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  1. WatchmakerTheory Jun 26, 2016

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    Hello,

    Last month I won a 1958 Omega Seamaster on ebay. This was my first vintage watch purchase, but I've had my eye out for a vintage Seamaster for nearly a year. I particularly enjoy how the patina looks, and the golden hour markers complement it nicely. I couldn't be happier with my decision.

    Now that the honeymoon phase has worn off, I figured I'd ask for some unbiased feedback. Here's some quick facts about the watch:

    I paid a total of $400 for it (which I think is a fair price, but not an exceptionally good deal)

    Watch was serviced in 9/2015.

    Loses ~10-15 seconds/day when I wear it. I've heard anything under +/- 30 can be considered good for this model.

    Case, movement, crystal, hands, and crown are all original, per my understanding.

    Does anything I posted sound incorrect? I'm also curious to know if the watch has been polished at all, if anyone can tell by looking.

    Thanks!
     
    Omega001.jpg Omega003.jpg Omega008.jpg Omega009.jpg Omega011.jpg Omega010.jpg 20160621_151514.jpg
    Edited Jun 26, 2016
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  2. Dr No Jun 26, 2016

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    A ref 2849 should be a Seamaster Calendar.

    omega_image.4310983.jpg

    My guess is that the dial and movement (along with hands) from a scrapped gold Omega were transplanted into the 2849 case.

    Cordially,

    Art
     
    Edited Jun 26, 2016
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  3. ConElPueblo Jun 26, 2016

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    Isn't the case wrong for a 2849?
     
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  4. Dr No Jun 26, 2016

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    You're right. I've got the US version of the 2849, which has a slightly different case, but the one originally posted differs from both.

    Which leads us to a replacement case back. Not likely from a cost standpoint, but in the profile image, the back looks as though it has crisper edges than the case. That may be the extent of parts swapping with this particular watch.

    Art
     
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  5. Spacefruit Prolific Speedmaster Hoarder Jun 26, 2016

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    Well for $400 that's an attractive funky dial.....if you happen to like that sort of thing, which I do...
     
  6. CanberraOmega Rabbitohs and Whisky Supporter Jun 26, 2016

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    Agree. Original dial, nice patina.
    Movement also looks reasonable, but given the 10sec/day, a service might be in order.
     
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  7. ConElPueblo Jun 26, 2016

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    My thoughts too. I have seen that particular dial + movement in that type of case before. The price doesn't seem bad, IMO, as the heavy patina is rather attractively even.
     
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  8. ConElPueblo Jun 26, 2016

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    Not debating whether accuracy is a measurement of service needs, but do you really think that 10sec/day is outside the norm for a 50+ years old (non-chronometer) watch? I'd be satisfied.
     
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  9. CanberraOmega Rabbitohs and Whisky Supporter Jun 26, 2016

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    For me, 10-15 sec/day is the very edge of acceptable. That's more than a minute a week.
     
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  10. Spacefruit Prolific Speedmaster Hoarder Jun 26, 2016

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    A minute a week!

    Nothing compared to the time lost while my wife tells me she was right again. (She was).
     
  11. Vicke Jun 26, 2016

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    Don't know how they do it, but it seems they're always right, no matter what subject. (I got that lesson too, minutes ago. Again! ;) )
     
    Edited Jun 26, 2016
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  12. Fritz genuflects before the mighty quartzophobe Jun 26, 2016

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    Wives. Even when they're wrong.... they're right....if you know whats good for you.

    Happy wife, happy life. You have to pick your battles and after 30+ years with the same girl I've found few are worth fighting...... just let it ride and be happy.

    Speaking of happy, I'd be more than happy to own that Seamaster at that price. Nice buy!
     
  13. gatorcpa ΩF InvestiGator Staff Member Jun 26, 2016

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    Actually, the watch is Ref. 2846. What make this confusing is that Omega used dual-referenced casebacks on these.

    http://naligazone.com/index.php/data-watch/omega/caliber-5/cal-500/ko-2846

    The casebacks are identical on both the Ref. 2849 and 2846 and can be interchanged. A quick Google search shows several non-date Ref. 2846 with 2849 casebacks. I can't believe that all are frankenwatches. What I haven't seen is a non-date Seamaster in a single-referenced 2846 case.

    The OP's watch is a nice original example, showing lots of Kyletina. I think the hands are correct as well. The case was over polished, but that's common on these. Price is good in the current market.
    gatorcpa
     
  14. WatchmakerTheory Jun 26, 2016

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    Thank you very much for your feedback, everyone!
     
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  15. spin_transistor Jun 26, 2016

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    Welcome to the vintage party!! Have fun!!
     
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  16. Baz9614 Jun 26, 2016

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    The takeaway here is, if YOU like it, and can afford it, buy it! And if the trip into vintage watches spirals out of control (as it has for most here) :whistling: do the research! Get a reference number and compare it with others of the same reference to ensure correctness! Post images here (maybe not the link to the sales page, unless you like competition) and ask the members for input before purchasing ;)
     
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  17. OMGRLX a RolexBear in disguise Jun 26, 2016

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    Love that patina. IMHO, nice vintage omega you got yourself there. It's not perfect, but what is? Enjoy and wear it in good health! :thumbsup:
     
  18. Ravineman Jun 26, 2016

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    Looks GREAT to me. While it may not be original, its a real beauty and you got a great price too. Try finding another Seamaster for the same money .... you'll have a tough time.. You can be pretty sure you wont see another exactly like yours .... ever ! Wear it and enjoy it.;
     
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  19. Dr No Jun 26, 2016

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    If 2849 calendar case backs were installed on 2846s in Bienne, then the field of studying Omega just got murkier!

    I'm truly amazed.

    Art
     
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  20. gatorcpa ΩF InvestiGator Staff Member Jun 26, 2016

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    Not really. Just know that these two references have interchangeable backs and that either number or both are acceptable for originality.

    That's apparently what Omega did when they were first built.
    gatorcpa