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Vintage Seamaster 300 and Seamaster Calendar Help!

M
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Hello, I'm new to the group and I wanted to get some advice. I was fortunate enough to inherit my dad's Omega Seamaster watches. One model is a 300 which I believe was part of the original release dating to somewhere between 1957-1960. It has the Lollipop second hand as well.

The other is a Seamaster with calendar function. Someone mentioned it's a "bumper". It looks older but am not sure if the model. I absolutely love the simplicity of the design and wanted to find out how much it would cost to refurbish either. If I were looking to sell one or both, ,what is the estimated value of each model?

I don't have any of the original packaging or manuals.


Thanks in advance!
 
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SkunkPrince
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Both good watches in the condition you would expect after so many years of use. Both are valuable as is and I would hope you'd keep them, if not for yourself, for any succeeding generations.

"Refurbish" means different things to different people, anywhere from the minimum of intervention to restoring to as-new. The collectors in this group would have a collective heart-attack if you did more than the minimum with these, and they would be justified with respect to the Seamaster 300 at a minimum. It's just too valuable to be treated cavalierly. Unless you wanted to wear it somewhat often, your best bet for that one might be conservation.

The other is an early 50s Seamaster Calendar. It has a Caliber 353 movement, most likely, with a 355 remotely possible. With a movement service, a new crystal, new crown, and some expert case work, that one could be an impressive piece to wear. I, personally, would pay up to $800 to service that watch, because it's a family piece. Definitely go with a reputable service from a recommended source. I have been recommending Nesbit's lately.

Plenty more opinions to come. Remeber that these are your property to do with as you choose, but the Seamaster 300 has significant value, and if that is remotely important to you, proceed with caution and much thought.
Edited:
 
M
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SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
Both good watches in the condition you would expect after so many years of use. Both are valuable as is and I would hope you'd keep them, if not for yourself, for any succeeding generations.

"Refurbish" means different things to different people, anywhere from the minimum of intervention to restoring to as-new. The collectors in this group would have a collective heart-attack if you did more than the minimum with these, and they would be justified with respect to the Seamaster 300 at a minimum. It's just too valuable to be treated cavalierly. Unless you wanted to wear it somewhat often, your best bet for that one might be conservation.

The other is an early 50s Seamaster Calendar. It has a Caliber 353 movement, most likely, with a 355 remotely possible. With a movement service, a new crystal, new crown, and some expert case work, that one could be an impressive piece to wear.

Plenty more opinions to come. Remeber that these are your property to do with as you choose, but the Seamaster 300 has significant value, and if that is remotely important to you, proceed with caution and much thought.
 
M
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Thanks! Yes, I love these watches so I was just curious as to the potential value that I have with them, more for curiosity sake. I only as you said, minimally want to service them to clean them up. Obviously, keeping all original parts, etc.

I remember my dad dropping the Seamaster 300 in a glass of water when I was little, showing me the waterproofing and bring blown away by the radium dial lighting up. For these memories alone, I would want to hold on to them.
 
SkunkPrince
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M Mkk1975
Obviously, keeping all original parts, etc.
That is not consistent with having a functional watch, and if they have ever been serviced, I can guarantee you that they do not have "all original parts."

For example the Seamaster Calendar (which I think is a CK 2577?) has had its crown, crystal, caseback gasket, and mainspring replaced at each service, if it was done to Omege standards. Other parts also wear out. If you want to wear either, you'll just have to accept that as a fact of life.
 
Cuttysark
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Hello,
the Seamaster 300 is a 2913-3 maybe. It is in very good conditions and all original for what I can see. It is missing the bakelite insert of the bezel.
The dial is beautiful and the hands with the lollipop are a pleasure for eyes. It has the original 7077 bracelet with his endlinks nr. 6. This is an almost perfect piece. Thank you for sharing 😀
 
jaegodylan
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Where are you based? We could help recommend some local watchmakers that are sympathetic to vintage watches. I am surprised no one has mentioned this but don't send them to Omega!

and DIBS!
 
ConElPueblo
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Oh my..!

While most here will swoon over the 300 as it is the most "desirable" of the two I will add that the dial of the Calendar is outstanding.

Add a gold Constellation to the mix and you will have pretty much the quintessential 50s Omega collection.
 
SkunkPrince
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jaegodylan jaegodylan
I am surprised no one has mentioned this but don't send them to Omega!

What he means is "You can send watches to Omega for service but they are refinished to as-new condition and any collector value is gone."

Since you have already decided you'd rather preserve as much as possible, I suspect you won't be using factory service, regardless.
 
M
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jaegodylan jaegodylan
Where are you based? We could help recommend some local watchmakers that are sympathetic to vintage watches. I am surprised no one has mentioned this but don't send them to Omega!

and DIBS!
In Connecticut! I would love recommendations!
 
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