Vintage Omega Seamaster (~1956), need help about restoration!

S Shimakaze

Hello,

I've recently got into horology (was very happy with my first 'major' watch purchase of a Seiko SKX007), and a family member saw my Facebook posts about my new interest and sent me two vintage watches he had that didn't work and wanted to give them to me to decide what to do with - a vintage Omega Seamaster (I think circa 1956) that he got from his uncle and a circa 1970 Bulova Accutron with a 214 movement.

The Omega Seamaster body is relatively good shape, with the exception of damage to the back edges from people prying in to get to the movement. The movement itself does not stay wound at all, but if I shake it and spin the counterweight a bit, the second hand will advance some (only while shaking it). I didn't open the back to examine the movement because I did not want to cause more damage than there already is. The deep blue dial (see attached gallary) is not original, and was replaced due to water damage to the original when it 'restored' the first time by whomever my cousin contracted (I do not know to what degree). The original face was white with gold accents. The crown, although present, is broken from the stem. I have not attempted to open the back up to assess the movement itself. I'd love to restore this watch back to original, with the white face if possible. The domed glass is quite scratched.

I'd love to restore it as close to original as possible, including putting back the white dial as it came (I do not have the damaged original). I have a local guy that is very good but is said he is too busy to take on another restoration, as he is looking to retire soon. I know I don't want to send it to Omega themselves and pay $1,500+, as this doesn't really have any sentimental value to me - just an awesome vintage watch I'd love to have in good working order and have it look good again.

Assuming the movement itself is not broken (since it did work for my cousin after his restoration) and just needs some TLC, how much should I be expecting to spend on its restoration? Also, do you have any recommendations on places or people who do an awesome job servicing such a vintage watch? I'm a bit out of my element right now, and someone suggested I come to all of you. I really want to be able to rock this fantastic watch.

Here are the pictures of the Omega, as well as an Accutron I'm hoping to fix up as well. I'm sorry the lighting isn't any better: https://imgur.com/a/FhWgpB7

Thank you for all your help in advance!

efauser

Please post the images here. We hate following links.

Vicke

Giving us your location would be good if you want a watchmaker recommendation.

S Shimakaze

I didn't open the back to examine the movement because I did not want to cause more damage than there already is.

OMEGuy

Though you said you don't want to open the back, it might be very important to post some pictures of the movement and the inside of the caseback!

Otherwise this might be too difficult to help you, even for all the experts that are here for sure. 😀

I would recommend to have the back opened by a professional watchmaker, not a bubble gum seller in the mall.

OMEGuy

Thank you. So now the experts here can see a late 1950's 2846-4 SC / 2848 watch with cal. 500 on board.

If you are able to put the movement rotor to a different position, they will be able to read the serial number of the movement.

S Shimakaze

The movement serial is 15340364. I'll try to get a clear picture of that as well.

EDIT: Added as photo of the serial. Thank you for your help with getting all the relevant information!

padders

I'll bite. That is a 1956-7 model 2846 Seamaster using the 17 jewel full rotor 500 movement, therefore made for the US market. Only problem is the dial has no Seamaster markings, they normally do. Note it does say so on the caseback. On that basis alone I agree it is a redial, but the cross hairs and their alignment with the AML also offer concern. I have a 2846 and it looks rather different:

padders

I'll bite. That is a 1956-7 model 2846 Seamaster using the 17 jewel full rotor 500 movement, therefore made for the US market. Only problem is the dial has no Seamaster markings, they normally do. Note it does say so on the caseback. On that basis alone I agree it is a redial, but the cross hairs and their alignment with the AML also offer concern. I have a 2846 and it looks rather different: