Hi all,

I can’t decide on whether to get the big or little triangle seamaster 300, the big is about £800 more but I’m happy paying that if this is the more rare out of the 2.

Can anyone tell if there are any non period correct parts on either?

The little is from 1968 with what looks to be a screw down crown and the big is from 1967 with a push crown.

any help and opinions would be greatly appreciated.

£6200 vs £7000

 

Personally I prefer the big triangle (as an aesthetic, not anything else) they are slightly more expensive.

Of the two you have here however, I prefer the small as I don't like/trust the lume on the big.

 

Lume on both of those aren’t great...and once you have dodgy lume on a 300, they do not sell well at all.

 

Meaning the darkness of the lume? Or the straight lines?
Personally I like a darker lume, gives the watch more character

 

Then there’s this one but it has quite a damaged bezel.

but at £4450 it’s a lot cheaper

 

The top example appears to have an over polished case. I like the BT example best. The lume on the BT is indicative of an honest SM300 which has spent life in a humid (aka underwater) environment. Fine with me.

 

The 6 and 12 markers should have a pin mark in them. The absence of this generally points to a relume. That in my view puts a question mark over the big triangle.

The attractiveness of the lime on a particular watch is a matter of personal opinion.

 

There are many examples of original lumed SM300s without pin holes at 12 and/or 6. Likewise, relumers can also carve out pin holes.

 

It’s a nightmare buying a vintage watch, a lot of things can put me off.

Is there anything to look out for?

or anyone I can take it to to verify everything?
This is why I got overwhelmed with buying a submariner lately.

 

Just keep asking questions and reread older posts. @kox is to SM300s what @Spacefruit is to Moonwatches. @kox and @Dash1 Diver Seamaster book is due out in 2020. https://omegaforums.net/threads/new...-book-in-the-making.79107/page-4#post-1065195. This will be a huge help to all. @ndgal has posted some awesome SM300 examples and very helpful, informative posts.

If possible, buy from an OF respected seller. A member parted from this (to me) a few years ago. It’s rather nice. And has no in holes

 

A real minefield nowadays. The BT models tend to be more desirable, i do not know if they are rarer.
The top one, to my eyes, may, and i stress may, be a good modern relume, the pinholes (or the one i can see) look too big and sharp for such an old watch.
The BT looks honest to me.

 

I personally don’t think it was re lume. I think the BT is the nice of the two and the most iconic imo

 

Great thanks for your help and opinions!

 

To my knowledge, there isn't a discernible difference in rarity between small and big twelve o'clock marker, but in any case I would recommend going for the one in better condition in almost any situation.

 

The big triangle is significantly less numerous. It has always commanded a premium.

 

I’d have to sway towards the big triangle.

 

The BT gets my vote too. These were the civilian version of the military issued SM300 if I’m not mistaken, just without the circle T.

 

Besides condition, the screw-down crown and date/no-date are the most impactful features to include in your decision making process.
A screw-down model can still be made waterproof and pressure-tested which is a pretty big plus IMO.

The real question is, why choose one or the other?
Get an early candlestick ST and a later screwdown BT.

 

One more vote for the BT. Less polished and more honest lume. And you are correct, these SM300's can be
very tricky, especially for a new vintage collector.