Hi members. I'm new to OF and vintage watches generally. I'm interested in older 2577's, but acknowledge I am a neophyte and prone to mistakes. Given this, I am doing my best to research, research, research before committing to any purchase. I am keen to use the sales forums on OF, as the forum is full of experts and can help police any dubious offers. I have seen the following ref 2577 cal. 354Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network on ebay. In evaluating it, mostly as an exercise to improve as a potential buyer, I am checking the following aspects. <-- I welcome any feedback / guidance on my evaluation --> Case (over-polishing): - lugs seem sharp - can see scratches on case, seeming to indicate at least no recent polishing - caseback does not look overpolished, but SEASMASTER script looks fairly worn - inside case back is fairly clean with some dates from old servicing Movement: - cal 354 seems to match period / case - seems to be an even color of movement pieces (rotor, base, bridge, etc) - visual condition - some soiling, but seems OK - crown is clover, which should be correct for this model Face: - Lum - does not look to be re-lumed at all or recently- lum is dark - lum on hands - dark - lum on hour "arrowheads" - hard to tell, but dark - Face condition / patina - Appears correct for period (although many, many 2577s faces, so only going on the Omega database (link)) - Does not appear to be re-painted (at least recently) - see some deterioration - not "super clean" Hands - hour / minute look ok based on Omega database pic - seconds hand looks too short and (red flag?) Script on Dial - I in automatic lines up with A in Omega, seems correct - S in Seamaster seems correct "wire hanger" style - I do not see a "Swiss Made" on dial below 6 on dial - this seems like a red flag for a repaint long enough ago to deteriorate to current condition. Is that logical?) - there may be there - in one picture, seems to be something at 6, but I cannot easily see it -Dial placement within case - Hour markers seem "crowded" against case versus the reference pic - is that a thing to look for?
Good research. Excellent first (or second) post! Seconds hand likely snapped in half. Not sure about the other hands though - look just a tad short. Someone else can tell if it is a replacement. Movement looks like it will need servicing but not too bad. Case is in decent shape - certainly not overpolished in my opinion (I think in one photo I even see chamfers). Don't worry too much about swiss made on dial, often seller photos make it hard to see it. Dial looks original. Spotting on dial but if it suits your taste that is okay. Spotting on this isn't terrible IMO. Price is high-ish but he accepts offers. I'll defer to experts here if something major is off but no significant red flags for me - just that handset is of concern.