Seamaster Chronograph 1962 possible to find a new dial?

Hi,

20 years ago a got a Seamaster chronograph from my (now) late father. He bought it in 1962 to celebrate that he quitted smoking the same day 😀

I had a service on it when I got it and it works perfectly. I am not using it, but wind it up every now and then. I think everything is original (please correct me if I am wrong). I guess the band is not Omega original, but it was bought with that band.

However, the dial is a bit damaged (as you can see on the attached picture). Is there any chance to find one? I have tried to search a bit. But it looks like the white dial was not very common, at least not on the chronograph. I have understood that it is possible to get the dial refurbished, but I guess it is better to keep the original even though it looks far from perfect. What do you recommend?

I am very grateful for any information about this watch and where I might find spare parts. The plan is to have it refurbished and start to use it on special occasions 😀

Thank you

I think it’s a wonderful piece you have there.

If I were you I would get the crystal polished and leave it completely as is.

Refinishing the dial would be a shame especially since it’s a family heirloom.

Oh and loose the bracelet 😀

I would give it a new crystal and would not touch the dial, looks great.

kind regards Max

The watch looks original and in reasonable condition. Finding an original dial in good shape is a long and probably ultimately futile task. Refinishing the dial is IMO never a good option. A refinished dial takes away from the character and originality of the watch. Polishing or even replacing the crystal is where I’d start - that should improve the look. A vintage look strap will also do wonders for it. You have a wonderful, original chrono - enjoy and wear it in good health.

Oh and if you ever consider parting ways with it - dibs!

Don't touch that dial! Noooo........(goes into movie-style slow motion run with arms clawing the air)

ADD: Polish the scratches out of the crystal, put it on a quality leather strap and it will look ten times better. And if you haven't had it serviced for 20 years, find an independent watchmaker who is sympathetic to vintage watches (do NOT send it to Omega) and get it serviced before wearing it again.

Thanks for all the great comments. I promise I won't send the dial for restoration 😀
I just got contact info to a watchmaker in Sweden that fixed an Omega Seamaster De ville for a friend of mine and made a great job. I will try to get in touch with him.
And I will definitively find a new strap.

Yeah, only service the movement and try to save the dial, hands, and case as is. If the crown and pushers are no longer water resistant, that will be a harder decision about what to do, since just getting rained on could let water into the movement. If the marks on the crystal are not actual cracks then it could be polished up to improve legibility, but some purists don't even want that done.

And thanks for reminding me that while I'm keeping a lookout for an affordable 1962 birth year chronograph that I can also consider a Seamaster, since a Speedmaster from that era would be more than the cost of my car.