I just purchased a vintage seamaster on eBay. The only thing that really helps me date it was the original rice band (but unfortunately it was far too small for my wrist). As shown in the photos it has a cross hair dial and what people may call "two tone" because it is lifted? Or maybe they call it a "waffle?" Ebay has not been much for educating me haha so thanks for the forum. Anyway, I am not sure how to open it. Someone else has clearly attempted and failed based on the scratches on the back. It appears that the back is in the wrong position based on the flat edge being opposite of the crown? Any information on how to open this watch or on the watch would be great. I really want to know what movement I now own.

 

Nice dial. Unfortunate about the back. I'd take it to see this guy...

 

you probably should take it to a professional watchmaker to open, but if you want to try, I guess you cant scratch it up too much more. You need a case knife. its a thin blade on a handle that fits between the back and case --in the area of that flat spot-- and you can pop the back off. Look on Amazon.

 

I would call it two tone, but not waffled. It looks like a reference 2828 caliber 471. I would take it to a watch maker to open it up. Have them do a service and see if they can locate some extra beads of rice links for your bracelet. Enjoy your nice Seamaster!

 

Make sure it's not this guy at the mall

 

You need to look for a thin gap opening between the case back and center case. It would be cut into the back

DON

 

Thanks for the information. I will look some watches up and a repair shop (there are far and few between out here). I have seen plenty of screw backs and seamsters with logos but this back just has the words "seamaster" and "water proof" on it. I loved the cross hair dial, which is why I bought the watch. The bracelet was just a bonus!

 

Don't get a case knife like the ones on Amazon - the blade tends to be to thick and you can do some real damage. A sharp pocket knife (i.e Victorinox) will usually be thin enough to slip in the edge. If in doubt, slip some clear plastic over the area you're opening so you won't scratch the back.

If you want something even thinner, you can use the blade from a safety knife/razor.

Just read that you will be taking it to a watchmaker, and that is by far the most ideal solution If you need recommendations for watch repairs, let us know where you're from and I'm sure some local forum members will be able to recommend a watchmaker for you.

 

Ok, I'll ask-
Why do you want to open it?
If it's not running, then the watchmaker that will service
it will open it. If it is running, but not how you would like,
then you really don't know how to address that anyway,
so why risk messing up the watch case?
If you just like to tinker, well go watch some youtube
videos how to open.
Looks like a nice original Seamaster.

 

I want to open it because inside tells almost the entire story about the watch. Sure, I know it's a seamaster - but I would love to know what movement powers it, the serial number, the date it was made, etc. It is running and keeping great time, I just want to know more about it. I will save my tinkering to cheaper watches at this point.

 

Start reading here

https://omegaforums.net/threads/help-identifying-watch.6617/#post-77640

 

And here

https://omegaforums.net/threads/opening-2846-2848-omega-case-back-stuck.25301/#post-280037

 

I like crosshair dials with patina too. That style case back is common in the '50's.
Here is my 2828 471 with that style case back:
Here is also one of my 2846/2848's 501's with that style case back:

The watchmaker may also have a Victornox. Ask them

 

What is the diameter of the case without the crown?
32mm or 34mm ?

 

Guessing 34mm but I am getting slightly less.

 

Ok. Well then that would make me guess this is a
Ref, 2846 and caliber 501 Which is one of the best
Omega made back then. It's full rotor auto.
Many Omega collectors, think this caliber is as good as
it gets in vintage Omega. Congrats. You should be able to
regulate this watch to within a few seconds per day, even after
60 years

 

Crown is wrong BTW but readily availible with
some patient searching. The rest looks good.
Reasonable cost for service without parts would
be ~$175.

 

Getting it off may be the easy part.

Sometimes getting the it back on may be more difficult...

 

Never twist (turn) the blade - the blade acts only as a wedge if you are doing it correctly...