Seamaster... Mark II?

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Hi,

Just got this at an auction, reputable Lisbon auction house. Bought online, sight unseen with a single picture.

How come my gold plated Speedmaster mark II says seamaster on the dial and speedmaster on the back?

What kind of sorcery is this? Is this a legit model?

Any help would be appreciated, I was really enjoying this on the wrist today but kinda freaking out now.

P.S. Can still get a full refund.
 
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Your sub dials look to be handwritten with sharpie… I wouldn’t be pleased with that and if given the option, would send straight back for a refund.

 
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Your sub dials look to be handwritten with sharpie… I wouldn’t be pleased with that and if given the option, would send straight back for a refund.


Thank you for your reply.

Dial quality aside, do you recognize the model? I genuinely thought I was getting a Speedmaster mark II, I don't understand the Seamaster on the dial...
 
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What was the reference number the auction used for this watch? What you have is a redialed put together parts watch.

This is a 145.034 Speedmaster mk ii, for which your case (only) appears to be from.


This is a Seamaster Chronograph Ref-145016





Your dial has been refinished quite poorly and I have no idea where your hands came from as they are all different from what is shown above. As I said above, I would exercise your right to return the watch for a full refund.
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The short answer is that the case backs are interchangeable. I have a Speedmaster Mk II which was sent by a previous owner to Omega for full service in 2011. It came back looking like new. The original case back 145.014 was replaced with the service 145.0014, which has Seamaster on it, rather than Speedmaster. Fortunately they returned the original caseback. Perhaps the same thing happened to your watch, but in reverse, during a service?

If you decide to source an original Seamaster case back for your watch and want to sell the Speedmaster one, I would be happy to take it off your hands. It should be marked 145.014.
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If you decide to source an original Seamaster case back for your watch and want to sell the Speedmaster one
The OP has a Speedmaster MKII case back for their Speedmaster MKII case. The issue is they have an incorrect Seamaster dial, incorrect hands from somewhere else (and possibly movement) inside the case. Swapping to a Seamaster caseback will only further the incorrect mismatch(s).
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Good point. Definitely not worth keeping, other than for parts.
 
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I hate "franken" watches..i also bought a few in the past and i was very disappointed when i found out ..
 
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What was the reference number the auction used for this watch? What you have is a redialed put together parts watch.

This is a 145.034 Speedmaster mk ii, for which your case (only) appears to be from.


This is a Seamaster Chronograph Ref-145016





Your dial has been refinished quite poorly and I have no idea where your hands came from as they are all different from what is shown above. As I said above, I would exercise your right to return the watch for a full refund.

Reference used by the auction house was 145.034 which matches the case back.

Movement described as a cal 1873 which checks out.

Seems like a case of switched dial.

From 0 to impossible, how hard would it be to find the correct dial + hands for the watch?

It was pretty cheap (750€) so I'm trying to assess whether I might keep it as a project. Case is worn/dinged but has personality, the plating is solid, movement is working ok, buckle seems original.

Again, really appreciate the info. I definitely won't be be so cavalier bidding next time.
 
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Reference used by the auction house was 145.034 which matches the case back.

Movement described as a cal 1873 which checks out.

Seems like a case of switched dial.

From 0 to impossible, how hard would it be to find the correct dial + hands for the watch?

It was pretty cheap (750€) so I'm trying to assess whether I might keep it as a project. Case is worn/dinged but has personality, the plating is solid, movement is working ok, buckle seems original.

Again, really appreciate the info. I definitely won't be be so cavalier bidding next time.
 
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The double Tachymetres could have been a clue... But then again, 750? Why not.
 
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Even for 750 I would not buy it..I will also not pay 100 for a fake watch..😀
 
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The double Tachymetres could have been a clue... But then again, 750? Why not.
Absolutely, big fat mea culpa there.
 
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Seems like a case of switched dial.
It’s a lot more than that. Your movement is incorrect.
Movement described as a cal 1873 which checks out.
It should have a copper colored 861 movement (see below image). Omega didn’t use the 1873 caliber, so it appears someone took a Lemania 1873 and put an Omega bridge on it. Look back at your image and notice the silver color of the Omega bridge does not match the color of the rest of the movement. There is also no Omega symbol next to the crudely stamped 1873. You have a poorly put together parts/franken watch. It’s up to you how much you find this worth restoring but it won’t be cheap.


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It’s a lot more than that. Your movement is incorrect.

It should have a copper colored 861 movement (see below image). Omega didn’t use the 1873 caliber, so it appears someone took a Lemania 1873 and put an Omega bridge on it. Look back at your image and notice the silver color of the Omega bridge does not match the color of the rest of the movement. There is also no Omega symbol next to the crudely stamped 1873. You have a poorly put together parts/franken watch. It’s up to you how much you find this worth restoring but it won’t be cheap.


You're absolutely right, the silver tone is completely different. I could live with finding another dial but not the salvage movement.

I'm sending it back. Thank you again for your input, I really appreciate it.