Vintage
Hagen shares his excitement over finding a vintage Omega Seamaster that perfectly matches his specific criteria, after having eyed it at a local restoration shop. His detailed account highlights the importance of condition and authenticity when acquiring vintage timepieces, even if minor adjustments like a bracelet change are needed. This post offers valuable insights for collectors seeking specific vintage models.
I have actually seen this watch a few times, at Otto Friedl, a local watch repair & restoration shop also selling pre-owned watches. It comes with a mint condition Beads of Rice bracelet, which is unfortunately too small for me by about 1 - 2 links. That is the reason I hestitated to buy it. However, the watch is in such beautiful untouched condition, and I realized it would likely look better on a leather strap anyway, and it meets all the criteria I was looking for in a Seamaster, I decided that it would be crazy not to buy it.
Criteria:
circa late 1950s to mid 1960s
signed crown, caseback (with embossed Seamonster logo), crystal, movement
wide lug design
Silver dial, silver markers and/or arabics, silver hands
Applied logo and markers/arabics
preferably not refinished dial
No lume originally or added
Here is a photo of the watch, in the shop, with the original Beads of Rice bracelet:
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These photos were taken outside, so the lighting is different:
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This wrist shot shows almost exactly how it fits the 7.5in wrist. Even though the case is only 33mm (without crown) the beefy lugs and relatively wide lugs spacing give it a really nice presence:
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Quite a thin case, just 10mm. I was going to look for a vintage buckle for the leather strap, but I got a new one at the Omega Boutique yesterday, and quite like it. The newer buckle seems to work well with the thinner watch profile, as it does not have the applied logo. Nevertheless, I will look for a vintage buckle
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While I was at the Omega Boutique yesterday, I discovered they just received their new mens ring. The design is taken from the Seamaster Diver 300M bezel. It is available in either brushed/polished or polished. I thought that being a Seamaster ring it would be appropriate, as well as the brushed surface coordinates well with the brushed finish of the dial:
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I really love the simple no date dial, and the symmetry of having all the applied markers identical. While I like the silver dials with the gold markers and hands, I really wanted everything silver on this Seamaster, and no lume.
I don't believe the watch was even polished more than maybe a minimum. All of the edges are perfectly sharp, as it would have been originally. I haven't been able to get a photo yet which shows the logo on the crystal. There are some surface scratches here and there on the case, which only add to the appeal of this watch. It has obviously been very well cared for during it's 50 years.
Thanks for looking at my post.
Carl
The Seamaster Diver 300M is a core offering within Omega's contemporary sports watch collection, recognized for its robust construction and technical specifications. This particular reference maintains the established design language of the Diver 300M series, characterized by its distinctive wave-patterned dial and helium escape valve, positioning it as a capable and recognizable diver's watch within the brand's extensive catalog. It represents a modern iteration that continues the line's design evolution.
This model features a stainless steel case, typically measuring 42 mm in diameter, which houses a self-winding mechanical movement. The movement, often a Co-Axial Master Chronometer caliber, provides a substantial power reserve and is visible through a sapphire crystal case back. A domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides protects the dial, ensuring legibility in various conditions. The watch is engineered for significant water resistance, suitable for professional diving.
For collectors, the Seamaster Diver 300M appeals to those seeking a technically advanced and durable timepiece from a major Swiss manufacturer. Its availability in various dial colors, including black and steel, offers choices for different preferences. The consistent updates to its movement technology and material science ensure its relevance in the competitive landscape of luxury dive watches, making it a staple for both new and established collectors.
The condition looks very good. A really nice dress watch with vintage feel. Thanks for sharing. Melvin
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Bravo! Best, Nicolas
I have owned a 1965 Constellation cal 561 since 1973 on its original BoR bracelet, bought from a fellow student who could not afford a service and who was happy to let it go. The bracelet is too short for me now and so I inserted a 15 mm wide s/s hand-polished slightly curved extension into the folding clasp. Works a treat and blends in well with the clasp when on my wrist and now gives extra length that can also be varied. by using the existing holes for the spring bar. Bought the extension on
I plan to keep the BOR bracelet, at least for now. Usually I prefer bracelets over straps, though. Thanks for the idea. Maybe if I can get the strap to work, I will wear it more often that way. Cheeers, Carl
i love the classic Omegas more than any other brand, although i stick to just one year of manufacture. an original bracelet is a valuable bonus. i have a 561 connie on a BoR bracelet and a Seamaster Deville on another BoR bracelet. they are a bit slack and dont sit straight on the wrist, but they are original :) Enjoy Graham
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