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Seamaster 300 Big Triangle - Valuation and Cosmetic Work Needed?

  1. sc489 Feb 7, 2018

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    I acquired a 1960s Omega Seamaster 300 watch a while ago through the family and I've only just realised it's could be quite valuable.

    The watch has been in storage since c. 1975 and mechanically is hardly worn. The watch is the Big Triangle version ref. 165024-64 and appears to be authentic having checked various vintage watch web sites. Unfortunately, the minute hand has been poorly repaired with a luminous paint which no longer matches, an after market stainless bracelet has been fitted and I have no documents or box.

    I welcome advice on the following:

    1. What is the watch potentially worth to sell in its current condition?
    2. Is it worth having the minute hand restored to increase the value of the watch?
    3. Is it worth replacing the bracelet to increase the value of the watch? Omega Seamaster 300 (1 of 6).jpg Omega Seamaster 300 (2 of 6).jpg Omega Seamaster 300 (3 of 6).jpg Omega Seamaster 300 (4 of 6).jpg Omega Seamaster 300 (5 of 6).jpg Omega Seamaster 300 (6 of 6).jpg What straps / bracelets would have been fitted to the watch originally?
     
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  2. efauser I ♥ karma!!! Feb 7, 2018

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    There are many threads on the subject. If you do a site search, you should be able to get most of your questions answered.
     
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  3. Baz9614 Feb 7, 2018

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    What are the first four digits of the S.N.? This will provide rough production year, and provide a guide for what would have been the correct bracelet for the watch. If an earlier version, it likely would have had a 1506 bracelet with #16 end links.
     
  4. bags1971 Feb 7, 2018

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    ill let the experts chip in but my feeling is it might be a put together watch
     
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  5. sc489 Feb 7, 2018

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    The first four digits of the serial no. are 2347. I know it was acquired by my family c 1970 and has not been modified by us. The features appear original apart from the bracelet having checked various vintage watch web sites.
     
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  6. sc489 Feb 7, 2018

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    I've already tried the search feature but I didn't find anyone having a problem with the minute hand like mine.
     
  7. apm1 Feb 7, 2018

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    Try to find a spare minute hand on this forum or ebay.
     
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  8. apm1 Feb 7, 2018

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    A clumsy watchmaker have added some tritium to the hand minute possibly for repairing a loss of luminescent material.
    There are watchmakers around able to restore that minute hand. If not, find for a used spare one.
     
  9. Davidt Feb 7, 2018

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    If you want to maximise your profit, sell as is.

    Collectors prefer watches in un-restored condition, warts and all. If you replace the crystal, clean the case repair/replace the minute hand and add a bracelet you will almost certainly not recoup that cost.
     
  10. apm1 Feb 7, 2018

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    I agree. Don't touch anything. But that minute hand!!
     
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  11. Baz9614 Feb 7, 2018

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    Mine is a 2379, and the extract dates it at an August 66 production, so your 2347 would probably put the watch around Q1 66 production, so as far as the bracelet goes, it believe it should be a 1506/16 combination.
     
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  12. moorey Feb 7, 2018

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    Nice watch I have 23475xxx all the same features, production date September 15 1966.
     
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  13. BenBagbag Feb 7, 2018

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    As others have said you should sell as is BUT - the seconds hand is such an eyesore that I would really consult with a few experts in this area to see how easy a fix it would be. I really don't think you need to find a replacement hand and maybe the green lume can be pulled off easily. The hand is a perfect candidate to be relumed but as it being from your family if I were you I'd just see if I could get just the green lume removed.

    I don't think adding a bracelet would add much value unless it gets sold through a premier auction site IMO and it very well may not be worth your time to source a correct one without paying a premium for that too.

    Good luck and keep us posted :)
     
    sc489 likes this.
  14. Baz9614 Feb 7, 2018

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    I’d be curious to see the extract on this one! Mine has a later SN of 2379, and it would appear your 23475 was produced 5 weeks later??
    D5078D89-246E-4D1C-A72A-9FBBD0D03FFA.png
     
    sc489 likes this.
  15. moorey Feb 7, 2018

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    IMG_3135 2.jpg

    Hows that. moorey
     
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  16. Baz9614 Feb 7, 2018

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  17. Men Feb 8, 2018

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    If you want to keep it I would bring it to a good watchmaker. Selling....as is.
     
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  18. sc489 Feb 8, 2018

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    Some people have advised the watch I posted may not be genuine since the big triangle on the face and narrow hands don't tie up with the production date.My serial no. beginning 2347 indicates a date of 1966 like yours. Some have said the big triangle version was not produced until 1967. I see your watch has the big triangle and you have a certificate so this advice may be suspect? My watch has the narrow hands which I understand is consistent with an earlier date yet yours has a wide hours hand. Is there a table showing what watch design features were available by date?
     
  19. SgWatchBaron Feb 8, 2018

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    Just sell it as it is and let the new owner decide on what to do.
     
  20. EdtheAussie Feb 8, 2018

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    This is the best advice if you are wanting to sell and will likely maximise profits, as finding a correct bracelet and/or repairing the hands will be costly and are not likely to give a return on investment.
     
    sc489 likes this.