Community Stories

Seamaster 1948 Small Seconds vs Center Seconds

M
Posts
7
Likes
2
Been eyeing one of the 70th Anniversary reissues and debating between the small vs center seconds and curious which people prefer. I know there's been a lot of mention of the small hands on the center seconds but do you notice when wearing it?
 
gbesq
Posts
9,047
Likes
46,872
The small seconds subdial is the way to go. There's just something about that dial within a dial thing that is pure class. My 1950 Seamaster 2576. I don't find the small seconds subdial difficult to read at all. 1543700-9bd4dbbc48b8a659be8f8ef065170580.jpg
Edited:
 
M
Posts
7
Likes
2
The Small Seconds really is tempting. Rarely see them come up for sale.
 
Annapolis
Posts
1,614
Likes
2,357
The 2012 London Olympics one is my favorite of the lot. Such a fantastic looking watch. But honestly, every time I’ve considered going for one, I stop myself, thinking why not just go for a JLC dress watch? Similar vibe, comparable price (preowned), higher level of watchmaking…
 
M
Posts
7
Likes
2
Annapolis Annapolis
The 2012 London Olympics one is my favorite of the lot. Such a fantastic looking watch. But honestly, every time I’ve considered going for one, I stop myself, thinking why not just go for a JLC dress watch? Similar vibe, comparable price (preowned), higher level of watchmaking…
I definitely get that. Of all my watches my Reverso will always be my favorite.
 
Sherrill
Posts
61
Likes
132
I preferred the center seconds for the cleaner look, but they both look good to me.
54E5C6A7-8E7A-4501-9995-5708AB8C5CD3.jpeg
 
flw
Posts
1,616
Likes
5,078
I have the small seconds, and it's one of my absolute favorites in my small collection. I don't have a Reverso (or any JLC), and it's on my wish list. But I wouldn't trade this one.
1000000230.jpg
 
pdxleaf
Posts
5,035
Likes
17,549
Both are great. A SC is dinner hour; a small seconds more after dinner cocktail.

20230116_114331.jpg
 
M
Posts
7
Likes
2
pdxleaf pdxleaf
Both are great. A SC is dinner hour; a small seconds more after dinner cocktail.

20230116_114331.jpg
That’s a great way to put it.
 
M
Posts
7
Likes
2
Sherrill Sherrill
I preferred the center seconds for the cleaner look, but they both look good to me.
54E5C6A7-8E7A-4501-9995-5708AB8C5CD3.jpeg
Looks really great on the blue strap.
 
Annapolis
Posts
1,614
Likes
2,357
M MAT4150
That’s a beautiful watch. Their Master Controls really are a silent hit.

Little more expensive than the Omegas, but you get a much nicer (less homage-y, thinner) watch from a superior brand. I've never owned a JLC, but that's one I'd seriously consider if I was in the market for a minimalist piece like this.
 
imranbecks
Posts
597
Likes
3,865
gbesq gbesq
The small seconds subdial is the way to go. There's just something about that dial within a dial thing that is pure class. My 1950 Seamaster 2576. I don't find the small seconds subdial difficult to read at all. 1543700-9bd4dbbc48b8a659be8f8ef065170580.jpg

That looks amazing. I wish I can find a good condition one at a good price. Not gonna get the 1948 limited edition one because that's just too expensive.
 
M
Posts
7
Likes
2
imranbecks imranbecks
That looks amazing. I wish I can find a good condition one at a good price. Not gonna get the 1948 limited edition one because that's just too expensive.
I've been hunting for the 1948 limited edition but no luck! Lots of the London Olympics but not as many 70th anniversary ones.
 
Ron_W
Posts
955
Likes
1,826
Sherrill Sherrill
I preferred the center seconds for the cleaner look, but they both look good to me.
54E5C6A7-8E7A-4501-9995-5708AB8C5CD3.jpeg

I second that ! I went for the small seconds based on the pictures but IRL the one with larger second hand looked way better.
 
Bp1000
Posts
622
Likes
2,836
gbesq gbesq
The small seconds subdial is the way to go. There's just something about that dial within a dial thing that is pure class. My 1950 Seamaster 2576. I don't find the small seconds subdial difficult to read at all. 1543700-9bd4dbbc48b8a659be8f8ef065170580.jpg
Thats in incredible condition. V.v. nice
 
Bp1000
Posts
622
Likes
2,836
If your love of watches extends to the intricate details I’d have to say the JLC wears and feels totally different to the 1948.

I’ve had mine since 2014 so there have been some revisions since, for the better. I got off to a rocky start with it, damaging the movement within 8 months. Apparently I activated the date corrector during a changeover, damaging the movement. I was actually pretty disappointed considering JLC are historically known for their movements and supply of. I expected more especially on a newer movement. I know that pre 2000-2010 latest, most watches should avoid adjustment between 10pm and 2am. However nothing was in the manual to state this yet watches from Patek clearly have this noted.

It’s been fine since the fix and I have enjoyed it immensely. I prefer it to a 5196 or 5527 Calatrava. It’s really punching above its price point on the face of it, quite literally. I’ve louped this a lot and you really appreciate the details from the pearlescent dial, applied hour markers with raised tips, the split finish in the hands and blue running seconds hand. Not to mention the detail on the Moonphase disc. Patek finish their movement better but this wears so well on the wrist, my only complaint is 37.5mm would have been ideal.

IMG_3Oct2019at174407.jpg

The 1948 wears very differently but equally as beautiful in different ways. It’s the case and lugs for me, much chunkier compared to the MUT but so are most watches. I do see the similarities with opaline dials and applied markers but the 1948 has its own characteristics and I feel the small seconds with its radial finish on its sub dial gives it a better balance.

Both fantastic
IMG_16Oct2019at173258.jpg

I probably prefer the omega. Something very special about simplicity, done well. Plus I prefer annual and perpetual calendars, the former mainly for their general robustness and usefulness.
 
gbesq
Posts
9,047
Likes
46,872
Bp1000 Bp1000
Thats in incredible condition. V.v. nice
Thanks very much. I appreciate the compliment. It’s a 1950 reference 2576.
 
6 More Posts...
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

A

Awesome seamaster small seconds

andrewgaskin Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
A
andrewgaskin
Posts
11
Views
417
earth

C1950 gold Seamaster small seconds - unusual serial number

earth Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
mac_omega
mac_omega
Posts
6
Views
889
alextakuya

Jaeger-LeCoultre REVERSO TRIBUTE MONOFACE SMALL SECONDS GREEN DIAL FULL SET

alextakuya Watches For Sale
alextakuya
alextakuya
Posts
0
Views
2K
dougwhiz

Vintage Universal Geneve Small Seconds - circa 1943

dougwhiz Private Watch Sales
dougwhiz
dougwhiz
Posts
1
Views
5K
Butik

OMEGA Aqua Terra Small Seconds silver/white

Butik Private Watch Sales
Butik
Butik
Posts
0
Views
3K
Omega-Q

Omega Seamaster 1948 Small Seconds LE (full set)

Omega-Q Private Watch Sales
Omega-Q
Omega-Q
Posts
3
Views
7K