Seamaster 30 advice

Wahoo98 · Jan 11, 2026

Would like to acquire an all original, very good/excellent condition Seamaster 30 at some point. Still new and learning about the various models and things to watch out for. The model below looks to be in good shape but would love any advice from the experts. Most of the similar models I have seen have the recessed/etched case back, whereas this one has a raised medallion. (Have seen a couple similar with the medallion online but seems unusual.). Is that cause for concern or suggest a non original watch? Anything else seem amiss? Would very much appreciate any thoughts or advice.

JimInOz · Jan 11, 2026

Based on the photos it looks OK, if a bit dirty and showing rust spotting.
Caliber is correct for the reference.
I would need a much better pic of the dial to confirm original.
My Seamaster 30 has the same caseback reference but is a flat back, my serial number is earlier than yours (20.7M) but they both fall into the 1963 basket.

Wahoo98 · Mon. 8:40am

Thank you. Yeah not quite sure what to make of the caseback. Not sure if I can get a better photo of the dial but will post if I can. I do like the appearance of the watch.

noelekal · Mon. 1:35pm

I can't recall my Seamaster 30's serial number, but it dates to 1962.

I couldn't recall the appearance of its case back so just took a photo to illustrate.

I really enjoy wearing my Seamaster 30. It's a definite keeper. I love all the Seamaster 30s and could see myself collecting a bunch of them.

Wahoo98 · Mon. 1:57pm

That’s a beauty. Yeah I’m really drawn to them - just so frustrating trying to figure out what is original and worth buying. Thanks for the info.

mydeafcat · Mon. 2:29pm

These are lovely watches. I purchased mine here in 2017 - my first vintage piece and first purchase on OF. My gateway drug (which is often the SMDV for new folks!) Hands are pitted, sure, but the linen dial piqued my interest immediately. 135.003, 1963 serial (xxxx-62 can mean a 1963 release). Caseback is identical to @noelekal's above. Movement is damn near pristine given it's age (same as me!!).

These are killer movements from all accounts. As @JimInOz pointed out yours needs a wee bit of a tidying up.

Dan S · Mon. 2:39pm

I'm not seeing any obvious problems based on the photos.

It's interesting that the ends of the markers have little indentations to accommodate lume dots, but it is a no-lume watch. Still, the no-lume hands are such a good fit, I suspect that Omega simply chose to deliver it this way.

If the watch happened to be in Japan, that would be useful information.

Wahoo98 · Mon. 3:14pm

Thanks for those comments. Very helpful. I noticed that with the markers and indentations as well. Certainly does not look like it ever had lume - no indication of residue. So many small variations with these watches and dials.

noelekal · Mon. 4:32pm

Wahoo98
That’s a beauty. Yeah I’m really drawn to them - just so frustrating trying to figure out what is original and worth buying. Thanks for the info.

I feel that your Seamaster 30 find is original, if a little tired. That's ok. Here at the Home For Wayward watches tired is not too uncommon a feature of some of the watches homed. I love 'em anyway. I'm tired too because I'm even older than some of the watches and I need love too. If I found your watch find at a "real deal" (under $500) I would give it a home on the Omega wing of the Home.

I do notice that the "S" in Seamaster is different than the "coathanger S" my watch features, but I've observed both "S" styles on Ebay watches I have studied the I deemed to be original. Seems like there are threads on the Forum that address the different "S" styles, but I'm not having good success turning one up.

Dan S · Mon. 4:49pm

Wahoo98
Thanks for those comments. Very helpful. I noticed that with the markers and indentations as well. Certainly does not look like it ever had lume - no indication of residue. So many small variations with these watches and dials.

Excitation by a UV lamp will usually show some residual luminescence even if the lume has been almost completely removed. Just an FYI.

Ozymandiss · Mon. 5:15pm

Dan S
Excitation by a UV lamp will usually show some residual luminescence even if the lume has been almost completely removed. Just an FYI.

I wondered about the lack of lume. There does appear to be some dark brown “stuff” in the indentations at 12, 1 and 2.

Wahoo98 · Mon. 5:23pm

If I get it I will definitely check out with the UV light. Thanks. And yes, noelekal, depending on which vintage of these I go for, it’s going to be a little before or after my birth year! And yet most still seem to be going strong. Pretty remarkable.

mydeafcat · Mon. 5:44pm

noelekal
I do notice that the "S" in Seamaster is different than the "coathanger S" my watch features, but I've observed both "S" styles on Ebay watches I have studied the I deemed to be original. Seems like there are threads on the Forum that address the different "S" styles, but I'm not having good success turning one up.

Indeed. Mine is one of the ‘newer’ S’s. It is original and it seems was manufactured during the cross-over period. Verified by none other than Troels (ConElPueblo). Sure do miss that fellow.

noelekal · Mon. 7:55pm

I miss him as well, mydeafcat.

Seamaster 30 advice

Wahoo98

JimInOz

Wahoo98

noelekal

Wahoo98

mydeafcat

Dan S

Wahoo98

noelekal

Dan S

Ozymandiss

Wahoo98

mydeafcat

noelekal

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