Seamaster ref. 2846 service/restoration options

roddypeeps · Apr 1, 2025

I’ve acquired this little gem of a watch, and I’d like to get it backs to it glory days but I don’t know how far down the rabbit hole to go. I plan on getting a full service for it, along with replacing the crystal. The watch keeps time accurately from what I can tell, but sounds a little rough when winding. Also when I tip it I can feel the weight inside bounce around, is that normal for old automatics? I’m not going anywhere near the dial it’s perfect the way it is, but is the cost of replating the gold capped case worth it, or is it more expensive than the watch would be once finished? Thanks for you help, I’m just looking for a watch that could survive another 70 or so years. Also if anyone knows a Canadian service specialist for vintage seamasters, lemme know!

MtV · Apr 2, 2025

Have it serviced, the crystal (and consumables, of course) replaced. You could consider looking for the correct „clover style“ crown and have that installed, too.

Note that the watch won’t be more valuable by the equivalent of what you’ll have paid for the service, though.
Having the case replated will still leave you with the shape of a polished example and won’t add value - possibly the opposite, actually. If you want that dial in a nicer case, patiently looking for a good donor might be the better option. Regardless of that, it’ll always be a ~500$-or-so watch though. Throw money at it for your own enjoyment of wearing it; don’t invest anything for value.

padders · Apr 2, 2025

It is difficult to tell by those pics but if that is like every other 2846 I've seen, its not plated it is capped (see the silver coloured backs of the lugs). The cap is quite thick and can tolerate a polish if you want it to look shiny but that has downsides and you may lose edge definition. Purists don't like polishing on older pieces like this. Otherwise that can't really be improved other than perhaps plating the whole case which might not work and will look a bit weird. Speak to Replateit who are also Canadian, they have been recommended in the past.

No that movement should not have a loud rotor, it is not a bumper. Something needs love urgently.

Personally I think that one is a bit far gone. It might look a lot better after a crystal polish, if you like the dial though, who am I to dissuade you!

Dan S · Apr 2, 2025

I don't think there is much you can do to improve the condition, it is what it is.

Seamaster ref. 2846 service/restoration options

roddypeeps

MtV

padders

Dan S

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