ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

entropydave · 24 November 2007, 03:34 AM

Hi folks,

Just bought a 2nd hand Omega Seamaster on fleabay - I have to say I don't know a great deal about watches so maybe someone out there could explain the various jargons....!

like....

MACHINE : 24Jewels / 552Cal - OK - I understand the 24 jewel bit but not the 552Cal bit.

Also - any idea of the age of this watch? I got some pics of the inside too...!

Thanks

SLRdude · 24 November 2007, 04:42 AM

Congrats!
552 refers to the caliber used in the watch.

ie: Daytona: Rolex 4130. Your Seamaster: Omega 552

Also, it is a redialed example, so hopefully you did not pay a whole lot for it.

If you don't care about that, vintage Omegas are outstanding watches that will last forever. At that time, they had some of the best in house movements on the planet.

Cal. 552 is very similar to the the first historical C.O.S.C caliber (551) exclusively certified for the Constellation Market introduction in 1959. The only difference is, that Omega sent the 551 to the "Observatoire" in Neuchatel, while the 552 was not officially certified. This is a great movement though.

The Movement, Cal. 552

The caliber 552 is very similar to the caliber 551 introduced in 1959. The main difference is, that the 551 holds an exclusive C.O.S.C for the Constellation market introduction. Like the 551, the 552 features a swan neck regulator, 24 jewels, great bi-directional winding, plain glucydur balance, 19'800 bph, first flexible spring block for easier regulation, power reserve over 50 hours due to a main spring with 7 evolutions.
The 552 is actually one of the most accurate movements, and with the swan neck fine regulator, many examples still run within less than a second a day tolerance!

I would date your watch early to mid 60's based on the design.

entropydave · 24 November 2007, 04:53 AM

Thanks! I paid about £250 ($500) for it - I figured it had been redialled as it just is too clean to be original. I dunno if that was a good price or not to be honest but it is nice to wear - but I prefer my Air king!

SLRdude · 24 November 2007, 04:58 AM

500 is a bit on the high side. I would have paid around 350 to 400 for it.
Original examples go for higher than that though, so if you like it, then that's all that matters.
You can always get your money back fairly easy.
I just with that the Seamaster font would be closer to the original.

entropydave · 24 November 2007, 09:02 AM

Any idea how water resistant it is? After all, it's called a "Seamaster" but should I remove it when washing my hands?! I obviously don't with my Rolex - I can't see what would stop water (and indeed dirt) getting in thru the winder crown.

24 November 2007, 04:42 AM	#2
SLRdude "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Real Name: Chip Location: Dallas TX Posts: 6,194	Congrats! 552 refers to the caliber used in the watch. ie: Daytona: Rolex 4130. Your Seamaster: Omega 552 Also, it is a redialed example, so hopefully you did not pay a whole lot for it. If you don't care about that, vintage Omegas are outstanding watches that will last forever. At that time, they had some of the best in house movements on the planet. Cal. 552 is very similar to the the first historical C.O.S.C caliber (551) exclusively certified for the Constellation Market introduction in 1959. The only difference is, that Omega sent the 551 to the "Observatoire" in Neuchatel, while the 552 was not officially certified. This is a great movement though. The Movement, Cal. 552 The caliber 552 is very similar to the caliber 551 introduced in 1959. The main difference is, that the 551 holds an exclusive C.O.S.C for the Constellation market introduction. Like the 551, the 552 features a swan neck regulator, 24 jewels, great bi-directional winding, plain glucydur balance, 19'800 bph, first flexible spring block for easier regulation, power reserve over 50 hours due to a main spring with 7 evolutions. The 552 is actually one of the most accurate movements, and with the swan neck fine regulator, many examples still run within less than a second a day tolerance! I would date your watch early to mid 60's based on the design. __________________ Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try. Yoda, Jedi Master CHIP Member # 87

24 November 2007, 04:58 AM	#4
SLRdude "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Real Name: Chip Location: Dallas TX Posts: 6,194	500 is a bit on the high side. I would have paid around 350 to 400 for it. Original examples go for higher than that though, so if you like it, then that's all that matters. You can always get your money back fairly easy. I just with that the Seamaster font would be closer to the original. __________________ Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try. Yoda, Jedi Master CHIP Member # 87

24 November 2007, 04:53 AM	#3
entropydave "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Dave Location: Huntington, IN Posts: 680	Thanks! I paid about £250 ($500) for it - I figured it had been redialled as it just is too clean to be original. I dunno if that was a good price or not to be honest but it is nice to wear - but I prefer my Air king!

24 November 2007, 09:02 AM	#5
entropydave "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Dave Location: Huntington, IN Posts: 680	Any idea how water resistant it is? After all, it's called a "Seamaster" but should I remove it when washing my hands?! I obviously don't with my Rolex - I can't see what would stop water (and indeed dirt) getting in thru the winder crown.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)