Seamaster without "Seamaster"

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sathomasga

·Aug 23, 2022

I noticed this watch for sale advertised as a "Seamaster"

https://www.ebay.com/itm/363525328598



Movement is calibre 286, serial number 19x for 1962, and the reference is 135.003-62-SC. Hippocampus on caseback.

Everything looks like a legit Seamaster 30. Except there is no "Seamaster" signature on the dial. I've seen a few examples without the "30" but never anything lacking "Seamaster" entirely. Is it just a case of a service or substitute dial?

Thanks,
Stephen

Edited: Aug 23, 2022

 

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Dan S

·Aug 23, 2022

As you probably know by now, the forum prefers photos instead of links because it provides a more lasting record of the discussion. Regardless of whether the watch is a Seamaster or not, the price is silly IMO, so I wouldn't look twice.

 

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sathomasga

·Aug 23, 2022

Dan S

As you probably know by now, the forum prefers photos instead of links because it provides a more lasting record of the discussion. Regardless of whether the watch is a Seamaster or not, the price is silly IMO, so I wouldn't look twice.

Sorry about that. I added a relevant photo.

I'm actually not interested in purchasing this particular watch. I was just wondering if Omega ever produced Seamasters without "Seamaster" on the dial.

 

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Dan S

·Aug 23, 2022

sathomasga

Sorry about that. I added a relevant photo.

I'm actually not interested in purchasing this particular watch. I was just wondering if Omega ever produced Seamasters without "Seamaster" on the dial.

Yes, they definitely did, but IIRC it was more common for early Seamasters. I don't know if it was very common in the 60s. Still, I wouldn't put anything past Omega, the variations were endless.

 

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Spruce

·Aug 23, 2022·London sunburst dial fan

Some of the earliest Seamasters only have ‘Omega automatic’ on the dial. This is my 1950 cal 351 model …

… but ‘Seamaster’ dials appeared over the next couple of years.

I suspect that the one you posted isn’t one of those. I echo @Dan S in that it’s overpriced and should be avoided - but you knew that anyway 😉

 

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MtV

·Aug 23, 2022

Here's another one, same ref, also no Seamaster on the dial:

I'm not saying it cannot be a service dial - it might well be - but Omega being Omega, it might also have left the factory as-is.

What @Spruce is referring to is the earliest examples, right after their introduction in the late 40s, didnt carry the Seamaster print on the dial until sometime in about 1950. Different story for the example you're looking at, of course.

And +1 regarding the price. About 3x or so as much as it's worth.

 

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gbesq

·Aug 23, 2022

Yes, Seamasters without the "Seamaster" text on the dial aren't uncommon. Here's my 1962 reference 14389. Definitely a Seamaster and it has a large hippocampus engraving on the back.

 

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bubba48

·Aug 23, 2022

Another one. Ref. 2791-5

 

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Olhenry56

·Aug 23, 2022

Should the lume plot on "SWISS" be a red flag?
Not relevant to the original question, I know. Just curious.

 

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JimInOz

·Aug 23, 2022·Melbourne Australia

Dan S

As you probably know by now, the forum prefers photos instead of links because it provides a more lasting record of the discussion. Regardless of whether the watch is a Seamaster or not, the price is silly IMO, so I wouldn't look twice.

Seller is known for having an enthusiastically optimistic perception of values of his wares.

 

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Dan S

·Aug 23, 2022

JimInOz

Seller is known for having an enthusiastically optimistic perception of values of his wares.

If he just wants to post photos of his watches, instagram is cheaper.

 

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ahsposo

·Aug 23, 2022·Most fun screen name at ΩF

I've got a 1968 presentation piece, looks like a Cosmic but no Seamaster and a plain back that's engraved on. Cal 750 ref 166.0140

 

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noless

·Aug 23, 2022

I have also encountered womens models with seamaster on the caseback, but nothing but automatic on the dial, I had assumed that it was a space limitation and design choice given that this was a ladies watch though.

 

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sathomasga

·Aug 26, 2022

This is the watch that sparked my question originally. Reference 135.003-62-SC. I was able to pick it up for under $500. Thanks to everyone for their help.