Seamaster Auto / 1945 thru 1947 ?

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Uncle Freddy

·Aug 12, 2021

greetings from Whidbey Island USA ....trying to correctly date my Seamaster, which belonged to my father ....my oldest sister recently came into some letters my Dad wrote while he was in the US Navy thru 1947, one letter in particular, postmarked 1945, talks of his beloved "watch" and wanting to make sure his Dad sent it to him .....so therein lies my question: can this Seamaster be that old ? from the 1945 to 1947 timeframe ? .....my close friend, who was a master horologist with Ben Bridge, went fully thru the watch about 13 years ago, and it operates perfectly and keeps excellent time .....all help appreciated, to note: the back has a very faded SEAMASTER engraved in the 10 to 2 position and a very faded WATERPROOF in the 4 to 7 position

 

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Vanallard

·Aug 12, 2021

The first SM model came out in '48 IIRC. You'll be able to date the watch within about a year of production if you can someone to remove the caseback and get the serial number on the movement.

 

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Uncle Freddy

·Aug 12, 2021

thank you, I guess that will be my next avenue to explore to get the Seamaster properly, or closely, dated ....if this one is from the first run, let's say 1948 thru 1950 .....what is its $ value in perfect working order ? ....

 

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MtV

·Aug 12, 2021

Might well be a 2846, but as stated above, the inside of the caseback will reveal that. I’d say it’s very likely from the 50s.

Regarding value: ~300-400USD. It’s a redial, unfortunately, and by the looks of it made by hand, not professionally printed. That takes away much of its value I’m afraid as it’s original “face” is gone.

Nevertheless: It’s a nice heirloom and I hope it makes you smile wearing it. 😀

 

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Uncle Freddy

·Aug 12, 2021

thank you, I'd find it odd but not unbelievable that it's redialed ...what is telling your eyes & mind that ? ....if you see where the faded mark is on the dial face just before the 7 position, that is where the minute hand fell off and was laying there slanted for many years, my horologist buddy who went thru the watch said leaving the faded mark there was best ....he also re'crystaled with an OEM Omega crystal, it has the teeny O in the very center ....value if it sports its original face ? .......

 

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TimeODanaos

·Aug 12, 2021

Welcome, Freddy. I think what you have may well be one of these.

This model is called reference 2846/2848, and you'll find an automatic 501 movement inside, I'd say. It's a really fine watch from the later 1950s. Yours has been re-painted (quite usual back in the day), so it saw use and I hope you're going to keep it in tribute to your dad and his service. Not a collector piece, but well worth taking it to a proper watchmaker every few years, wearing with pride, and passing down to the next generation.

 

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TimeODanaos

·Aug 12, 2021

Uncle Freddy

thank you, I'd find it odd but not unbelievable that it's redialed ...what is telling your eyes & mind that ?

@MtV just beat me to it I see, but I hope the picture helps. Compare the writing of "Seamaster" for example.

 

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Uncle Freddy

·Aug 12, 2021

thank you, oh yes, this SM is with me for all my years, passing down for sure ....

 

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Uncle Freddy

·Aug 12, 2021

ahhhhh yes, I see that most definitely ......especially the S's font & lower bout ......very cool to know this, thank you

 

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Dan S

·Aug 12, 2021

Yes, the dial was repainted, which was certainly quite common in those days. It's immediately obvious to people who look at these watches every day. As a result, the value is mainly sentimental ... but that's the best kind of value isn't it. 😀

There are tables that will allow you to connect the movement serial number to the year of manufacture with reasonable accuracy. However, I don't think it will be the watch your father mentioned in 1945. So now we are looking for another beloved watch. 📖

 

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JwRosenthal

·Aug 12, 2021

That’s a nice heirloom to have. I have my fathers first “nice” watch from when he graduated medical school and although it has seen better days (was not waterproof and as a surgeon he washed his hands quite a bit), I keep it serviced and wear it occasionally.
I would start asking around the family if anyone came into a family watch. You would be surprised with what has been sitting in a sock drawer for decades. I discovered that my aunt has my grandfather’s gold Gruen Curvex which he received when he retired from FBI in late 40’s- so you never who has the family jewels.