Seamaster 300 - 1960's? newby questions

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Rivercity

·Feb 2, 2025

Hello all

Thank you to this group. This is my Seamaster, which I was given in the early 80's (it was old then). I would like assistance in identifying when this watch is from, model #, any info would be great. 164-24, 166-24? So far most of these models look similar to mine.

I just got this back from servicing at the Omega factory in Switzerland. The bezel was replaced, and they returned it along with all the parts they replaced during service (except the crystal). It did come back in a new swanky Omega branded case.

I'm just wanting to get some history and a ballpark figure of value for insurance. I've seen crazy prices on eBay and other watch sites, but every watch is a case all its own!

Thanks

 

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Davidt

·Feb 3, 2025

It’s a 165.024.

Did Omega refinish the dial or was it already like that?
Do you have any pictures of it before you had it restored?

Unfortunately, unless it was a mess beforehand, it may well have been worth more before the restoration as the new parts and repainted dial really hurt the value. I’d say it’s worth c.£2800 in current condition.

 

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hansaboy

·Feb 3, 2025

And do NOT throw away the original parts!!!

 

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boogedyboo

·Feb 3, 2025

How much did you pay for the servicing? I am sure they were able to share some information about the watch before they accepted it for servicing?

 

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Knudsen1971

·Feb 3, 2025

As stated above, the watch value was degraded by this service... with original hands/bezel and unpolished case it would be much more interesting piece... do you have picture before it was send to Omega?

 

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Donn Chambers

·Feb 3, 2025

Please do post before pictures (and take a clearer picture of the serviced watch). It looks like they also replaced the hands. Can you pull the bezel out of the parts bag (as well as the hands)? If they are in decent shape, you might be able to have a local watchmaker restore them. Or, if you are happy with the refinished watch and don’t want them, you could sell them.

 

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Rivercity

·Feb 3, 2025

Sorry about the first picture, it is terrible. I will edit it out and post a better pic(s). in the meanwhile, this is pre servicing. I know the bezel and crystal were replaced (the originals are in the plastic bag). They also lightly buffed the case. Looks like the stem and a number of internal parts were also replaced. I have not opened the bag o parts as there are a lot of small parts, old brittle O-rings, etc in it, but I got all the original parts back. BTW, any idea of the year and what band may have been the original? Thx

 

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Rivercity

·Feb 3, 2025

Sorry, forgot to add.....they did not refinish the watch face.

p.s. - I'm working on editing out the first pic I posted..... Thx!

 

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masteroftime

·Feb 3, 2025

The old bezel was actually fairly nice. I can’t tell if the dial has been refinished or it is correct. The numbers seem to lack a level of clarity and detail, but that may be due to the photo/rendering.

The case polishing aside, damage has certainly been done to the original hands. 💔

That’s a $500+ original tritium handset that they replaced and was damaged in the process.

 

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Dan S

·Feb 3, 2025

Really sad to see. It was very nice before Omega got their hands on it. The watch can be restored, but at some cost. And obviously the hands will not be original again. Hopefully there isn't more damage to the parts.

 

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Rivercity

·Feb 3, 2025

Wow, live and learn. fortunately for me it's more sentimental that profit making. Here's a pic of the parts.

 

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masteroftime

·Feb 3, 2025

R Rivercity

Wow, live and learn. fortunately for me it's more sentimental that profit making. Here's a pic of the parts.

Certainly, but my comment was intended to go to the point that original parts are scarce and an all original Seamaster 300s with its original parts in good condition is uncommon and very valuable. Many/most of these have suffered from extensive water damage.

In this case, the recommendation from collectors would have been to find somebody who specializes in vintage watch restoration and has an Omega parts account. At this point, what is done is done. Wear and enjoy the watch!

However, Make sure to save those parts and be careful with them.

 

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Dan S

·Feb 3, 2025

Lume missing from hour and minute hands unfortunately. The crown is there and the bezel looks good.

OP, if you compare the before and after photos, you can see that the original hands and bezel with aging and yellow lume match the dial beautifully and provide a lovely consistent vintage look. The new hands and bezel are mismatched with the dial and unappealing.

 

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redzer007

·Feb 3, 2025

Your original question was about insurance value, to replace it I would estimate 6k to 7k, but that would be an all original, no service parts example. In its current condition, with the service parts, 3k to 4k. As others have mentioned above the desirability to a collector is in its original condition, hence the premium. But as you have noted its sentimental value here is the premium.

Also as noted, those parts have value, especially the bezel, they tended to break and or become very discoloured over time.

It's a nice watch, enjoy it

 

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bgrisso

·Feb 3, 2025

I am aware of Omega's MO when it comes to working on vintage watches, but it's still always shocking to see it in action. It's almost like willful destruction. I mean you can't even put the vintage hands in their own little container, you have to throw them loose in with the movement parts?! Typically no one cares much about used movements parts that are worn out and being replaced, I can understand throwing them in a bag like garbage. But items like hands, dial, bezel ?! Come on, that's just negligent. And it causes serious financial harm to the owner as well. Sometimes those vintage parts have significant $$, and they are just ruining them. It's completely idiotic on the part of Omega. And they are charging you a premium to destroy your property for you.
To the OP, no offense intended, most people don't know any better and of course you would think sending it back to the manufacturer is going to get you the best possible service. So I'm not trying to pile onto you at all. It's just really upsetting to see those photos of damaged parts.

 

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bazelot

·Feb 3, 2025

Those hands were beautiful. That is a shame they were destroyed. The old bezel alone is worth around $1500-$2000. Beautiful watch but if i were you i would put the old bezel back. Why, why, why does Omega do that????

 

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SOG53

·Feb 3, 2025

Despite all of the tears, all is not lost. If you have original bezel and hands reinstalled, the hands can be relumed to match the color nicely, and you have a great SM 300 all serviced and working well. Or you can just enjoy it as is and keep the old parts safe.

 

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Davidt

·Feb 3, 2025

Have you ever had any work done to the dial?

The pictures aren’t great but a much bigger issue than the bezel and hands is the fact that the dial looks refinished to me

 

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Knudsen1971

·Feb 4, 2025

bazelot

Those hands were beautiful. That is a shame they were destroyed. The old bezel alone is worth around $1500-$2000. Beautiful watch but if i were you i would put the old bezel back. Why, why, why does Omega do that????

I can ask my friend working working Omega service, what is the procedure, if the have to change all parts automatically, that did not pas the inspection, or they have to ask the customer, before they do that.
I`d bet everything except the worn movement parts and gaskets is out of the "standard maintenance pack" and is being charged at extra cost, so it requires customers approval....
Nevertheless, it will not bring back the beautifully aged tritium hands, sad to see that...

2k for this bezel are insane ebay prices, I`ve bough this B4 faded but uncracked bezel a year ago for 300 euro...

 

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Davidt

·Feb 4, 2025

Yeah I don’t see the bezel as being anywhere near 2k. I’d say around 1/3 of that.

Re changing hands etc. it may require customer approval but I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re on the mandatory list and refusal but mean the watch must be returned unserviced.