I have a watch that used to belong to a relative who passed away and I would like to know if it is genuine; original or assembled with parts of different watches. I’m specially interested in discovering if there is a way to determine the model or year of manufacturing, etc. I have attached pictures of the watch however its description is as follows:

The golden case is around 35mm wide (excluded the crown) with a domed crystal, probably acrylic. I’m unable to identify if the case is solid gold or gold plated without further testing.
The dial is black with a textured pattern. The indexes are multi faced, golden baton inserts for the hours, double ones at 3, 6, 9 and 12, and single for the remaining. There are also very small printed golden lines marking the minutes in between the hour indexes. The hour and minute hands are dauphine style, also golden. There is a faded print below the hands that resembles the Seamaster logo.






There are no inscriptions on the back outside of the case.



The crown of the watch spots the Omega logo with what appears to be a Mercedes like three point star in it. To the left of the crown there is what appears to be a diminute elliptical stamp mark.




The case contains a 354 bumper caliber that apparently was introduced by Omega in the early 50’s. It contains the following inscriptions: OMEGA WATCH Co; SWISS; SEVENTEEN 17 JEWELS; Ω 354 and the numeric sequence 13778130 which must be the serial number of the movement. In its inner side, the screw down case back spots a face profile icon; 0,750 inside a rectangle with curved angles; Ω OMEGA WATCH Co inside a triangle, also with curved angles; FAB. SUISSE; SWISS MADE; the numeric sequence 11276180; 2736 S.C and a key like icon. The inner case is scratched with what seems to be service dates.






I like this watch very much as it is and have no intention of selling it. After proper servicing and cleaning it will be worn on special occasions. I thank in advance for any information about the watch, its history, the markings and symbols in it.

 

Welcome and nice to see good pic,s and a avatar already.

The model is on the inside of the case back 2736
The year can be researched by the serial number 13.7 million
It's a Cal 354 movement type.
And it's 18k gold ( 750 marking )
It's a waffle dial seamaster

 

To add on from above, the mark near the crown should be a portuguese import stamp. Really sorry for your loss, wear the watch & enjoy it. I love the feeling of the bumper movements

 

Beautiful watch. Is the bezel missing? Appears to be in the pics. Great pics btw.

 

Thanks a lot for the info.

 

I'm afraid the bezel is missing indeed. I hope it does not affect the stability of the dome. I'm planning to wear the watch from time to time.

 

Oh, and thanks for the comment on the pics. It took a lot of time to get them with my limited photographing skills.

 

Thank you. Regarding the stamp near the crown, it makes a lot of sense. I'm writing from Brazil and we have long ties with Portugal.

 

Thank you for the info. The pattern of the dial is beautiful but does not seem to hold the printing over time.

 

Welcome to the forum. I’m a relative newcomer here also who also has a vintage bumper automatic that I inherited and I want to pass on some advice I was given.

1. Do not send it to Omega or any large chain watch companies for service. They will charge a lot of money and replace and clean and polish the watch to the point it loses its unique vintage qualities.

2. Do try to find a local watchmaker who will respect the vintage quality of the watch and perform a service on it for a reasonable price. (Reasonable is relative here).

Even if it’s still running well it may require a service to avoid problems, such as oils drying out which can wear already older parts and make it more difficult to run.
3. Wear it, enjoy it, and remember the loved one who passed it to you. It will last another 60 years or more with proper care.

Shout out to @UncleBuck for the above advice. It worked well for me.

Again, welcome to the forum.

 

Thank you and @UncleBuck very much for the advice. I'll make sure to pass it on if I have the chance.

 

Thanks for the shout out, Dave, and a hello to Tina, I know she's reading!

STRX, hopefully someone here can help find a bezel but it's tough.
I'd be on the lookout for a donor 2736 watch, it will be pricey but it might be helpful for movement parts besides the bezel.
It might take years, but this is a beautiful family heirloom and the hunt can be a lot of fun.

 

If you can't find a bezel, a good jeweller/ goldsmith might be able to make one. Or, as mentioned by @Archer in this post below, this guy can make one.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/mis...seamaster-special-ref-2975.71065/#post-895075

 

The hunt begins. Thank you for the advice.

 

I was just wondering if it was possible to have one made. Thanks a lot.

 

Thank you @STANDY @gatorcpa @Bumper @IgCarr @Tik-Tok of Oz and @UncleBuck very much for all the information and advice shared. I really appreciate it. Finding a trustworthy watchmaker nearby will be hard, but this watch deserves proper care. I had no idea the bezel was missing. Finding one (or having one made) would be nice. It is quite interesting to know that this watch may have been made for the portuguese market. My grand-grand father was portuguese and that may add a layer of hystory to the watch. I wonder if at some point in its existence someone decide to use the bezel to make a wedding ring with the gold. Here in Brazil, sometimes family members contribute with gold for the wedding rings to make them more special. Just a speculation, really, but it's something to think about. Thanks again.