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  1. Homes Nov 11, 2017

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    Hi folks, have just joined the site and already taken advantage of the Calibre Date List that somebody helpfully posted. So, I have a 1954 Seamaster… but seeing other examples online I have a few of queries I'm hoping someone can help me with:
    i) are the blobs of lube (no longer functional) an original feature? They seem to be blocking out the tail-end of the markers and look a bit sloppy. Should I try to get them removed?
    ii) the crown is signed with the logo but is the milled style original to 1954?
    iii) the side of the case between the lugs is very rough (unpolished) compared with the visible parts; is that normal?
    Thanks in advance for any help. I'm not looking to sell it – it's one of my favourite everyday-wear watches (if that makes sense). Cheers! fullsizeoutput_1325.jpeg fullsizeoutput_1326.jpeg
     
  2. efauser I ♥ karma!!! Nov 11, 2017

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    Did you just buy this? How much did you pay, if I may ask.
     
  3. COYI Nov 11, 2017

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    Here we go again::facepalm1::
     
  4. Edward53 Nov 11, 2017

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    The dial has been repainted. Not terribly well, I'm afraid.
     
    Homes likes this.
  5. Maganator Nov 11, 2017

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    I have no idea about the case but that is an awful redial
     
  6. Kmart Nov 11, 2017

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    ::popcorn::
     
  7. COYI Nov 11, 2017

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    Hi Homes, and welcome to the forum.

    I don't know if you've owned the watch a long time or recently purchased it but ideally you would have asked these questions before acquiring the watch.
     
  8. Homes Nov 11, 2017

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    Actually had it for about 20 years, at least. It was one of the first in what has turned out to be a collection. Cost me about £300, I think.
     
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  9. gdupree Nov 11, 2017

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    Definitely a redial. If it’s your fav everyday wear, then perhaps we don’t need to go into it and just enjoy!

    If you’re asking about originality, in terms of collectibility and value, there’s not much there. But they doesn’t stop it from being an enjoyable wear.
     
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  10. Homes Nov 11, 2017

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    Oh well, thanks for the response anyway.
     
  11. COYI Nov 11, 2017

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    Fair enough, that was probably well before the forum existed. I totally concur with gdupree.
     
  12. Homes Nov 11, 2017

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    Fair enough… I do like it a lot (though slightly less than before!)
     
  13. COYI Nov 11, 2017

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    At least you had an eye for vintage watches before many of us here
     
  14. Homes Nov 11, 2017

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    You're right, of course… I actually bought it way before it would have occurred to me to ask those questions.
     
  15. gdupree Nov 11, 2017

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    Yeah, I know the feeling. But hey, learning is the joy of being here. Tons of super knowledgeable people here (perhaps even yourself) that could possible help you source a correct dial for this one.

    If it really eats at you, stick around, learn a bit, and find you a deal on a great original example of one of these. Before long you’ll be helping others with the same.
     
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  16. Homes Nov 11, 2017

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    Okay… for future reference, would you mind telling me how that is so obvious?
     
  17. Homes Nov 11, 2017

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    Thanks for that, I hope you're right…
     
  18. Homes Nov 11, 2017

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    Sorry, that sounded a bit snippy… that'll be the disappointment coming through! I'd be genuinely interested to know however.
     
  19. Davidt Nov 11, 2017

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    Several tells. The most obvious to me:

    Location of Swiss Made
    Poor quality application of text
    Poor quality application of minute markers.
    Positioning of minute markers in relation to minute hand. The tip of the hand usually lines up with the minute track, so either the hands are incorrect or the dial has been redone.
     
  20. Homes Nov 11, 2017

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    Blimey… they could have drawn the hands on with crayon and I'd probably still have bought it. Thanks for the response Davidt!