Hey Folks,

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1958 Omega 2856 / 2848 Cal 501 black dial(ed) seamaster with some sweet gold markers (arrowheads?).

I've been researching the authenticity of the dial for a couple days and can't seem to find any with "12 o'clock lettering" only - the rest being gold markers.

I'm turing to you guys for your expertise in determining if this is an original dial. Any thoughts?

Here's some pics.




Movement adds up:



Thanks Folks!
Brian

 

I am no expert, but what I have learnt on OF is : black dials are mostly redials...so these need caution.

Also, if that watch is from ‘58, then despite the not-so-clear-or-high-res-pics apparently the ‘Seamaster’ font is far from near correct.

You can follow this thread, specifically look out for @No Mercy ’s post where he highlights the period correct font.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/seamaster-2849-7-sc-uncommon-dial.73760/

As always I stand to be corrected

 

Thanks much for chiming in.

As a newer collector, I do as much research as I can, but on occasion I get hung up a detail or two that I need reassurance.

I reached out to @No Mercy via private conversation and his opinion was that "it's original".

A couple references:

These are from 1956


This example is the same year and very similar model as the one I'm looking to purchase:



I was informed that there are "many variations" and that the watch in question looked "authentic".


The reason I respond (with references) is because I have used past threads to help identify what's authentic and not and I wanted to continue the tradition.

Fantastic forum. Thanks again for the input!

 

Thanks! Great to know. So there are 2 confirmed variations in that period, and not just 1. I could easily imagine a looser QC back in the day, along with perhaps different production lines (or manufacturers) for the vastly different dial finishes...and for Seamasters there were many, even then. But again, I am no expert, haven’t spent nearly enough time looking at these, I most likely am wrong and stand to be corrected...

 

It's fine - don't worry too much about the coathanger-S and so. Looks great with that even patina on the dial, especially in the middle.
There are a vast amount of dial variants for vintage Seamasters, so it's not a warning sign that you cannot find an exact match.

 

What a beauty. Go for it!
Given that arrowhead Constellations are becoming scarce, these Seamasters should get more attractive in the future.

 

That one looks great imo, good luck

 

FANTASTIC that you joined the conversation. Thanks! I was just reading through your pinned "fishing guide" - specifically your insight into the tricky world of black dials. What an incredible resource. The patina, that you mention, was leading me to believe that this was indeed original.

@felsby @chronoboy64

Sealed the deal this morning. It should arrive in a couple weeks.

Picked up a lovely 2937-1 as well.

Again, thanks for joining the conversation!

-Brian

 

From what I see, they look alike but not the same.

 

@hoipolloi

Just to clarify, the black dial that you've used as an example here is NOT the watch I just purchased.

 

Here is mine case marked 2856-2857 cal 501 serial dates to around 1958
Quite unmolested, sock drawer find.
Very hard to find another example, nice 36mm case.

 

Very nice find

Have me in mind, if you think of letting it go

 

Looks incredible. Congrats!

Snatched up the initial seamaster in question. Here's some additional pics.

 

Here’s mine. With different markers and a few years older. It’s a 2846 and 34mm. Congratulations.

 

Hi,

What do you say about this Seamaster? Cal 501, Serial 16xxxxxx, CK 2846? I'm planning to buy this one if the price is good..

Thanks, Tomi

 

It is a re-dial, so bear that in mind if you choose to buy.

 

The lume almost had me convinced... but I see what you’re sating with the white and some of the markers.

 

Sold at 14800 SEK (= 1437 EUR) + fees

 

It wasn't me that's way too much..