Omega Seamaster Caliber 343 Dial Authenticity

diamondjim · 2009-04-20T00:18:19Z

Is your vintage Omega Seamaster Caliber 343 dial original? Expert analysis on identifying redials, font discrepancies, and authentication tips for collectors.

diamondjim

WPS member · Omega forum

22 replies4913 views11 photos

Diamondjim's post initiates a critical discussion on the originality of a vintage Omega Seamaster with a Caliber 343 movement, prompting community members to scrutinize its dial. This thread offers valuable insights into the complexities of authenticating vintage Omega dials, a common challenge for collectors. The detailed analysis by forum experts provides a practical guide for identifying redials and understanding the nuances of Omega's historical production.

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Hi, this will be my first try at posting photos, so please bear with me. This is the 343 that I found in a coin shop and I am asking for help with the dial.
What if anything should I do with this dial? It is very presentable the way it is but looking at other examples I seem to think its missing its heritage without
the correct dial. Should I repaint, just add the missing chronometer certification or wait and look for a used/nos dial. I probably won't keep this for long so
maybe the correct course would be to let whom-ever is the new owner. I like to wear my vintage watches and since I have retired I rarely have a need for a
"dress" watch, I prefer stainless and a more sports oriented style. I just feel this wouldn't get much wrist time since I have a favored connie that I wear when
needed. Well here goes the try to post photos, I've noticed quite a few people have had problems in the past. Jim

Key Points from the Discussion

The Seamaster script font on the presented watch differs from known authentic examples, particularly the 'e' and 'r' characters, suggesting a potential redial. Physical inspection with a loupe or removing the dial for refinishing marks would confirm this.
The 'Omega, A Journey through Time' book, while a valuable resource, may contain images of restored or incorrect dials, and collectors should exercise caution when using it for authentication.
Specific discrepancies in the dial include peculiar font, sloppy application of writing and minute/second calibrations, mismatched radium between hands and dial, absence of 'Swiss' at 6 o'clock, and incomplete lume filling in markers, all pointing to a refinished dial.
The presence of another similar dial, as shown by MSNWatch, raises questions about whether these are original variations or multiple instances of refinishing.
Refinishing a waffle dial is particularly challenging, and unless done by an expert, it is generally not recommended, especially if the watch is not intended for long-term ownership.
For new collectors, acquiring reference books like 'Omega: A Journey through Time' is crucial for developing an eye for authentic fonts, cases, and movements to distinguish genuine pieces from fakes.

The Discussion

MSNWatch

Apr 20, 2009

I have the same exact watch with a 14k gold case, 343 bumper movement, and the dial finished exactly the same way (except for some minor differences with the luminous)! Here is a picture of mine:

diamondjim

Apr 20, 2009

Hi MSN, did you notice the serial#'s only 26#'s off! My is 12188946, sorry about the poor photo quality, Jim

G99

Apr 20, 2009

it looks ok to me especially as there is another one like it. i'm not up on dials, but can usually spot a redial. if your not thinking of keeping it long then perhaps its not worth the expense getting a NOS dial. having it refinished IMO is a bad idea unless its an expert finish and the waffle dial is notoriously hard to do. if your considering offloading it feel free to pm me. best Graham

francois

Apr 20, 2009

This is probably the original dial, as we have two examples of a similar dial on these movements. I seem to remember that there have been other instances where chronometers were not so described on the dials. if your considering offloading it feel free to pm ME... ;-)

diamondjim

Apr 20, 2009

Now that I have had time to think about this, many more questions come to mind. I bought this watch a few weeks ago and the only thing I did was open it up. The reason I posted the photos was the condition of the dial was so good and I thought someone on this forum would know if it was original or not. Now that a second one has turned up, I don't suspect as much but I still have my doubts, the dial doesn't have "Swiss" below 6:00, that was my initial clue but could it have been put together in U

G99

Apr 20, 2009

good luck with the research Jim, you'll need it to get a definative result. best Graham

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Omega Seamaster Caliber 343 Dial Authenticity

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