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Davidt
·I like writing and reading these type of threads so here comes another.
As some will be aware, I have a real love for the uncommon Companion and Technical dials found on late 60’s 34mm models.
A couple of threads on these models;
https://omegaforums.net/threads/let...ster-companion-technic-technical-dials.85684/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/sea...military’-style-dial-reference-thread.140447/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/the-many-faces-of-seamaster-600-–-show-us-your-variant.143179/
Anyway, I’ve been looking for a genuine ‘Seamaster 300 Companion’ on and off for a few years and they’re not easy to find. Crucially, it’s not just the dial but the hands that are rare, particularly the seconds hand which I believe is only seen on this specific version of the 165.002. Apart from the specific dial and hands, the case, movement and crown are the standard items seen on the 165.002.
This example came to me towards the end of 2022 and even though the lume was basically algae, the case had its fair of scratches, it wasn’t really running and was utterly filthy, I still had to fork out a pretty penny for it. I’m sure some would say too much!
Here are the photos as it landed with me, after a quick clean.
The first thing to do was sort the lume. A relume is always a last resort for me. Originality is key and a relume must be able to significantly improve the look of a degraded dial for me to consider it. I think most would agree that given the original state of the plots, a relume was the right option here. It helps that I’m not too far from the best in the business, so off it went to James Hyman.
ThId is the dial after he’d worked his magic.
Finally, the watch complete with the freshly relumed hands and dial went to Mitka for a full clean and service of the cal 550. Interestingly, every example of this dial I’ve seen, bar one, has had the cal 550 for the US market, so I wonder if this was primarily a US market dial. Upon arrival, winding the crown was like stirring concrete and the watch was barely running. It arrived back this weekend and is now running like a dream. I’m undecided on what to pair the head with. A 7 row Beads of Rice will work well, as will a plain black calf strap. I’m also considering a blue strap. However, for the time being it’s on a vintage DS&S Milanese bracelet. If you made it this far, thanks for reading!
As some will be aware, I have a real love for the uncommon Companion and Technical dials found on late 60’s 34mm models.
A couple of threads on these models;
https://omegaforums.net/threads/let...ster-companion-technic-technical-dials.85684/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/sea...military’-style-dial-reference-thread.140447/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/the-many-faces-of-seamaster-600-–-show-us-your-variant.143179/
Anyway, I’ve been looking for a genuine ‘Seamaster 300 Companion’ on and off for a few years and they’re not easy to find. Crucially, it’s not just the dial but the hands that are rare, particularly the seconds hand which I believe is only seen on this specific version of the 165.002. Apart from the specific dial and hands, the case, movement and crown are the standard items seen on the 165.002.
This example came to me towards the end of 2022 and even though the lume was basically algae, the case had its fair of scratches, it wasn’t really running and was utterly filthy, I still had to fork out a pretty penny for it. I’m sure some would say too much!
Here are the photos as it landed with me, after a quick clean.
The first thing to do was sort the lume. A relume is always a last resort for me. Originality is key and a relume must be able to significantly improve the look of a degraded dial for me to consider it. I think most would agree that given the original state of the plots, a relume was the right option here. It helps that I’m not too far from the best in the business, so off it went to James Hyman.
ThId is the dial after he’d worked his magic.
Finally, the watch complete with the freshly relumed hands and dial went to Mitka for a full clean and service of the cal 550. Interestingly, every example of this dial I’ve seen, bar one, has had the cal 550 for the US market, so I wonder if this was primarily a US market dial. Upon arrival, winding the crown was like stirring concrete and the watch was barely running. It arrived back this weekend and is now running like a dream. I’m undecided on what to pair the head with. A 7 row Beads of Rice will work well, as will a plain black calf strap. I’m also considering a blue strap. However, for the time being it’s on a vintage DS&S Milanese bracelet. If you made it this far, thanks for reading!
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