Late last month, I purchased, via an eBay auction, a single owner Seamaster 300 Big Triangle No Date. Original Big Triangle dial SM300s are difficult to source. No date models harder still. Finding this watch, with it's history, is very special indeed. The sole owner of this watch was an Australian gentlemen named Ross Burriss. The eBay auction and beginning of the backstory regarding this SM 165.024 was previously described here https://omegaforums.net/threads/barn-find-omega-seamaster-300m-gone.39419/ Today the watch arrived in fine, but very used, original condition. Although his watch became a "drawer queen" later in life, it's first very active "tool" years were on the wrist of Mr. Burriss while he served with the 1st Australia Task Force in South Vietnam. Receiving the watch was anticipated. What was totally unexpected was Mr. Burriss's generousity in enclosing a hand written write up of the watch provenance, his Vietnam experience and a even an original photo of him wearing his watch, in his army tent at Fire Support Base Wattle in 1969. As Mr. Burriss anticipated, this is truly an exceptional addition to my watch collection. Today Ross Burriss, 1969, South Vietnam, Omega Seamaster SM300 and his S.L.R FIRE SUPPORT BASE WATTLE, South Vietnam, 1969 https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P02975.027/ MORE WATCH PICS TAKEN TODAY
Great to see it's finally arrived Marc. It looks much better than the original auction pics and I'm only sorry that I didn't get to see it in person before it left our shores. I think Roscoe is truly pleased that it went to a genuine collector who appreciates not only the watch, but the story behind it. PS: Glad to see that bracelet is period correct, when I saw the auction pics I thought it must have come from a later model but Roscoe was quite definite that it was the one that came with the watch. Cheers Jim
As a collector of old stuff and old stories, I enjoyed reading this post so much. The watch itself is fantastic (those thick lugs in particular!) but the story and photo blows my mind. Big congratulations on acquiring this.