I have been dreaming of a vintage Seamaster 300 on my wrist for the better part of a year. However, the deeper I get into the watch, the more disillusioned I have become. That is until recently, but more about that shortly. There are countless fakes in the marketplace, numerous watches that were assembled after the fact from original parts (not passing judgement), authentic factory parts commonly switched during service, incorrect hands & bezels for the production date, it's endless really.

I had the misfortune of buying a fake 300 (for parts) when I was a little more naïve but I view that exercise as a key learning in my watch hunting hobby. The conclusion, I have come to is this. If you truly want to buy an "original" example of the model you are going to pay big $ and need the provenance to back it up. If I were able to turn back the clock when I first started collecting mechanical watches 25+ years ago, I would have put ads in the paper "cash paid for Seamaster 300s & Rolex Daytonas on the spot". But hindsight is 20/20.

The good news that is quite ironic actually is that I didn't have to go any further than a close friend of mine, I only needed to ask him if he had any vintage. Here is the picture he sent. 300s he was willing to part with. Picture is worth a thousand words. Hopefully, I'll be wearing one early in 2021!

 

Does your friend need another friend?

 

I adore beat up, former tool, SM300s!
Here is one of my favorites.
A 165.024 BigTriangle whose original owner purchased it in Vietnam in 1969 while serving with the Aussie Army.

Now


1969

 

Lucky you. Patience pays of in the end. Great finish of the year.

 

Remember to keep a cool head and factor in the condition when dealing, even if he is a friend. There are a number of issues on these.

That doesn't mean that it cannot be a great watch, only that one has to factor in the reduction in value

I wouldn't mind a friend like this either

 

Which one are you considering? I think I would go for the one on the left because the dial and hands look to be in the best condition of the three. Yes, it has the wrong seconds hand, but I think I could get past that. And the bezel is still in good shape.

Looking forward to seeing which one you decide on!

 

Sage advice @ConElPueblo, business amongst friends is often tricky at the best of times. With the pandemic lock downs, I am not sure when I’ll be able to travel as he lives in another city.

It wasn’t until I mentioned I was looking for an SM300 that he sent me the picture. It’s hard to tell with one photograph the relative shape of each of the watches, although the dial on the watch on the upper left looks too good to be true and also doesn’t have the correct second hand - although original hands are easily found. I’ll keep the post updated once prices are established and welcome and always appreciate input from members.

 

I agree with @ConElPueblo - I have done several deals (for other hobbies) with friends and it’s important to tread lightly. I think the most important thing to establish upfront is what he wants for them. It can be a very casual statement like “what are you looking to get out of them?”. At that point you can establish if he is in your ballpark and realistic or if he is looking to get top dollar (or day-dreaming). If his idea of value is far greater than you think is realistic, you can lightheartedly say “ahhh- too rich for my blood”, or something self deprecating. If his prices are fair, then don’t even haggle or comment on condition - just pick the one you like and pay what he wants.
Saying something like “you’re insane, those watches are trashed and not worth half that”- is a sure fire way to lose a friend.

 

Whilst we are talking about Seamaster 300s.. Thought I’d mention this one which is in my local pawnbrokers.. It has fixed bars.. Polished out back.. They think they have a military one.. Although the Extract states delivery to “UK” only..
It is up for sale at an eye watering price of GBP£6500...

 

Am I the only one that loves the bottom one? The scratched up crystal leaves potential for a beaut dial, plus I love that dial/hands/bezel combination.

 

View attachment 1124559

 

All good from here @maxbliss888, that’s a great example of an “authentic”, no lipstick SM300 IMHO.

 

As they think, this might be a military one. You should pull the trigger !

@Realtime, be patient, they are still out there. M'y two say hello :

 

Is there the faintest hint of an erased circled T showing above the st of Seamaster in the first pic? It could be swirlies on the crystal together with wishful thinking.....

 

Well a couple months have passed and we've started a new year with much more hope and positivity. I acquired one of the SM300s from my friend a few weeks ago and had it sent to my watchmaker friend for a service - new stem and Omega replacement crown, new bushing and gasket and a general overhaul. The replacement Omega seconds hand didn't arrive in time, so a back up was installed for now. I'll buy an Omega crystal in time.

Overall, I think it's a good, honest example of a SM300 from 1967 with that is mostly original. Feels great on the wrist and is really growing on me. Moral of the story, keep turning over rocks in whatever you may be pursuing - sometimes you're closer to realizing it than you think.

 

Congrats @Realtime - you got a nice watch and did it right. Now if he needs to be unburdened of the bottom one.....

 

Congrats on an awesome find. My SM300 is acquired from this forum.

 

Two different cases and winding crowns



Have a nice weekend

 

Congratulations!!! I like these. Wear in good health.

 

Great minds think alike @JwRosenthal, the bottom SM300 was my first choice. The reality is, I really don't notice the damage to the bezel when I am wearing it and as my good friend said, a vintage watch should look like a vintage watch. For now, he's sitting on the other two but I'll keep you posted should that change.