Vintage Seamaster 300 2913.4 bezel insert query

smigjed · Jan 13, 2024

Hi all, first-time post here!

I'm seeking any OF vintage Seamaster expert's absolute confirmation of the type of bezel insert - either 'count-down'; or 'count-up' for my 1958/59 broad arrow, straight-lugs Seamaster 300 ck2913.4 watch before I arrange to have any restoration work done.

NB New signed crystal and crown are 'service' parts acquired in 2021. Bezel is resting only; I'm awaiting arrival of bezel click bearings.

Thanks in advance.

Dash1 · Jan 14, 2024

2913-4 should be a count up bezel. However, the -4 didn’t have broad arrow hands. What’s the serial number?

smigjed · Jan 14, 2024

Thanks for that Dash1. Interesting history regarding movement... I sourced the watch from country South Australia. Original 20 jewel 501 was replaced by near identical 20 jewel 503 (minus date component) in 1967. Serial number for that is 163326xx. Watch still runs like a charm.

smigjed · Jan 14, 2024

Here's the watch as I found it. Not working and in a box of watch parts.

cristos71 · Jan 14, 2024

Shame about the movement swap! That's going to cause some serious headaches when the time comes to sell.

Donn Chambers · Jan 14, 2024

Considering the watch already has a swapped movement, and the hands are also likely not original, I’d just have the bezel insert done the way you want it, and not worry about matching what was original.

X350 XJR · Jan 14, 2024

Shouldn't be to difficult to source a date appropriate 501 to make it a little more correct, at least better than having a hacked 503.

I'd wear it.

smigjed · Jan 14, 2024

Donn Chambers
Considering the watch already has a swapped movement, and the hands are also likely not original, I’d just have the bezel insert done the way you want it, and not worry about matching what was original.

Yep. Watch was found with the 503. Watchmaker in 2021 said I had a pretty good 'find'. So I want to invest a little without over capitalizing too much and just enjoy having a unique watch. As dial, hands, etc are genuine Omega parts I want to get it to the stage I can just enjoy and have it as right as I can. PS If getting a 501 will add some value maybe I'll do it. Watch was going to be left to the kids if it was worth AUD$10K or thereabouts.

smigjed · Jan 14, 2024

X350 XJR
Shouldn't be to difficult to source a date appropriate 501 to make it a little more correct, at least better than having a hacked 503.

I'd wear it.

I'm hoping to get the appropriate bezel insert - 'count up' it appears and just enjoy wearing it. Being 'down under' I'll be at the mercy of the recommended bezel restorer's workloads but I think it will be worth it. 2913's are so lovely!

smigjed · Jan 14, 2024

Dash1
2913-4 should be a count up bezel. However, the -4 didn’t have broad arrow hands. What’s the serial number?

Was thinking if you could furnish me with a picture of what hands were original to a 2913.4 it would be appreciated. From a personal taste point of view I'm really enjoying the 'broad arrow' hands on it.

smigjed · Jan 27, 2024

Donn Chambers
Considering the watch already has a swapped movement, and the hands are also likely not original, I’d just have the bezel insert done the way you want it, and not worry about matching what was original.

Still unsure of the bezel insert I should order. Lots of online images of broad-hand 2913's seem to come up more popularly with 'count-down'. Would that be fair comment and therefore the way I should go?

Vintage Seamaster 300 2913.4 bezel insert query

smigjed

Dash1

smigjed

smigjed

cristos71

Donn Chambers

X350 XJR

smigjed

smigjed

smigjed

smigjed

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