Hi my name is John and I live in the north west of England. I have an interest in watches and own a Breitling and a couple of Rolex watches, I also have an old Porsche which has kindled my interest in old watches.

My Breitling is currently away being serviced so I was wearing my old TAG but then the strap broke leaving me without a watch. I feel lost without a watch to wear but as I was routing around in my sock draw I found an old watch my grandfather left me. I have been wearing it for the last week or so and I really like it.

The watch was originally my grandfathers brothers watch a chap called Harold Charnley, Harold ran away to sea as a young teenager and spent his whole working life offshore. Harold was at sea for the Second World War but some time after WW2 he started work for the Union Castle line. Harold worked his way up to Commodore and was the last commodore of the Union Castle line which sailed between Southampton and South Africa.

Now getting to the point of all this rambling, I was wondering if anyone could tell me a little more about the watch. Looking at photos on the internet, it appears that it could be an early 1948 to 1952 Seamaster. If anyone could shed anymore light it would be great, also its loosing about 4 mins a day so would benefit from a good sympathetic service.








Any information would be greatfully recieved.

Kind Regards
John

 

Hi John, interesting story, and you're a near neighbour to boot. If you (or get a friendly watch maker to do,it if you dont have a case wrench) can take of the back and get a photo of the movement and the inside of the case back, we,ll be able to tell you for sure the caliber number, case reference and a better idea of manufacture date.

But first impressions are that the dial, hands and crown are all original, which is great

Cheers, paul

 

Thanks Paul
I will pop into town and see if I can get a photo or two of the workings.
Kind regards
John

 

Hi John

Great story & a lovely example of an early Seamaster....unfortunately a bit too early for my knowledge. As far as a Service , I would highly recommend Swiss Time Services (STS) which is Omega Uk's vintage specialist and is located in Essex.

See: http://www.swisstimeservices.co.uk/

Give them a call & ask for Simon (the Service Manager) - mention my name & you will be well looked after....

Best - Neil

 

Hi Neil

Thanks for the info I will give Simon a call.

Kind regards.
John

 

A nice piece and the provenance makes it even better. Have to say I love when a watch has a story.

 

Forgot to add earlier : if I had to bet, I'd guess its got a cal 501 inside

 

Is that good or bad? Showing my ignorance.

 

Great history.
My feeling is that the dial has been redone at some time. I've never seen an S in Seamaster with that curve/twist up at the bottom.

 

The one thing that I noticed looking at photos on he web was that most dials had Swiss made below the 6 numeral. I wouldn't think that my grandfather would have had any work carried out on the watch but maybe Harold did. I am only assuming that Harold purchased the watch new. It may have been pre-owned when he first purchased it, that may explain any work.

Kind regards
John.

 

This is an original dial from a 2577, powered by a 354 with the Seamaster in that style

 

Yes it makes a soft bump sound. You can feel it the odd time. It's unlike my Breitling you can feel the weight spinning when you wear it.

I noticed the lume dots as well. They do not glow in the dark any more. I wondered if they had been added at a later date but maybe the watch has been freshened up at some time. I would guess if that's the case it would be pre 1970.

Kind regards
John.

 

Hoi
That is a stunning dial!!!! Maybe it is just the fuzziness of the OPs photos, but the tail of the first S looks like it curves back downwards?

 

Hi

I popped down to town today and the local watch shop removed the back. I took a couple of photos. It looks like a 1949 calibre 351.

There are a number of engaivings on the inside of the case back, I assume from previous services. Is it possible to find any info from these engavings or not.

Kind Regards
John

 

When the watch was opened I couldn't see an oring. Am I correct in thinking there should be a oring fitted.

Kind regards
John

 

Actually this case uses a flat gasket, also generic.

They were often lead, so it may actually be there just mashed into the case, or on the lip of the case back, can't quite tell from the photos.

 

Hi just an update. I received my watch back from being serviced on Friday from STS but Unfortunatly it looked like this.



I have posted the watch back to STS so hopefully it should get sorted.

Kind regards.