hey gang! I’m as green as new bananas, so I’m afraid I have to utilize your expertise on this one. 1957 Seamaster, and if it is indeed a redial, is it a good one? I’m slowly getting educated here, and your patience is greatly appreciated. Happy weekend to you all!

 

Redial. Not a bad one, better than a ruined original, but clearly a redial.

 

Thank you very much! I appreciate you taking the time to respond! Cheers!

 

For us "greenies" could you elaborate please as to the pointers that make you so certain this is a redial? or is it simply the case that if it's from 1957 it could never be in this condition? Thanks

 

I’m with you! I haven’t a clue! It must take looking at hundreds of these to be able to tell. But like you, I’d like to know some specifics.

 

Is this on sale? out of interest how much? solid gold? (9/14/18K?) some details would be of interest.

 

Printing is much newer style font.(not used in 1957)
Printing is crooked.
Printing has no depth to it.
Lume is non existent. Should be lume
at 12,3,6,9 in the square, also at the end of all
the applied markers.

 

No, it is stainless steel. I bought it for $500 after much haggling. He had it listed for $795, so I’m okay with the redial. One thing I’ve learned is buy what you like if you get the price you want.

 

Brilliant, pit pro! Now it makes sense! I appreciate your taking the time to enlighten us. To the novice untrained eye, it looks good. Thank you!

 

OK ta! Must be the lighting for the photo - looks like a light gold.

 

There are many clues including those listed by pitpro, but it'd be clearer if you look side by side with non-refinished dials. Compare every and all details visible, and you'll get familiar with it in no time.

Good examples on the web:

 

NOW I can see the crooked printing and lack of lume! Thanks

 

Wonderful TNT!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to give us a side by side comparison! Very generous of you! I love this place!!! Cheers!!!

 

It seems to be the fashion at the moment for eBay sellers to create a golden reflection on steel watches. Sickening, really. Sometimes it is hard to see the difference between a SS back & a rolled gold case. It must suck people in though, like a polishing, or they would stop.

 

True enough!

 

Something else that really gets my goat is a listing title says "Omega Mens Classic 18k Gold Cal 286 Mechanical vintage watch in super condition" and it is not until you read the full listing that it lets you know it is actually gold plated. Contacted seller and basically got told to read full listing and not just the title. Fair enough I can read but am looking specifically for solid gold and this wastes my time.

Thankfully I am very used to ebay and know how to use it but watch sales are an education in themselves

Got to love the sparkle on the crown.



and the strap..

 

Must be a solid gold strap: it's sparkling where the black has chipped off.

 

I know, right? eBay needs to raise their standards!

 

I thought it was just me thinking the font is crooked and looks weird!

 

I often have trouble with redial spotting. It's only when others point out the tiniest minutae that the whole thing becomes clear. It this case however the moment i saw those really bad and uneven square transfers/markings at 13,3,6,9 It screamed " redial" at me.
I think it's better to assume 50's watch dials in that sort of perfect state of patin less preservation are all redials and work backwards from there...sure there are some that have languished unworn in a dresser drawer for 60 odd years but I wouldn't go expecting it.