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Seamaster ribbon dial conundrum

klook31
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I came across this watch, a 1960s Seamaster cal. 562, and found the dial very interesting! New to this hobby, I started digging, reverse image searching, and generally researching.

I think it is called a ribbon dial (?) - although various textured dials appear to be called 'ribbon'. I am not sure if it has a more specific name.

In any case, I looked up the ref. 14770 4 SC and did not find another instance of this dial. Given that these are watches from the pre-internet era, I thought I would contact Omega directly for more clarity.

They have gotten back to me saying they have no record of this dial being issued for this specific watch. To what extent can this be correct? I am only asking because they did not consult with their heritage team, so it may well be that they did a rudimentary search, busy as they must be with more important stuff.

Curious if any of you has more info on this!

ribbon dial.webp Omega response.webp
 
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Dan S
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You have done good research. It could be original and uncommon, but if the uncertainty is going to reduce your enjoyment of the watch, then you should probably pass it up. FWIW, I don't find that particular case style especially appealing, but that's just personal taste.
 
masteroftime
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The details you’ll get by email from HQ are limited in nature. I’m not aware of any major Watch company that will review photos of a watch and confirm authenticity or originality of various components these days.

As far as I’m aware, these ribbon dials were usually produced locally— primarily in the US (but don’t quote me on that). For example, in the United States, they were produced by Omega’s agent, the Norman Morris corporation. At that point in time, Omega used to ship movements to the United States and the rest of the watch would be assembled in the US. There were similar arrangements in other countries.

For that reason, HQ would not have records of such dials.
 
seekingseaquest
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“Ribbon” is exactly what I call these. The dial pattern is not terribly uncommon but it’s more uncommon on this reference. I can’t recall seeing another, but it looks original (not refinished) and I don’t think that dial would fit in another more common case that had these dials, so I assume it’s original to the case.

Agree with the above, you can’t trust Omega to know this level of nuance.
 
Porteroso
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Really nice dial, but agree on the case style- a bit of a letdown. Of course, at the right price, I would still buy this.

Edit: actually the case doesn't bother me so much, when the dial is this nice. Love the fat hour markers.
 
theluckyluke
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Calling @PlainVanilla who is the expert on these.

I think it looks nice overall, with some marks from fair use, although strictly no idea if there has been a case or case back swap. It does look legit and the condition is overall homogenous. I have been watching the item (won’t bid), but I am surprised the price has already gone up that high. They don’t come up very often, I suspect that’s the reason.
 
qazwsx1
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In my view, the “ribbon dial” is relatively uncommon, particularly within the Constellation line. 😀

IMG_2944.webp
 
gbesq
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I would call them uncommon, but they are certainly not rare - I currently count five of them that are available for purchase between Chrono24 and eBay. Unfortunately, many of the ribbon dials tend to be in poor shape, so it’s important to evaluate one carefully. Here’s mine. I prefer the dial without a calendar.
IMG_9245.webp
Edited:
 
DON
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Dial fair, case so so. Crown modern gold plate. overall to me. Not appealing
 
HadgeBadge
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I have a 14730, which looks very much like yours. I also refer to the dial as a ribbon dial.
6588115A-FF95-4318-87BB-0C4745DB9C59-11130-00000718456D98B7.webp 6FB56185-363D-4B3F-B86D-443C56D05FD5-11130-00000717B8975929.webp
 
klook31
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HadgeBadge HadgeBadge
I have a 14730, which looks very much like yours. I also refer to the dial as a ribbon dial.
6588115A-FF95-4318-87BB-0C4745DB9C59-11130-00000718456D98B7.webp 6FB56185-363D-4B3F-B86D-443C56D05FD5-11130-00000717B8975929.webp
Deafboy Deafboy
Here's my 14765-3SC with seashell dial.


1754503581057.webp
I did not expect so many ribbons to pop up! They look great - I am jealous! Do give me a shout if you ever want to part with them. The one I linked from eBay has climbed to like 2k and they are still bidding 😐. Beyond my budget!
 
Porteroso
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theluckyluke theluckyluke
For posterity, 1650£ + shipping.
Interestingly no last minute jump
For Americans, that's a lot after the exchange rate. And a clamshell/seashell just went on the private seller's forum for $850 I think. It might be worth it for someone who can't be patient and wait a year, but it sold for a premium.
 
klook31
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Porteroso Porteroso
For Americans, that's a lot after the exchange rate. And a clamshell/seashell just went on the private seller's forum for $850 I think. It might be worth it for someone who can't be patient and wait a year, but it sold for a premium.
Apparently the bezel is solid gold and the rest gold capped - I am not sure how much value this adds. Certainly looks overpriced.

It was a bit suspicious how the bidding escalated so I did not even bother to bid.
 
theluckyluke
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The bidding was pretty unusual for eBay and the bid details are completely hidden. Who knows, maybe it will resurface in a few days…
 
klook31
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theluckyluke theluckyluke
For posterity, 1650£ + shipping.
Interestingly no last minute jump
Porteroso Porteroso
For Americans, that's a lot after the exchange rate. And a clamshell/seashell just went on the private seller's forum for $850 I think. It might be worth it for someone who can't be patient and wait a year, but it sold for a premium.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/167706792785 🧐
 
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klook31
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theluckyluke theluckyluke
… ahah. That was sort of expected.

Bets are on… does it reach the same price or not?:🍿:

Edit: hadn’t seen properly but that second auction was cancelled
Cancelled 8 minutes ago. Weird. Identical description and pictures, I think

Not a fan of auction anyhow. Process is too annoying.
 
theluckyluke
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klook31 klook31
Cancelled 8 minutes ago. Weird. Identical description and pictures, I think

Not a fan of auction anyhow. Process is too annoying.
Just had a look at the seller and while his rating is good, he sells fake bracelets/omega buckles. Not very inspiring!
 
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