Old Omega Seamaster

[Jim Smyth]

Well my Mom is in a Senior Living facility and I have been juggling around and was just downsized here storage unit from when she came out of Independent living. So we donated most of her things and kept enough for a small one bedroom if shes ever going to return to independent/assisted living.

I went trough all her boxes this week to make sure I wasnt letting anything real valuable go. Her father passed away in the 80's and worked in the Boiler room of Hart Schaffner and Marx in downtown Chicago.

So I come across a box of his possessions and in the box is a older styled Omega Seamaster. This has to date back to the 60's-70's would be my guess. It currently isnt working and I dont know if its worth it to have it cleaned up and get going again. It isnt my style at all.

Anyone have any info on this model and what it would cost to get working and if it would be worth anything once working again other than sentimental value?

Thanks in advance, Jim

[Jim Smyth]

Well I should have done a Ebay search first. I now know what they sell for, any idea what it would cost to get redone to working condition?

[Fermi_Paradox]

I have two similar watches which cost me $600CAD and $1100CAD to have serviced (via Omega AD who sent to Switzerland due to the age of the watches - 1957 and 1965) on top of the ~$500CAD each in purchase price. Mine probably wouldn't sell for anywhere close to $1100, or $1600 respectively. Of course, I love both so it was worth it for me.

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[Tools]

Sometimes, if we have a good reason, we do bring an older watch back to life, even if it costs as much as it's worth.

Wish I had some before photos, but here is my late father's mid-60's Seamaster that was in sad shape. I sent it to Nesbit's Fine Watches in Seattle a few years back.

I now only use it for formal occasions.

[Fermi_Paradox]

Originally Posted by Tools

Sometimes, if we have a good reason, we do bring an older watch back to life, even if it costs as much as it's worth.



Wish I had some before photos, but here is my late father's mid-60's Seamaster that was in sad shape. I sent it to Nesbit's Fine Watches in Seattle a few years back.



I now only use it for formal occasions.



Attachment 1053779

It's a great looking watch.

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[AEC]

It probably has a caliber in Omega's 55X or 56X series, which I believe represent some of the really great work Omega did in the 1960s. There are significant amounts of corrosion that cause me to think the work needed to restore the watch will be more extensive than usual. I recommend sending to a trusted source for evaluation. Some place like Nesbit's as Tools mentions, or someone you know and trust based on your own experience. Note also that the dial will require refurbishment or replacement, so the resource you choose should be one who knows how to get good results from this particularly sensitive part of the restoration.

[beshannon]

That is a beauty, I would at least get some estimates

[Jim Smyth]

Thanks guys I just sent a email inquiry to Nesbits and will post back once I hear something.

[77T]

Did you take off the back to see what movement is inside?

I did a restoration of an early ‘60’s Seamaster and the parts were unavailable so I bought a donor movement to save $. Here is what my Dad’s original movement looked like.



Luckily I only needed a couple of parts from the donor movement.


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[Jim Smyth]

I havent yet but not a bad idea. I have all the normal tools to remove many different type of backs. However this one I dont see a seam anywhere. From the looks of it the ring around the crystal looks like the only way to access the movement from maybe the topside? I havent heard of that before but for the life of me cant see a machining line anywhere where the back would screw off.

[Michigan_State]

I have a mid 60‘s date version and was quoted approx. EUR 500 from Omega in Europe to have it overhauled. Didn’t seem like a problem to them (parts-wise, etc.). I’ll probably end up sending it in. These watches were assembled when MLK was still walking around and pre moon, worth it to me as a living piece of history.

[Jim Smyth]

Well I received a email response back from Jan Nesbit today and Grampas Seamaster is now heading to Seattle. I was quotes $750 if it isnt rusted and $250 more if the dial needs a overhaul. She said after they receive it I will get a detailed quote sent to me within a week or so. I did just send the head in since the bracelet was not original and was in bad shape. I did some light cleaning of 40 year old gunk too. A few before pics and I will post after pics to go along with it when I get it back. Thanks for the Nesbits recommendation.

[Fermi_Paradox]

Can't wait to see it after servicing!

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[AlTinkster92]

Cant wait to see it and glad you sent it in!

[Jim Smyth]

Got the service call from Nesbits today.

$750 for a complete service including all parts needed. All New seals, lens and spring bars. Case will be redone and it should look brand new when I get it back. Dial also needs a complete redo for $250 and I need a new set of hands at $68.

Told 5 weeks till its done and it comes with a 30 month warranty. I will post after photos when I get it back. Now what kind of a strap/bracelet should I put back on? I asked what a original type looked like and price and will wait to hear back.

[MILGAUSS88]

This version is more of a dress model and would have typically has a black strap, not a bracelet.

Most likely lizard or a tight grain croc strap. Brown straps tend to go with gold watches.

[Jim Smyth]

OK well almost 2 months later the watch is back and looking like brand new. I have ordered 2 new spring bars and a vintage slip over wrist silver bracelet. This watch was made around 1959/60 from what I was told. My Mom is 86 and in a nursing home and I plan to give it to her when I see her at the end of the month. I am sure she will be touched since it was her Dads.

The final bill came in at $1088. I have some pictures (cloudy day here) and a short video if anyone is interested. Also included with the watch was all the parts that were replaced and a timing sheet. I am very happy the way it all went and hopefully this will be passed down to my sons some day.

Highly recommend Nesbits Fine Watch in Seattle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LF7swKiDns

[Tools]

Looks great!!

Makes a great formal occasion watch, although it is as good as it was new, for an everyday watch too.

[TimeRookie]

It looks great! Congratulations. I think you did the right thing. I’m sure your mom will be thrilled.

[cajunron]

Wow. that looks great!