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Trying to identify the model of grandpaˋs watch

S
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Hey everyone, I recently found Grandpa's old watch. As you can see from the picture, it is in a really rough state, but surprisingly, it still works. My plan is to do a full restoration of the watch, starting with a deep clean. Before I begin, I would like to ask if any of you know the specific model (I know it's a Seamaster), the year, or any other information about the watch. As you might guess, I am not very knowledgeable on this topic, so any additional information or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
 
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DoctorEvil
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You'll need to open up the watch and look inside the caseback. That will give you the information you seek. Inside the caseback you'll find the model number, which will then give you a rough estimate of the production dates. Your watch's dial design looks very similar to the one on my Dad's CK2849-2SC from 1956.
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Nepomuceño
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Looks like a reference 14701 from the early 60s. What exactly do you mean by “deep clean”? I’d take it to watchmaker with an omega parts account. A replacement crystal and a service will be best that you can get. I’d leave the dial as is.
 
Dan S
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You may want to temper your expectations regarding what can be accomplished in terms of a restoration. It's unfortunate, because this gilt cross-hair dial is appealing and fairly uncommon.

It's possible that some of the loose debris can be carefully removed from the dial, but dials are fragile, and generally speaking they can't really be restored once they are badly damaged by water ingress. Most watchmakers don't really want to make the attempt, because efforts to clean dials often lead to even worse damage. Instead, dials have historically been completely repainted to address damage, but not desirable for a collectible watch.
 
Davidt
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Although the general consensus is don’t try to clean dials, I’d consider it in this case, if that’s mould on the dial. It’s okay going to get worse and it’s very unattractive as is. Getting a specialist to try and remove the lacquer and reapply may be worth considering.

That said, I’d want to inspect the dial under a loupe to properly understand the damage and the nature of it first.
 
JwRosenthal
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Depending on where you are in the world, there are some specialists who can really work some magic without compromising the authenticity of the watch. But if you attempt this yourself or take it to someone who isn’t experienced with these specific watches and the materials used originally on the dials (the paints and lacquers), then you could have a disaster that can’t be undone.
As this is a family heirloom and you plan to wear it- don’t mess around and just take it to an expert.
 
S
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Hey everyone, thanks for all your help. So, I said the watch was working, but it's not. It runs, and I even set the time, but after 3 hours, it was 30 minutes behind. I'm gonna stop trying to set the time for now and just let it be. I'm worried I might break something inside if I keep messing with it.

@DoctorEvil, I'll look for a tutorial on youtube on how to open the back but I'm nervous, I don't want to break anything. If you have any tips, let me know. Also, that watch is beautiful, so elegant.

@Nepomuceño, I'm not sure what I mean by a deep clean either, haha. I don't know much about watch restoration. I was thinking of finding the best person in the DC area to restore it. From what I've read, people usually leave the dials as they are, but as @Davidt pointed out there might be mold on it. However, I think it's best to find a specialist to take a look.

Here are some more pictures of the watch. Let me know what you think.
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JwRosenthal
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Running slow like that means it’s time for a service. There are a couple good watchmakers in the DC area, but you need to be prepared for the cost. If you don’t have any objection to sending to an independent watchmaker in the US, then that opens up your options.
The dial is pretty rough- it’s seen some moisture ingress at some point- but that doesn’t mean it can be cleaned up a little by a competent pro. It will never be perfect, but it was your grandfather’s and he wore it not perfect so you would be honoring his memory in that.
 
DoctorEvil
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@Sky5544
Thank you for your kind words.
Your case back is a screw in type so should be pretty straightforward to remove. All you need is the right tool and a cheap one off eBay should suffice.
 
Spruce
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DoctorEvil DoctorEvil
@Sky5544
Thank you for your kind words.
Your case back is a screw in type so should be pretty straightforward to remove. All you need is the right tool and a cheap one off eBay should suffice.

I'd normally agree with you but because it clearly hasn’t been opened for very many years and because @Sky5544 is inexperienced doing this, I think there’s a risk he/she might make it it worse. In this instance, it really is a job for a professional
 
DoctorEvil
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Spruce Spruce
I'd normally agree with you but because it clearly hasn’t been opened for very many years and because @Sky5544 is inexperienced doing this, I think there’s a risk he/she might make it it worse. In this instance, it really is a job for a professional
True. It could be quite stiff.
 
Spruce
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DoctorEvil DoctorEvil
True. It could be quite stiff.
Absolutely, I’ve heard of people sticking it in a vice and damaging the case, lugs etc …
 
mac_omega
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Spruce Spruce
I’ve heard of people sticking it in a vice

Sometimes it can be really stiff...😁

stiff.jpg


stubborn speedy!

But with the help of @Pahawi´s tool I finally succeeded 👍
Edited:
 
Spruce
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I know that professionals and some experienced horologists superglue a bolt to the case but I know that if I tried it I would probably f**k it up and I’m pretty sure @Sky5544 would be at risk of doing it too
 
Gav1967
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Spruce Spruce
I know that professionals and some experienced horologists superglue a bolt to the case but I know that if I tried it I would probably f**k it up and I’m pretty sure @Sky5544 would be at risk of doing it too
I used this method a while back for an extremely stubborn caseback. Superglued a nut (not bolt) to the back and once glue set i removed the back using a spanner. Works a treat. Cleaned the back with nail varnish remover afterwards.
 
S
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Hey guys, I think I'm just not gonna open it and let a professional handle it. Unfortunately, I can't take it for the full maintenance right now, so this will have to wait until around October/November. I'll keep you guys posted. If anyone knows of a good watch repair person (watchmaker?) in the DC area, or anywhere in the US really, please let me know.
 
Pvt-Public
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I’ve used Herndon Clock & Watch a couple times for service and crystal replacement. I was satisfied with the work.
 
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