Question for watchmakers/hobbyist - Warning - VERY rough Seamaster ahead

If you're squeemish, look away!

With 30 bids already and 6 days to go, I don't think this will stay at a price that I consider worth the gamble, but I still have a question about the movement for any of the watchmakers or hobbyists here. Clearly something hard was jostled around inside the watch for a very long time, judging by the random scratches on the movement (if it weren't for this and the terrible wear on the lugs, I would have thought that this watch lived most of it's life buried in the dirt). When you've seen that kind of thing on a movement you've worked on, what kind of problems did you encounter? I would expect maybe bent or broken gear teeth, at minimum.

To be clear, I have no delusions that I could resurrect this watch. But the black dial seems (big assumption here) to have been protected by that poor, poor, crystal, and that could be worth the expense alone. Plus, I have a Constellation with the same caliber from the same year that I'm too timid to clean and lubricate myself (still learning a lot), and it would be nice to have a practice movement plus potentially a spare part or two if needed. But if the movement is likely to be trashed throughout, it may not worth practicing on.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1753235506...CsRVpgvTba&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

I’m no watchmaker but that movement looks kaput.
The price will no doubt climb as well to an unreasonable amount. Do you have alternatives you’re looking at?

I agree with @Nepomuceño regarding the price probably becoming unreasonable, otherwise looks like a fun watch

Definitely. I imagine the case would only be worth the value of the gold on it. No hope to do anything else with that.

This is mostly an academic exercise. I came across it while trawling eBay pretty aimlessly and saw some potential. I would buy at it's current price or slightly higher just for kicks.

Coincidentally I have a 2846 out with my watchmaker right now. I’d just be aware that you would definitely have to source cal 501 parts which could be tricky.

For sure it's not something for the collectors, but if the gold cap will be in a dramatic state after cleaning - wouldn't it be possible to just take the layer of gold completely off to have stainless steel case?

Except for a tiny bit of damage on the inside edge of the lower right lug. Case looks OK. Not that in focus and I don't buy any gold filled or capped unless I'm actually holding it.

Good soaking and the wrist cheese can be removed and better to ascertain the case condition. Jewelers rouge cloth or light buff to clean the case. Light brass wire Dremel brush to clean the s/s inside areas.

Dial. Who knows, but hands look shot. Especially the sweep hand

Movement 3?/10. May run, but not pretty

Iffy project

DON

You could roll the dice and take your chances, but I fear the price still has some way to go and will most likely go beyond what I would be prepared to risk.

Yeah, I put my bid in and I'm winning for now, but I don't expect to win it in the end.

wise men say : "When it is cheap it's always too expensive". It means, with the amount of money you have to spend to turn it as its best, you probably just can buy a better watch at first place ! that said, I like this kind of project, it's my hobby, I like to give a second life to watches, I find it gratifying even if it is not always very interesting economically