Vintage Black Dial Seamaster

Hi all,

I recently asked my Grandma if I could have my late Grandfather's old watch as a reminder of him. She handed me a piece of paper with "2 OMEGA watches for repair" written on it. Inside were an old seamaster and constellation in what appeared to be fairly rough condition.

I took them to an independent vintage omega repairer to get an idea of how much they'd be to have restored and he seemed to think the seamaster was quite the find so I thought I'd share it with you.

What I know about the watch:
Date of Manufacture: 1955
Black dial which appears to be in good condition
Solid Rose gold case
All parts original and believed to have never been opened previously
Some scratches to the glass and case
Crown stem snapped, but still have the original crown
Appears to be working and no obvious signs of internal damage (According to repairer)

I'd like to get the watch restored so I can wear and potentially pass to my children if they're interested (They're still very young), so it is absolutely not for sale.

I have so many questions that I hope someone doesn't mind answering:

1. I understand that the black dial in this era is significant, but I'm not sure why. Would someone mind explaining?
2. I'd like to keep it as original as possible. I understand there are parts that are considered "acceptable" to swap for modern parts e.g. gaskets. In particular the repairer told me he always changes the glass since the acrylic contracts and can fall out. Is there any consensus within the community on this matter - I realise I could be starting a religious war here...
3. Can anyone recommend a restorer in Melbourne, Australia? Any idea how much it might cost? (Crystal ball required)
4. How much is it likely to be worth once restored for insurance purposes? (Again crystal ball required)

I've attached some photos, but currently only have my old iPhone camera on hand and also managed to obscure the movement number with the rotor - doh. Happy to try taking more pics, but will not be taking the case back off myself.

Thank you all very much in advance,
Aussie Dad

Really nice watch, with orig bracelet and buckle. I would be very careful when servicing it. Pics are not great but from what I see;
Perform a movement service and replace the crown stem. Remove and replace the bracelet but try to clean it, give it some nutrition and save it.
The case looks sharp (bevels are clearly visible), make sure not to polish even the least.
If you need to change crystal, save the old one. Hopefully the current crystal can be given a slight polish if having marks and need no replacement. When doing so, mask the case metal to avoid polish hitting the metal. Gasket should be changed.
I would use this it as a Sunday dinner watch, not what it was built for back then but rather keeping it in great condition than servicing it with new crown, crystal etc in an attempt of making it water tight and using it as a daily wearer. Only my opinion.
Value is always difficult, but I would personally buy such watch for 1.5k (or even a bit more if it is nice in the flesh) if the dial is clean, whatever that is worth 😀
Keep it tight!
Best
Martin

Got any photos of the inside of the caseback? I’m interested in what the reference number is.

Looks like 501 if zooming a bit which would be correct for a 2846 ref tbc by inside back pic
Would be great to see if there is some texture to the dial

Thank you all for your excellent responses. I'll get the big camera out and try to take some clearer shots this weekend, although I'm not really comfortable taking the caseback off myself. I can confirm that the dial is smooth and un-textured. I'll also put up some pics of the constellation, it too is in gold, so perhaps I should look to buy a daily stainless one to wear as a surrogate...

@Makesbelieve - Thanks for the recommendation, I'll get them to take a look and perhaps I can get some pictures of the insides at the same time.

Nice watch!

Great advice above. Just to add on about the crystal. Yes they can lose their shape over time. I had one that became so loose I could rotate the crystal. Moisture was getting in because of that. But I don't always change the crystal unless such issues happen.

If you do change the crystal, make sure the replacement is a genuine one from Omega.