I’ve inherited my grandfather’s Omega Seamaster, early 60s I think (photo attached).

It’s keeping pretty good time, but I’d still like to get it serviced, however, that appears to be a minefield.

I don’t plan to sell it, I want to wear it as a dress watch, but don’t want to destroy its value either.

• Is it okay to get the case polished?
• What parts should I try to keep original? Internals seem like fair game to keep it running well, but the face, hands and crown all look good to me, and would seem wrong to change?
• The crystal’s quite scratched, can that be replaced/repaired without devaluing it too much?
• And any recommendations for who would be good to undertake this work? (I live in London, but could send anywhere).

Any help or thoughts massively appreciated. Really don’t want to wade into a vintage servicing mistake!

Thanks in advance.

 

If you provide an idea of your location maybe some specific provider suggestion will be forthcoming.

As this fora is "collector" focused, your answer to polishing, hand or dial modification will be a resounding "NO". It is your watch, however, and you may treat it as you like.

Having said that crystal replacement is generally OK. Crowns sometimes have to be replaced but stress to your service provider that matching it is highly desirable.

Nice looking watch and a great heirloom.

 

OP lives in London...movement only service. Do nothing more. Immediate reaction..Swiss Time Services.

 

After a moment to think...Simon Freese. There are several watchmakers in the UK that are experienced in vintage watches. You might try a site search to find others.

 

You can get the case polished by someone who knows what she's doing. A light, careful buffing won't hurt it.

Parts to keep original, nothing in the movement. Case, of course. Your dial and hands are fine. Crown depends on the expectation of water resistance to factory specification. I personally do not oppose replacement of crown and crown tube when warranted. That crown should still be available.

Replacing the crystal will not change the value. Exact replacements are available.

As mentioned, remember this is YOUR watch and what some guys on a message board recommend is worth exactly what you paid for it. That case can definitely be improved but you need to find a watchmaker with the skills to do it.

Tom

 

But exactly what the OP asked for.

 

Great questions you asked. Really nice watch, I hope it brings good memories when your wear it. I would also say early ‘60s, likely a 552 movement inside. Crystal may polish out, but as said above, an original Omega replacement would be fine if needed. Believe the watchmaker when they say keep these away from water, given their age. Treated well as a dress watch, this will give you lots of enjoyment. Stick around and send us pics of the final outcome

 

How do you know that? Did I miss a clue?

EDIT: Yes dummass it's right there: "(I live in London, but could send anywhere)"

 

Thanks to all who have answered - this has been immensely helpful

 

Try https://cjnwatch.co.uk He’s a member on this site chrisN

 

Do not polish the case or do anything to the dial and hands. The watch is an untouched, all original example and you should aim to keep it that way. Scratches on the crystal will probably polish out in which case don't replace it.
You do not need to go to Simon Freese or Swiss Time Services with this watch. Those people are right for top-end watches but yours can perfectly well be serviced by any good vintage specialist at less expense.
Your watch is 1959-1962 with as already mentioned a 552 movement, one of Omega's finest. Dress Seamasters of this era don't get much nicer than yours. Look after it well, enjoy wearing it and keep it out of the rain.

 

Very nice example BTW!

 

Just in case anyone is interested, I took the advice and sent the Seamaster to ChrisN from the forums (https://cjnwatch.co.uk)

Amazing service, including some of the most detailed reports I've ever seen. And some fascinating insights too, including the discovery of a non-standard seconds hand (now replaced with an official Omega one).

Photo included below. Chris put on a new cystal which completely changes the clarity of the dial.

Watch time-keeping has improved to +3 seconds a day - can't argue with that!

 

That's a beauty.

 

That’s a very nice job. Many congrats. I especially love the font of the numbers on it as well.

Enjoy wearing it.
Chris

 

There's no tritium on that watch, so omega would service it and keep the hands and dial at your request.

Omega also still has the machines that applied the original finish, so if case condition bothers you, they could recut it in a way that only an expert could spot it had been redone, and then likely only with a micrometer in hand.

Companies like Rolex and omega are so good at this now, that the Rolex forum has forbidden the use of "unpolished" in sales ads.

Downside - omega charges a very premium price.

 

Omega can and will change dials for various reasons - it's not just about the presence of tritium. In fact having tritium isn't a reason by itself for a dial to be changed at all.

 

Last time I sent in a watch like that, they quoted me a new dial as optional. I thanked them, and asked to keep my dial. It was not an issue. That was just last month on a deville.

I've never had omega change a dial on me without asking. I dont dispute that it happens. But in my personal experience it's not typical.

 

People send in a watch, ask that the original dial is not changed, Omega doesn't change the dial, and the conclusion drawn is that if you ask Omega won't replace your dial. This is a false conclusion.

The correct conclusion is that there was no reason to change the dial, so even if you didn't ask, they would have left it alone (or made the replacement optional).

If Omega finds a fault on a dial that they believe may cause the watch to come back under warranty, you will not have a choice - they will either change the dial or refuse the service. What you request will be irrelevant.

Cheers, Al