Franco
353
Looks like a Watchco SM300
Hi
this looks a classic Watchco-type Seamaster 300, i.e. made with replacement Omega parts (labelled Mar2000) which means that the only part really from the 60's is the movement.
Watchco and others scavenged the movement from a DeVille or other, and then build a watch with all Omega replacement parts.
So, it is a vintage-like watch, extremely enjoyable, really waterproof(usually), but not with all parts from the 60's.
Which means that:
1- all lume is luminova and not tritium. That is why it is not t-swiss-t. That is why if you expose it to light it will glow in the dark for up to hours, while a 40 years old tritium dial will only luminesce for a few minutes
2- If you ask an extract from Archives in Omega, the reference associated with the movement will not be 165.024 but another
3- If you look at the inside of the back, it will be marked (usually) 165.0024.
Best wishes
Franco
The trouble with lawyers...
During the week I had to go into town to see my solicitor - good reasons, not bad. I was walking in the direction of her office around lunchtime when I decided to stop for lunch first and I made a detour towards a shopping district that I sometimes go to....
In this case I think ....
your lawyer did you a favour .If everything checks out OK & after waiting for the experts to comment, I think you got yourself a fine piece there.Our Omega expert Mr. Graham should be around soon to give you his blessing - or not! I have been on the hunt ...
I suspect...
that this is entirely authentic but probably not all original. That would be difficult to find in this condition. I hope you find the Seamaster that you are looking for. Regards, Richard.
This is a fully restored version, possible a Watchco
Nothing wrong with them, either. Watchco takes authentic movements, reconditions them, and then builds a new watch around them with all current genuine Omega parts. I chose this route to avoid all the fakes & frankens, as well as to have basically a new w...
i agree with you...
I think an authentic genuine 1966 would not have been in this condition. And any that I could have found would be in need of restoration and would cost more than what I have paid. I am happy if all is genuine Omega and that is a good start. This is going ...
Great story - great watch!
Thanks Richard, for this this well-written story of yours finding this vintage Omega SM. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! Best regards, anaesdoc
Sometimes you find what you want
when you least expect it. I guess I should start looking in antique stores more often. Regards, Richard.
Looks like a Watchco SM300
Hi this looks a classic Watchco-type Seamaster 300, i.e. made with replacement Omega parts (labelled Mar2000) which means that the only part really from the 60's is the movement. Watchco and others scavenged the movement from a DeVille or other, and then ...
Thanks for that information Franco...
I assumed that the dial and bezel weren't original. My fear were they were not genuine Omega. I will definitely be looking inside the back at some stage. Regards, Richard.
Yup, I'd agree too, and congrats!...
I got one a few years ago and love it! Here are pics:...
its good to see a...
its good to see a refurb SM300 alongside a PO so thanks for that CR. the similarities are uncanny and pretty much backs up my theory that when you take the best points of a vintage piece and add modern technology you end up with a very good watch. its a s...
I can't answer your questions regarding the details you want to verify.
But I can tell you it is a great looking watch. Thanks for taking the time to tell us the story. It's nice, isn't it? Running into people who know what they are selling. Ruckdee
Absolutely beautiful!
I wish Omega would make them like that still. The PO of today is awesome in its own way, but not quite like the classic ones. And what they pass for a Seamaster 300M diver's watch these days with the skeleton hands just doesn't do it for me, although the ...
You never know...
Things tend to be cyclical. Omega may well one day develop a heritage line much as Longines are doing these days. Regards, Richard.
...Is they're often right...
Well, as the others said, I think it is a restored watch, but if you don't mind, it is not a problem, as it is a very nice one. You mentionned your interest for a '64 SM 300? Here's one: Good as good bread. Best, my friend. Nicolas...
I never disagree with my lawyer Nicolas...
That would cost me too much money. Restored is fine by me as long as everything is genuine Omega. But the hunt has started and I will continue looking. Regards, Richard.
Yes, a 1964, perhaps in time for 2014....
Anyway, when I was thinking up a name for this post, I thought of using, "it's all Graham's fault". However, diamondjim already has a post with that title... Regards, Richard.
That sounds close ...
Hi Richard, 2014 sounds closer than I would like. Hope you find the right 50th birthday present - I have some plans in that regard too. WatchCo are now headquartered in Melbourne and you can find their range on a Google search. Re-animated from Omega part...
There's the makings of a . . .
. . . poignant short story here. The same happened to me once, but it was while waiting for my tires to be rotated ;-) . . .
it looks like a watchco type to me Richard, but that isnt a bad thing
its obvious the the dial is a replacement and the caseback is too good to be original. the case is also very good. if you bought it believing it to be an original 1966 model and thats what you were told then you have grounds for taking it back if your dis...
Thanks for this info Graham.
My main concern was that I might have been buying non-genuine Omega but the consensus is that all seems OK. There's a lot of brains on this forum. I had never heard of Watchco before, but I am more than happy to have an authentic 1966 movement with replac...
thanks Joe, but i know...
thanks Joe, but i know you've seen them before. they arent something i could have kept hidden :) best G
Great watch. Congrats
It seems to me that this is a WatchCo built or they used some new parts (bezel, hands, dial) that are "made in Omega" but ... I love this model and you should be very proud to wear a restored (this is not a bad word for me) SM300. I have one, no date, tha...
Didn't know you had this as well Nilo...
Thats a stunner. And this watch feels well balanced on the wrist. I agree a reissue would be a winner for sure. I am in the dark with you about why your t swiss made t vintage dials are not tritium. Is there more to it? Maybe someone knows more about this...
T Swiss T on luminova dials
About the SM300, I had two. Traded one and this one is a keeper. About luminova dials: It's, as far I know, what is written on any replacement dial issued by Omega. In my case, since I got the dial, hands and bezel with the insert as replacement parts, ev...
Luminova dials from Watcho, no T
Hi these are two SM300 dials, original Omega furniture. Pictures taken from the Watchco website. Obviously Luminova, no T visible. BWs Franco...
You are 100% correct
It was my mistake. On the SM 300 the "Swiss Made" is only barely visible because of the plastic crystal and I did my wrong statement based on a picture not on the physical watch. I was about to reply and I checked, the SM 300 is on my wrist now, and is cl...
No need
Hello no need at all - these markings as you know have precise meanings. Some small redialler may ignore these, and write "T swiss T" on a luminova dial - just because it looks more like the original tritium dial. But a firm like Omega gets dozens of visi...