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Seamaster '54… how authentic is this?

Homes
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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
 
efauser
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Did you just buy this? How much did you pay, if I may ask.
 
Maganator
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I have no idea about the case but that is an awful redial
 
COYI
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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.
 
Homes
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efauser efauser
Did you just buy this? How much did you pay, if I may ask.
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.
 
gdupree
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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.
 
Homes
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Edward53 Edward53
The dial has been repainted. Not terribly well, I'm afraid.
Oh well, thanks for the response anyway.
 
COYI
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Homes Homes
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.
Fair enough, that was probably well before the forum existed. I totally concur with gdupree.
 
Homes
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gdupree gdupree
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.
Fair enough… I do like it a lot (though slightly less than before!)
 
COYI
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Homes Homes
Fair enough… I do like it a lot (though slightly less than before!)

At least you had an eye for vintage watches before many of us here
 
Homes
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COYI COYI
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.
You're right, of course… I actually bought it way before it would have occurred to me to ask those questions.
 
gdupree
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Homes Homes
Fair enough… I do like it a lot (though slightly less than before!)
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.
 
Homes
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Edward53 Edward53
The dial has been repainted. Not terribly well, I'm afraid.
Okay… for future reference, would you mind telling me how that is so obvious?
 
Homes
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gdupree gdupree
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.
Thanks for that, I hope you're right…
 
Homes
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Homes Homes
Okay… for future reference, would you mind telling me how that is so obvious?
Sorry, that sounded a bit snippy… that'll be the disappointment coming through! I'd be genuinely interested to know however.
 
Davidt
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Homes Homes
Okay… for future reference, would you mind telling me how that is so obvious?

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.
 
Homes
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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!
 
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