HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I had no idea this place existed until a friend pointed me over here. Unfortuntely it was after I made this purchase.

This was an impulse buy.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Omega-Automatic-Seamaster-Mens-Wristwatch-RUNS-EM1380/202144804112?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

I put on a cheap leather band which I will replace soon with something more appropriate. The bracelet isn’t that bad but I prefer the leather look. The “4” marker is missing. Would like some advice on whether to leave it as is or try getting it replaced?

 

It could have been worse.

 

Historic redial

 

Seller wrote “Please see enlarged photos to help determine actual condition. Watches are sold in the condition in which we bought them, and are not returnable for any reason” but your photos above are clearer, easier to see. Means no chance of refund but handle this one, look in the back, check out the movement yourself under a loop. Compare with original dials in good condition, and you’re well on your way ..... a good start, and given the price you paid, not a steep curve as some others! Welcome to OF

Keep a look out for a good dial, if one pops up.

 

I think you mean horrific.

 

The listing has it listed as a manual wind, not automatic. Seems there may be some wiggle room.

 

I don't have any technical input, you're here now, nice to meet you.

 

Apart from the dial, it's not a bad pick up, especially considering the bracelet can probably be sold to recoup some costs or kept for another appropriate watch. Movement isn't too shabby either.

Anyhoo, welcome aboard!

 

It says Automatic once in the title and twice in the descrip so I don't think there's any real misrepresentation, in fact the seller's gone to some lengths to be upfront about what they are selling and what their terms are, therefore no real grounds for return. Case and movement seem quite good and what looks like corrosion on the case edge is probably remnants of a gasket. As mentioned above, it may not seem so but that was a cheaper tuition fee than average. The watch needs a new dial and crown but in your place I would put it aside for a while, look for something else nice to wear and in the background keep an eye out for a decent dial for this one. Only then is it worth getting a replacement crown.

 

Others have paid higher noob taxes, welcome!

 

Suggest we explain to the OP why this is a redial in spirit of “Teach a man to fish.” He did enter politely vs the oft repeated demand for info. I’ll start despite the fact that Seamaster is not my area of focus..
Printing is poor
The applied hour markers were removed for refinishing and poorly replaced.
Presence of lume on hands indicate lume on Dial was also removed.
Anything more specific?

 

Thank You all for the replies. I have a lot to learn. More reading is in order!

 

Do an OF search on “teach a man to fish” by conelpueblo. You will be well armed for the next hunt.

 

Awesome. Exactly what I was looking for. Thank You Sir!

https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/

 

I recommend you read all the stickies. They're there for a reason.

 

$227 isn't bad at all. Yea, it has problems, but for that price if you like it, then keep it and wear it.

 

ok so I am officially on the lookout for a suitable dial replacement. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

So, what I am wondering is, would it be frowned upon to have this dial re-re-finished? I mean since it has already been botched how much worse could it be? I am not set on re-finishing this dial but maybe at least look into it for a temporary fix until I can find a suitable replacement.

I have been into vintage guitars for a long time so I understand the collectibility issues. In this case the damage has already been done. Given that...... are there known dial re-finishers that do good work?

Keep in mind I am not concerned about resale. I am not going to be a collector. I make decent money but not enough to play with the big boys and I am fine with that. I DO enjoy the restoration process though, at least I have enjoyed restoring some vintage guitars that I have brought back from the dead in the past. Check my avatar. It was a basket case when I bought it.

 

I would not re-refinished.
But, a re-re-re refinish might just work

 

My GUESS is that you'll never find a replacement dial for this. I just went through something similar, and I had to buy a completely functional watch for the dial. Since the watch was a family heirloom, cost wasn't a big factor.

However, if cost is factored in, finding a vintage dial may be really tough/cost prohibitive.

For $227, personally I'd just wear it. It doesn't look that bad IMHO

 

If you were to re-re-dial who would you go to?