Vintage Seamaster bezel part source help requested

N NThomas

Thanks for the advice.
I’m assuming this design is a snap, compression fit case back.
Finding a donor would definitely be an option.
We were hoping that one of the forum members may have a bezel... and or know of where to source - such that we can purchase. We are trying to see if that can be sourced prior to his birthday April 22 - that would be ideal... but we realize optimistic. Cheers

N NThomas

I have worn the watch over a week, set in conjunction with my phone, down to the second and have found that it holds time with a loss of 4 seconds over 10 days. Here are some more pics of it and the speidel strap has been removed.

One question - with respect to replies. What concerns are there about the dial “redial”? I have been looking at a few other examples and to me, it any kind of expert by a long shot, seemed to align with others.

I will look at figuring out have to move this thread, as noted. Thank you for your patience - newbie rookie mistake.

masteroftime

In my haste to reply to your post, I never expressed my condolences for the loss of your father. I'm so sorry for your loss. I am happy to see that you've taken on this project for your son. I lost my grandfather last year and I wish I could have had a similar memento as a connection to him.

I'm going to try and cover the questions that others may have missed/not gotten to.



Yes, compression fit--I'd take it back to the watchmaker and ask them to open it, so you can take a photo of the back for the ref number to help with the bezel search. Have them then close it for you, because these can be a little difficult to get back on (might just be a personal issue lol).

To your second point, to be honest many forum members have trouble sourcing parts and sometimes completing their watches. Bezels are often the hardest things to replace as there often seem to be plenty of watches with missing bezels and in the case of this model I doubt Omega ever just sold these bezels separate from the case itself. Who knows...maybe somebody will chime in or DM you with a bezel, but many here find themselves in a long haul hunting for the perfect piece or the right parts to complete their perfect piece.



Fortunately, it seems like the thread has been moved, so you don't have anything to worry about.

Also, good to hear that it is keeping time. If you're having doubts about whether to still get it serviced, definitely still do so. These older movements have become more and more difficult to find parts for, so the long term longevity of the watch will depend on it being properly maintained.

When I initially looked at this watch, I thought it was a redial. Back in the day, many watchmakers would send watches to be repainted if they noticed blemishes or damage on the dial--sometimes without even telling the owner. In contemporary times, people usually make an active effort to repaint or not because it has an impact on value as the original dial is hard/impossible to properly duplicate. Therefore, "redials" are usually easy to pick out. However, after some closer inspection I don't believe it is a redial. Others with more experience may want to chime in, but this looks like a reference 2849 (or similar variant). If that is the case, the general dial printing looks correct. The photos don't show the font too clearly and I initially thought it had poor printing from a past redial, but that looks like it could be the correct font that may just be clouded by wear on the crystal and your camera's rendering.

N NThomas

Thank you - greatly appreciated, your expertise and condolences. We thought find a bezel may be a quest, sounds like it could be a holy grail type. I’ll check out that eBay listing thank you for the lead. I’m fairly confident that the watch is a 1956, outside chance could be a ‘55 (old stock) but I don’t believe so. I was told by my uncle that my father received this watch for his 16th birthday and this was the watch that start his passion for further watch ownership. Anyway, we’ll see what can be done and hopefully that bezel “grail” will be show itself sooner than later. Thanks again for everyone’s assistance... much appreciated.