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Seamaster 342

Kek25
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l purchased this watch a couple of years ago for $150. I thought the bumper movement was neat.

Looking for knowledgeable comments on the condition and collectibility of this one. It presently sits in a safety deposit box. Not sure why the photos show discoloration of the hour markers from 9 to 6 but they are all the same color. Thanks again.

9F94056C-BD02-434E-841A-E7AFBFECE88C.jpeg 40A495C5-CD87-48B5-A098-99048013507D.jpeg AA9DC0A8-BDDF-4F72-99BC-A528DE7F3A12.jpeg 69C086AF-54F0-49D9-984A-4AFD82F0727A.jpeg D84A98B5-1D54-48B3-9282-470C089CF181.jpeg 0CF1BFA3-3D0F-435E-A38B-98E41FA77237.jpeg 7AF0E547-F485-4B99-801F-BF3DBD12F01F.jpeg
 
BlackTalon
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These photos may be good enough for some of the very knowledgeable people here, but higher-rez photos would be tremendously helpful. Especially one of the dial. Is the discoloration a reflection on the movement? I'm guessing it may be the case as a reflection is obscuring a good view of the dial photos.
 
Kek25
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BlackTalon BlackTalon
These photos may be good enough for some of the very knowledgeable people here, but higher-rez photos would be tremendously helpful. Especially one of the dial. Is the discoloration a reflection on the movement? I'm guessing it may be the case as a reflection is obscuring a good view of the dial photos.
Yes, there is a reflection. These are the photos from the original seller. You can see there is a reflection because in one photo of the dial the hour markers on the left look bleached while in the other photo of the dial they’re dark in coloration. I may have to retrieve the watch and take my own photos.
 
MSNWatch
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Decent case if you can look past the engraving but that’s about it. Dial has been chemically cleaned and movement badly discolored with stripped original copper finish.
 
Ravineman
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Am I missing something here ..... shouldn't a $150 watch should be worn ? What's it doing in a bank vault ?
 
Kek25
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Ravineman Ravineman
Am I missing something here ..... shouldn't a $150 watch should be worn ? What's it doing in a bank vault ?
Needs a COA. I was able to get some of that greenish residue off some of the movement to reveal the copper beneath. It’s somewhat sticky. Thought maybe it was old lubricant of some kind.
 
DON
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$150 is a steal. Even for a couple of years ago. I was paying $100 - $150 back in 2003 for similar condition models as the Seamaster with sunk small second bumpers were the most popular sellers of the bumper class movements after I restored them

Wouldn't have a problem paying that today for the same watch.

DON
 
Kek25
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Thanks for the feedback. I'll get it to my watchmaker one of these days for a good service.
 
Kek25
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DON DON
$150 is a steal. Even for a couple of years ago. I was paying $100 - $150 back in 2003 for similar condition models as the Seamaster with sunk small second bumpers were the most popular sellers of the bumper class movements after I restored them

Wouldn't have a problem paying that today for the same watch.

DON

What would you do to restore a watch like this, Don?
 
DON
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I didn't restore for collectors. I restored for those wanting a vintage watch that looked like it just left the factory.

Your case looks fine, so nothing there. Maybe a very light polish to remove some feint marks

Signed crystal

Movement overhaul with replacement of plates/bridges etc. if they looked badly aged (buyers want to see a close to clean movement)

Dial refinished in a satin old silver (go to color) which is a pearlescent finish with a faint ageing to it

Hands and indexes replated based on color or new hands all around if needed

Don't do it anymore though. Watchmaker passed away in 2009 and most want 5-6 times his price. My dial refinisher retired after 40 years a year later and prices of watches shot up to ridiculous levels that it didn't pay anymore

DON
 
Kek25
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DON DON
I didn't restore for collectors. I restored for those wanting a vintage watch that looked like it just left the factory.

Your case looks fine, so nothing there. Maybe a very light polish to remove some feint marks

Signed crystal

Movement overhaul with replacement of plates/bridges etc. if they looked badly aged (buyers want to see a close to clean movement)

Dial refinished in a satin old silver (go to color) which is a pearlescent finish with a faint ageing to it

Hands and indexes replated based on color or new hands all around if needed

Don't do it anymore though. Watchmaker passed away in 2009 and most want 5-6 times his price. My dial refinisher retired after 40 years a year later and prices of watches shot up to ridiculous levels that it didn't pay anymore

DON

Thanks for the reply. That's the way I like the wristwatches. Don't see the point of attending a black tie affair with a watch that has a worn-dial, scratched case and/or crystal.
 
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