Seamaster 300 with Vollmer black mesh

[Anthony]

Hello,

Heres few photos of my new combo, I really like it ! Now I have to think twice which one really is my favourite, my vintage Speedy or this combo!

Thanks to John for Vollmer sample photos which helped me to finally buy this mesh bracelet.

The bracelet looks and feels very secure. Its somewhat heavy and VERY durable and it just feels its made to last. Therese also very secure divers deployant, got to love it. Hopefully these photos can be helpful to someone.

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/4739/p3060170ls4.jpg

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/3258/p3060164smalldw6.jpg

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/8685/p3060166smallgs9.jpg

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/7225/p3060175smallnc0.jpg

[rbt]

Very nice Anthony. I give it 2 thumbs up.

[jimmoose]

Really nice. Crazy about that black!
jim

[Sushirob]

That is really nice. If the black doesn't wear off, I'll get one.

[ikovalchuk17]

Very nice. Where are these mesh bands sold?

[mrsnak]

Interesting combo of old and new. Looks great. As was mentioned, I'd only be concerned about the black chipping or scratchinh off on the clasp.

[es335]

Do the Watcho Seamaster 300s require any post purchase setup to achieve water resistance? Or do they come fully tested from Watcho at 200m resistance--just like they were rated in 1968?

[mrsnak]

Do the Watcho Seamaster 300s require any post purchase setup to achieve water resistance? Or do they come fully tested from Watcho at 200m resistance--just like they were rated in 1968?

es- You've asked a lot of questions about the Watchco 300s recently. I'd really encourage you to email them directly. Very friendly service and happy to answer any questions.
I'm very happy with mine.

[Anthony]

es335, I encourage you to do the water resistance test AFTER you get the watch from Watchco. I still remember the horror story of someone, buying piece from Watchco, taking it directly to water , and noticing afterwards the watch was not waterproof.

I did the waterproof tests on my local AD, and they confirmed its waterproof.

[Anthony]

Very nice. Where are these mesh bands sold?
http://www.watchband.biz/
Check under MetalBands -> PVD.

[mrsnak]

es335, I encourage you to do the water resistance test AFTER you get the watch from Watchco. I still remember the horror story of someone, buying piece from Watchco, taking it directly to water , and noticing afterwards the watch was not waterproof.

I did the waterproof tests on my local AD, and they confirmed its waterproof.

As I posted before, this is what Watchco gave me with operating instructions:

"The impact of a very fast shower can be more than 50 metres of pressure, therefore it is not advisable to go in the shower with a watch rated at 50m or less, secondly, the heat from a hot shower will expand the case… ( heat expands metal ) eventually the seals will weaken, and allow moisture to enter which will cause problems with the movement, especially the oil !

And in particular to the 300m vintage rebuilt watches : They use a plexi glass, no where near the strength of a Sapphire crystal, which is standard in divers timepieces today. Also today’s divers watches have a built in Helium release valve, the pressure that builds up can be released upon emerging back to the surface… The 300m NOS watches do not have this function, so it advisable not to attempt to test it like a brand new watch. Swimming and shallow diving is ok, but remember it is a sign of what used to be."

Given the level of service they have shown me, I cannot imagine them not making it right if something is wrong. They do seem to know that they have a knowledgeble group that buys from them.

And again, I reiterate, don't go by hearsay up here, ask them questions directly.

[es335]

Thanks guys. I love this watch but have been on the fence about buying one. Yes, I read the thread on this board where someone stated they took a rebuilt NOS watchco swimming and the watch had a leak and took on water.

I was hoping to get actual owner feedback--not to the exclusion of asking watchco of course. But I believe in "caveat emptor" and doing homework by soliciting actual user testimonials before a big ticket purchase.

My understanding is that the original 1968 SM300, which the Watchos are based on, was water resistant to 200m. The sales instructions Watcho provided Mr. Snak doesn't really clear up if their NOS version of authentic Omega parts is 200m resistant like the original--or not. It tends to imply it isn't water resistant to 200m, but suggests you can get 50m out of it?

I would like to add that I have been impressed by Watchco's quick response to getting a new lume bezel to Mr. Snak. Obviously, they didn't do a quality control inspection of the lume before they shipped it with a defective bezel, but they quickly sent a replacement part--so that speaks volumes about the quality of their after purchase customer service, but raises legitimate questions about how well they inspect these before they ship them out.

I guess I'm just a little apprehensive about spending US $2k for an aftermarket NOS 200m divers watch if it hasn't been determined what the actual water resistance is--or how well it was sealed by watchco.

[mrsnak]

Thanks guys. I love this watch but have been on the fence about buying one. Yes, I read the thread on this board where someone stated they took a rebuilt NOS watchco swimming and the watch had a leak and took on water.

I was hoping to get actual owner feedback--not to the exclusion of asking watchco of course. But I believe in "caveat emptor" and doing homework by soliciting actual user testimonials before a big ticket purchase.

My understanding is that the original 1968 SM300, which the Watchos are based on, was water resistant to 200m. The sales instructions Watcho provided Mr. Snak doesn't really clear up if their NOS version of authentic Omega parts is 200m resistant like the original--or not. It tends to imply it isn't water resistant to 200m, but suggests you can get 50m out of it?

I would like to add that I have been impressed by Watchco's quick response to getting a new lume bezel to Mr. Snak. Obviously, they didn't do a quality control inspection of the lume before they shipped it with a defective bezel, but they quickly sent a replacement part--so that speaks volumes about the quality of their after purchase customer service, but raises legitimate questions about how well they inspect these before they ship them out.

I guess I'm just a little apprehensive about spending US $2k for an aftermarket NOS 200m divers watch if it hasn't been determined what the actual water resistance is--or how well it was sealed by watchco.

Or you can spend $1500+ or more on an original which will not be waterproof at all, and not to mention probably have service issues.