Seamaster cal.552 - my first Omega!

I iann53

I bought this at auction recently. I took a punt on it not having seen the watch but was pleased that the overall condition was better than the auctioneer’s photos indicated. The serial number of the cal.552 movement dates it to 1966 and the case ref. is 165.002. It came with a Tissot bracelet. The dial is a light (champagne?) vertical brush pattern, very clean but with a scattering of tiny blisters (see close-up picture) where I guess corrosion of the dial has lifted the paint. Luckily it’s not visible to the naked eye. The signed Omega crown appears to be original from what I found online. The case has a couple of dings on it, particularly at 9 o’clock. When it arrived, the watch was running so the self-wind is functioning.

Removing the case back, I discovered a thick black goo in the seal groove! It looked like grease but then I realised that the seal must have broken down, something that I’d encountered happening with caseback seals on old SLR cameras. There are three watchmakers inscriptions inside the case, one dated 2/4/76. Given the state of the gasket, my guess is nobody has opened the watch since it was last professionally serviced, probably late 1970s or 80s, although I wonder whether you would expect some tarnish on the movement after all that time?

All seems to be working fine and it keeps good time. The only issue is there is some play in the rotor pivot - see video. It’s not as bad as some I’ve seen posted online and it doesn’t appear to have worn the movement or the case back but it will need replacing soon. I’ve found a NOS item for £40 which seems fair given the price of watch parts these days. I could use it without the rotor but it would be nice to get it repaired and I want to service it before using it anyway. Anyone know roughly what Omega would charge for this part if I got it serviced by an Omega registered watchmaker?

I’d appreciate your comments, particularly on originality, general condition, the dial paint blisters and the rotor pivot wear. Many thanks

Knebo

The rotor play looks perfectly acceptable to me. I'd say that it doesn't need replacing. A good clean and fresh lubrication should keep it in good shape.

I iann53

Thanks Knebo, that's good to know

ErichKeane

I agree with Knebo, that rotor is about the right amount of play, perhaps a little 'more' than new, but as long as it isn't causing/threatening to cause rubbing, I wouldn't be concerned. That said, based on the gasket it needs a good clean/service, then is probably good for another 10+ years of service!

Its a beautiful watch and it looks like you did a good amount of research on your own to end up with a great one! Congrats, and good on you.

kwh81

That's a nice first post iann53, welcome to the forum! You clearly did your homework judging from all the details you gathered and purchased a good one. This is the best place to get advice, so right choice to join 👍

Knebo

The rotor play looks perfectly acceptable to me. I'd say that it doesn't need replacing. A good clean and fresh lubrication should keep it in good shape.

ErichKeane

I agree with Knebo, that rotor is about the right amount of play, perhaps a little 'more' than new, but as long as it isn't causing/threatening to cause rubbing, I wouldn't be concerned. That said, based on the gasket it needs a good clean/service, then is probably good for another 10+ years of service!

Its a beautiful watch and it looks like you did a good amount of research on your own to end up with a great one! Congrats, and good on you.

kwh81

That's a nice first post iann53, welcome to the forum! You clearly did your homework judging from all the details you gathered and purchased a good one. This is the best place to get advice, so right choice to join 👍

Porteroso

Welcome, and nice watch!

speedb

The rotor play looks normal, I'd be worrying about the disintegrated gasket you have there that will likely now gunk up your movement. Fitting a new gasket will also make sure there is plenty of clearance from the rotor to the caseback.

Archer

Rotor is a bit more than what a brand new pinion would show from what I can see in the video. Here's a before and after replacement video I made a while back:

I wouldn't say it's urgent, but will likely need attention at the next service.