Hi Forum,

I've just been given the most amazing present from my father, my grandfather's Omega Seamaster.
My grandfather lived in Singapore so the wear on this is pretty bad, this watch has seen some shit so I'm looking to do my best to restore it bit by bit. It's unfortunately lost some original parts due to a previous restoration so I'll also be on the hunt for parts and getting the case filled and replated if anyone is able to recommend someone in London.

Just hoping I could get some assistance identifying it. So far from my google searches I've only been able to narrow it down to a 1940-1950 Seamaster.

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Benjamin

 

Congrats on a great family heirloom. That watch has had a rough go of it, but apparently was well loved.
If you can open the case back (using the appropriate spannng wrench), the reference number will be on the inside case back which will tell us which model it is, the serial number on the movement will narrow down date. If you don’t have the tool, a watchmaker can do this for you when you get it serviced.
As for it’s future, you can just get it serviced and wear it like that if you want- warts and all. If you were looking to have the dial restored, I’m sure someone here could recommend a competent watchmaker that has a dial restoration company in their Rolodex. It’s usually frowned upon by collectors to restore a dial, but if you find the damage unpleasant to look at, I would go for a restoration. If you think the patina on the dial speaks to its history and like that, then it just needs a crown and a service and is good to go.

 

Early 1950s, probably 2767 reference but could be 2577. Probably 354 bumper movement but could be 351.

Dial looks to have been cleaned and potentially also refinished at some point. Crown is not original but those are available.

As @JwRosenthal said, more detail will require looking at the movement and inside of the case back.

 

this is certainly calling for a dial restoration

 

The bigger question: What's this?

 

My guess...a pug!

 

My money is on Chinchilla

 

Lol!! OF guys don’t miss anything.

 

I think its a chair with some weird cover

 

A Porg?

 

Looks like a knee.
Don't you guys have leg hair?

 

Thank you!
This is good info. I was considering restoring the dial. I quite like the patina but I did want the text that's gone missing to be reprinted if that's possible. My dad who had the best of intentions got it restored to pass on to me which may have did more damage than good. There's a nice big gouge on the caseback and it's now missing the original crown =(

 

Thank you that gives me a good reference point.
Yeah I think my dad did get the dial cleaned up so I'm quite torn since I do like the aged look that it has but am unhappy about some the text and markers that have been rubbed off. Also sad about losing the original crown but glad to know those are available.
will post pics of the movement as soon as I've opened it up.

 

Lol you OF guys are hilairious, I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy my time here.

The Pug's name is Bella.
Bella says Hi!

 

The underside has definitely seen some better days
there's also a nice gouge from the watch repair/restorer trying to open it though in his defense it was probably close to being fused shut

 

Wow! Looks like that Acier Inox has noxxed...

 

There are a few pro’s that can make that thing look fantastic and not kill all the patina on the case, it’s a sour knowing what to clean up and what no to. Let us know where you are in the world and I’m sure someone can reccomend a specialist near-ish to you.

 

And Bella is welcome in any pictures of watches you want to post at anytime.

 

that took me awhile to understand

Yeah can imagine its a pretty flaky request that a restorer might roll his eyes to.
I'm located in London UK if you happen to know anyone.

Will keep that in mind =]

 

Simon Freese is your man

http://www.simonfreesewatchmakers.com/

Reach out to him and let him know what you have and the level of restoration you want. He can advise you.