jpg 369916-da77b63d2bc3a11d87a30404656e4a6b.jpg 369917-c60381016e2e80ab2ecc2c0005d2cefd.jpg 369868-14c9c05de0fe5095208db2026397f429.jpg 369869-8123d798a40433af8bbd352e19f2c7b2.jpg 369870-225b5cbe6d3cc3a84f9dc54f39f57e11.jpg 369871-8448ae563a63cc4190002e1df20086a6.jpg
  2. François Pépin Apr 6, 2017

    Posts
    1,531
    Likes
    1,081
    I guess a closer pic of the Swiss Made will confirm it is a nice genuine dial!
     
    blacktiger likes this.
  3. gatorcpa ΩF InvestiGator Staff Member Apr 6, 2017

    Posts
    12,169
    Likes
    15,629
    You are correct about the (over) polishing. Not sure about the hands. They are the correct length, but these usually have just a thin strip of lume.

    Movement looks nice. I think that the dial was cleaned and re-lacquered. I have no problem with that as it is a good job. That is why the printing has faded slightly.

    All comes down to price. IMO this is a $250 to $300 piece, unless it was serviced recently by a known watchmaker. That would add a little to it.

    Hope this helps,
    gatorcpa
     
    Jwit and blacktiger like this.
  4. hoipolloi Vintage Omega Connoisseur Apr 6, 2017

    Posts
    3,516
    Likes
    5,792
    From the pics you provided, the minute markers look unconsistent and uneven which mean a redial.
    Do you have better pics?
     
    blacktiger likes this.
  5. blacktiger Apr 7, 2017

    Posts
    199
    Likes
    175
    From what you guys have said, perhaps it's best if I stay away. Shame though.

    I've asked the seller if they wouldn't mind send over some better photos, and very kindly they are going to be doing so later on. I'll post them on here as soon as I receive them, see what we think then!

    Really appreciate everyone's input here, helps me so much. :)
     
  6. ConElPueblo Apr 7, 2017

    Posts
    9,587
    Likes
    26,961
    I echo the sentiment about it having been cleaned and it being done well :)

    $300 is a fair bit off, IMO. A seasoned collector would probably pay that, but not a new one, nor someone looking for a single vintage watch to wear occasionally. Also, if it is in Europe (which I'd expect since the OP is in the UK), the price would be higher. I wouldn't be surprised to see a price at around $5-600 which it would definitely sell for on the open market.
     
    cristos71 likes this.
  7. blacktiger Apr 7, 2017

    Posts
    199
    Likes
    175
    Hi guys,

    Seller has kindly sent the following photos across to me. Would love to know what you guys think. From your comments I don't think I'll go ahead wit the deal, taking onboard what you have said, I'm sure it is the right thing to do. Either way, here are the photos of the dial and case. Thanks! :)
     
    371909-2d319e8b5ea1e943b10839f4749f766b.jpg 371910-1f8494f666718d88bf6aa30d98e68aab.jpg 371911-37b6adddff594c244e2170bb94aa5f15.jpg 371912-6393e563274d531e095210363150de6c.jpg 371913-7c8e9a9c228fda99b7e8e377f2f6a838.jpg 371914-96178cb9b43f99e3157fa7d6d750207a.jpg 371915-af9af3240db70b90693a96d88f578ca2.jpg
  8. François Pépin Apr 7, 2017

    Posts
    1,531
    Likes
    1,081
    Original but as Gator guessed, I would say it has been cleaned - see the yellow parts around the scipts, that could be rests of the old laquer. But it has been nicely done.
     
  9. gatorcpa ΩF InvestiGator Staff Member Apr 7, 2017

    Posts
    12,169
    Likes
    15,629
    The difference is the so-called "newbie tax". Which I would like to see the OP avoid, since he had the foresight to inquire here first.

    That being said, it doesn't take much in the way of customs duties (diligently collected in Europe and rarely so in the US) and/or VAT to make up that difference.
    gatorcpa
     
  10. ConElPueblo Apr 7, 2017

    Posts
    9,587
    Likes
    26,961
    Then I'll ask -have you recently seen a price near $2-300 for a similar watch on the "open market"?

    I have a suspicion that you may be a bit behind the times in regards to pricing.

    In my view, paying $5-600 for this would in no way be paying newbie tax, absolutely not. Anyone paying that amount for that particular watch would be able to make it back immediately by reselling it. And I speak from recent experience: https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-seamaster-ref-2577-9-from-1953-textured-dial.55074/

    Anyway, I doubt that the watch is offered at $5-600 anyway, so the whole issue is probably moot :)
     
  11. gatorcpa ΩF InvestiGator Staff Member Apr 7, 2017

    Posts
    12,169
    Likes
    15,629
    Given the points raised earlier, I wouldn't pay $600 for that particular watch in any market.

    Now a nice used, perfectly original, properly serviced Ref. 2577? That's a $600 watch all day long.
    gatorcpa

    PS - Like yours?;)
     
    Edited Apr 7, 2017
  12. ConElPueblo Apr 7, 2017

    Posts
    9,587
    Likes
    26,961
    I wouldn't pay that much for it either - but I try to buy below market anyway :D

    The one I sold definetely wasn't very nice, sadly. Had one in gold cap a year ago which was lovely!
     
  13. blacktiger Apr 7, 2017

    Posts
    199
    Likes
    175
    Looks like there are two different opinions! Cool!

    Do you still think it's a redial, or are you leaning the way of @François Pépin ? :)
     
  14. cristos71 Apr 7, 2017

    Posts
    7,137
    Likes
    32,884
    Here's one I had, now sold, the hands are the same.

    20170408_001225.jpg
     
    blacktiger and ConElPueblo like this.