Seamaster '4678 from 52?

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Hello All,

I very recently purchased this Seamaster on eBay. I originally had been on the hunt for a Constellation, but found this, and thought it was a good start into this world. Yes, I realize this is a very risky decision; however, I saw what looked to be largely original and after speaking to the long term owner, I bid and won it. His grandfather had given it to his father in the 50s/60s, so it hasn’t been through many hands in 60+ years. He said his father was very modest, and that he'd kept this for the rest of his life.

Below you will see some of the photos, and as a newbie to this world, I wondered if some of the resident experts here would be kind enough to offer advice.

From what I can tell, the watch is from 1952. I see a serial # which appears to be 13374678, and the case shows what I believe is 2635 - 8 SC but boy it’s small. I confirmed the movement as a 354 bumper.

It is running but I’d like to get it serviced and obviously get a replacement crystal. I don’t want to do anything beyond getting it up to wearable standards, and favor originality.

Questions are… who would you recommend to service this? I have a reputable watch and clock shop nearby but have yet to ask them. And am I best sourcing the crystal for whichever shop to avoid an incorrect fit? And where would be best to get this?
Finally, what color do you think this dial started life as? It appears to be very copper with a metallic finish almost. It was the primary draw for me as I hadn’t seen uniform patina like this.


Any and all help appreciated.



 
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I would need to see a better photo but I think the dial may have been refinished. AUTOMATIC does look right, but unsure. Can you get a closer pic.
 
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Funny I saw the same thing initially. Here is what I think is a better shot, along with others to which I compared. Hopefully this helps.
Thanks again.
 
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Probably started as black with water/moisture damage

I see an original dial just damaged, from these iffy pictures........ Nice but faded


Let your watchmaker service and source a dial. Make sure WM has a history with vintage watches.....and don't drop it with the jeweler at the Mall.


welcome

others will share their thoughts


Love the drop "r" variety
 
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The font looks good in the new pic. This dial may be originally grey.
 
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Thanks, and heck... had no idea about the dropped "r" in Seamaster. Learned something new.

Yes, I have reached out to a few names - not locally, and am confirming they've worked on vintage Omegas in the past. Costs appear to be in the $300 range, not including the crystal.

Is there a trust resource to get a crystal?
 
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Your watchmaker can get you the correct crystal, but would need to have a parts account to get a signed crystal. Not a big value change either way.
 
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Update to this thread. I've replaced the crystal and had a service done on the watch. I bought a Hirsch watch band, and it works - Not thrilled with it, but its suitable counterpart to the watch IMHO.

Is there any way of determining how this dial started life? I haven't seen any others that have this strong a rust / copper color. It is not completely uniform, but one has to look closely to see the variations.

Thanks to the OF community.

 
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More than 90% were light colored. Black was always special order.
 
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More than 90% were light colored. Black was always special order.

Thank you. Another question for you… is your watch approx. 33mm-34mm? I’ve contemplated trying it on BoR and like the look of yours.
 
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Yes

Thank you, that set came together, mid 1950’s, I have pictures of the bracelet if you want to see( or search and you’ll find my pictures from 2014-15.)
 
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Yes

Thank you, that set came together, mid 1950’s, I have pictures of the bracelet if you want to see( or search and you’ll find my pictures from 2014-15.)
OK - will look at the photos. Thank you!
 
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@TexOmega i found your pics from long ago here. Funny how a BoR can transform a watch. It felt so much smaller with a leather band (than the Constellation) but with the bracelet it feels similar in size.