seamaster 300 education needed

[ksanders]

I'm considering adding a seamaster 300 to my collection, and need a little help concerning the availability of restoration parts, and what makes a good restorable watch.

If it's OK, let's take a specific watch that is currently for sale, and go over it, not just looking at the watch as it is right now, but looking at the potential for a correct restoration, per Omegas guidelines.

One watch might be this one, there are several for sale on the bay right now, and this one seems to be an above average example.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=270284726624



To me, the trying to be informed collector, this watch looks like its in restorable condition. There is some question as to whether the sword hands are correct for this watch, as "a journey through time" shows this dial, and these hands but not on the same watch. (it seems that the triangle dial goes with the sword hands and the polygon dial goes with the straight hands). Then Again there are references questioning whether there were actually a number of watches produced with these hands and this dial.

Now restoration...

If one were to send a watch in this condition to Omega, what would they recommend? What would be the "best" thing to do with this specific watch? Are these parts still available to restore this classic?

Please help, this is how we learn, and I want to be properly versed concerning this model prior to buying one.

Thanks...Kevin

[jmousey]

To me, the trying to be informed collector, this watch looks like its in restorable condition. There is some question as to whether the sword hands are correct for this watch, as "a journey through time" shows this dial, and these hands but not on the same watch. (it seems that the triangle dial goes with the sword hands and the polygon dial goes with the straight hands). Then Again there are references questioning whether there were actually a number of watches produced with these hands and this dial.

For more information about this watch, you should have a look at this webpage first. http://www.chronomaddox.com/seamaste...a_history.html. The straight (narrow sword) hands were used only on watches made between 1962 and 1964. In fact, the ST165.014 and 024 might have slight variations, but since I've compared the two watches in person, it's hard to say. One thing for sure is that, if this watch did come with the straight hands, it'll be near impossible to find replacements. Not watchco, ofrei, or even Omega.

Now restoration...

If one were to send a watch in this condition to Omega, what would they recommend? What would be the "best" thing to do with this specific watch? Are these parts still available to restore this classic?

Please help, this is how we learn, and I want to be properly versed concerning this model prior to buying one.

Thanks...Kevin

If you want to restore the whole watch, why not go for a "reproduction" made by watcho (search the forums for watchco SM300). These watches will be in perfect condition (or near it) because they are made from brand new parts parts. Now the only downside is that although the movement inside are the correct for the model, they WOULD NOT HAVE COME OUT OF a seamaster 300. Most likely a constellation or seamaster dress watch. If you can live with this then no problems.

A restoration by Bienne will also bring the watch back to its original condition, keeping in mind Omega might not have the hands or T Swiss Made T dials. But the restoration will not increase the value of this watch as much as you expect. In fact, unless you can find original vintage old stock parts for this watch, personally I'd be more inclined to keep it this way.

[Neil(UK)]

Leave it as it is.

Vintage watches are meant to look old.

If you want a new looking SM300 get one of those watchco things.

[mrsnak]

This is also a good resource if you want an original.

http://scubawatch.org/hallofshame.html

[M4tt]

Neil's right - you will pay a lot of money to reduce it's value and attractiveness. Enjoy it for what it is and be glad you are not old enough to have bought it new!

[mrsnak]

Neil's right - you will pay a lot of money to reduce it's value and attractiveness. Enjoy it for what it is and be glad you are not old enough to have bought it new!

Hey, I resemble that remark!

[M4tt]

Hey, I resemble that remark!

Well, as with all my posts, I pride myself that it was rambling, incoherent and smelled faintly of wee...