Dear Forum Members:
Attached please find some photographs of an old Seamaster which a volunteer at work inherited from a relative.
He was wondering if this knowledgeable group could shed some light on it. Also, to render an opinion if it is worthwhile to restore to operating condition. I took the case back off, the rotor moves with some resistance. The crystal has a big hole in it, and is awfully scratched distorting the appearance of the dial, and the crown is missing. The caseback denotes 14k.
Note: We really got a kick out of the previous watchmakers markings on the inner case back. Sept 75,
?03/14/58,

Apologies for the photos.

Thanks in advance

 

It seems the movement is from around '58 but the case and dial looks to be from the early 50's.. Kinda strange, that watchmaker might have switched out the movement, but I'll let the more knowledgable members post about that. But it is a very desirable watch despite the dial condition and very much worth getting some attention from a good watchmaker.

 

Jackpot. I believe that to be an original - and highly desirable - example.

Finding a watchmaker who can handle the restoration sympathetically is crucial. Sourcing a correct crown will be the hard part. Some movement parts are also getting hard to find; best not to put off the restoration for too long.

Cordially,

Art

 

Art, shouldn't the omega be applied instead of printed on a '58?

 

Are you sure it's not an applied logo? I believe it is and it's the poor condition of the crystal and dial that make it look painted.
Then again, I just might be these "old eyes"

 

It looks applied. Like it should to these old eyes!

 

I'm not going to equivocate: It's applied.

 

I mean the word omega, not the sign. On the early 50's constellations they were written like this before they went to applied on the later bumpers and 501 mvmt.

 

It is definetly printed not applied.

 

The Logo is applied. The text is printed. I guess we agree.
As to the case ref I am in doubts.... It does not come up (and the 505 only briefly) in my list of Seamaster Chronometers.

 

If you read my post I never said anything about the omega logo, I was trying to be clear I meant the omega text, which was always applied from mid to late 50's.

 

Fair enough.

 

Hmmm ok did not know that, pretty cool history there.

 

Sorry, I logged out after posting, and just logged back in now. My sense is that it's a late '57 or '58 SM cased in the US. I've seen two others just like this one, similar dials with printed 'OMEGA', in gold-capped and stainless steel. This is likely the first solid gold cal 505 SM I've run across.

Dare I say 'dibs'?

 

Dear All:
Thank you so much for your invaluable insight. I do not know what William will ultimately do with the watch, but with your "do no harm" recommendations I'm sure that will help him make a decision.

 

Hello everyone:
Picking up where we left off, shortly after the original post I acquired the watch from my buddy as he knew I would bring it back to life.
After 5 months away at the shop, I'm happy to report it's back home, and functioning like it should.
Again thank you all for sharing your knowledge so unselfishly.
I attach a few photos for your viewing pleasure.

 

Thanks for following thru with 'after' photos! Nicely done, and congrats on scoring a desirable SM.

Art

 

Wow, almost like two different watches.