Seamaster + hippocampus

harrymcmillan · Oct 27, 2019

Hi All,
I've just been told by a dealer that Seamasters with ref. 2846 and 2849 do not come with hippocampus back. Is this correct? Seems to contradict what I'm seeing. Does it depend on the calibre?

seekingseaquest · Oct 27, 2019

Not correct but not entirely incorrect. Below are 2846 examples (edit: middle is a 2849 but 2846s look the same).

Pre-1958: no hippocampus

Part of 1958 (I believe): large hippocampus

Post 1958: small hippocampus

harrymcmillan · Oct 27, 2019

Thanks Phil, kind of what I thought although hadn't realised big seahorse was a specifically 1958 variation. Dealer appears to have lied in order to steer me towards an alternative watch he had in stock. Bit shocked to be honest, seems this vintage watch malarkey is more complicated than I imagined. I've given the dealer a chance to reply so he gets the benefit of the doubt for now.

seekingseaquest · Oct 27, 2019

These are pretty specific nuances so it’s not unreasonable to believe that the dealer wasn’t aware of the other variations. I don’t know production volume but my gut tells me there are more no-hippocampus 2946/2849s out there now than hippocampus variations. I know I’ve owned more for sure.

ConElPueblo · Oct 27, 2019

seekingseaquest
These are pretty specific nuances so it’s not unreasonable to believe that the dealer wasn’t aware of the other variations. I don’t know production volume but my gut tells me there are more no-hippocampus 2946/2849s out there now than hippocampus variations. I know I’ve owned more for sure.

My experiences are that hippocampi are common on 2849s - I don't think I have ever owned a 2846 with one, however. All mine have been plain-backed.

seekingseaquest · Oct 27, 2019

ConElPueblo
My experiences are that hippocampi are common on 2849s - I don't think I have ever owned a 2846 with one, however. All mine have been plain-backed.

I’ve had all three variants of both 2846 and 2849. Smooth back makes up the bulk of the 2846s I’ve owned though. 2849 is more mixed - one smooth back, one large hippocampus, and one small hippocampus.

Seamaster + hippocampus

harrymcmillan

seekingseaquest

harrymcmillan

seekingseaquest

ConElPueblo

seekingseaquest

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