The worst crystal I've ever seen might just be hiding a gem?

Spoonta66 · Sun. 8:32am

Took a chance on this auction for a Seamaster 600 (135.001?) and I pretty much bought it blind. Ended up costing $340 which is way too much for a gamble but I think there might be an absolute gem of a textured dial hiding under the worst condition crystal I have ever bought. What do you think I've got 🤷‍♂️

What do the pro's think, did I blow my cash or is there a chance of a stunner once the crystal is replaced?

I'll post the final photos with a new crystal in a few weeks when it arrives!! Fingers crossed for an absolute belter 🤞

Spruce · Sun. 10:05am

Very much looking forward to seeing it with a new crystal

ErichKeane · Sun. 10:10am

I'm gonna be the debbie downer on this one, but I think the textured dial has a lot of wear to the paint and isn't going to look very good. Though, I feel that way about MOST of this vintage of textured black dials, so take it with a grian of salt.

smorrisonmd · Sun. 10:12am

Spoonta66
Took a chance on this auction for a Seamaster 600 (135.001?) and I pretty much bought it blind. Ended up costing $340 which is way too much for a gamble but I think there might be an absolute gem of a textured dial hiding under the worst condition crystal I have ever bought. What do you think I've got 🤷‍♂️

What do the pro's think, did I blow my cash or is there a chance of a stunner once the crystal is replaced?

I'll post the final photos with a new crystal in a few weeks when it arrives!! Fingers crossed for an absolute belter 🤞

I think you picked a winner.

mac_omega · Sun. 10:14am

I wouldn´t expect too much...

Awood05 · Sun. 10:23am

Can’t wait to see the final results!!

gatorcpa · Sun. 10:27am

I’m thinking this will clean up nicely with some Polywatch, although it really does need a new crystal.

I can’t tell if dial is original or not.
gatorcpa

Dan S · Sun. 10:37am

I saw that auction and thought it would be interesting in person. I meant to throw in a bid, but I forgot in the end. I think the dial will look faded, but that it will have charm.

But at the current sales price showing on the site, it would have been about $450 with shipping and customs to the US. So I doubt I would have been willing to bid that much.

Davidt · Sun. 10:46am

I don’t think it’s a 135.011 (which is 34mm), it looks like the 32mm 135.012.

These dials are nice but are prone to degradation like you can see here, with significant ‘gold/brassing’ coming through. It’s not a dogs dinner as the dial is original but don’t expect a stunning original dial to be revealed once the crystal is off

lejaune · Sun. 12:07pm

It will look better with a new crystal, but I think the white stuff is also on the black dial so it won't be a "stunner".

Dan S · Sun. 12:25pm

Davidt
I don’t think it’s a 135.011 (which is 34mm), it looks like the 32mm 135.012.

Correct, listed as 3.0cm diameter, but probably 32mm.

cristos71 · Sun. 12:58pm

I've seen enough black waffles through scuffed up crystals in my time to wager that this one isn't exactly a gem under there. To me it looks like the black has faded as does the print. Also looks do have developed a mottled appearance. Wrong seconds hand too.....however at $340 not a bad punt!

noelekal · Sun. 2:40pm

I'm intrigued to see it again with a new crystal.

Spoonta66 · Sun. 5:40pm

ErichKeane
I'm gonna be the debbie downer on this one, but I think the textured dial has a lot of wear to the paint and isn't going to look very good. Though, I feel that way about MOST of this vintage of textured black dials, so take it with a grian of salt.

I agree, I've seen lots of these dials with brown fading spots all over them. But I've got my fingers crossed!

Spoonta66 · Sun. 5:40pm

mac_omega
I wouldn´t expect too much...

😀👌

Spoonta66 · Sun. 5:42pm

gatorcpa
I’m thinking this will clean up nicely with some Polywatch, although it really does need a new crystal.

I can’t tell if dial is original or not.
gatorcpa

Neither can I, the case seemed in reasonable condition, not too worn so I was willing to take a gamble. Worst case its spare parts, best case its an interesting textured dial with nice patina 🤷‍♂️

Spoonta66 · Sun. 5:44pm

Dan S
I saw that auction and thought it would be interesting in person. I meant to throw in a bid, but I forgot in the end. I think the dial will look faded, but that it will have charm.

But at the current sales price showing on the site, it would have been about $450 with shipping and customs to the US. So I doubt I would have been willing to bid that much.

I'm in Australia and shipping from there usually costs about $25ish. I was more curious than anything else so paid more than I wanted to but the curiously got the better of me.

Spoonta66 · Sun. 5:45pm

cristos71
I've seen enough black waffles through scuffed up crystals in my time to wager that this one isn't exactly a gem under there. To me it looks like the black has faded as does the print. Also looks do have developed a mottled appearance. Wrong seconds hand too.....however at $340 not a bad punt!

I'm doubtful it will be perfect. Best case a nicely patined speckled dial, worst case it was expensive spare parts 🤣

Spoonta66 · Sun. 5:46pm

mac_omega
I wouldn´t expect too much...

I'm not, but curiosity got the better of me 🤣