1953 Omega Seamaster
Published July 8, 2010 | 
1953 Seamaster 354 Bumper before redial
This old favourite has been through a few trials in his lifetime. Victim of a bad redial sometime in the past that left a simple yet striking dial somewhat less than appealing. The dial is being taken off today and sent into International for the full treatment. This watch was written about on my blog when it went into Otto Friedl for a service. It came back losing twenty seconds a day when the daily variation was +-eight seconds a day before their “complete overhaul”
Trying to correct the situation was an exercise in frustration when none of my questions were answered in favour of implying that I was one of those customers that just couldn’t be satisfied. Just getting a simple explanation of the complete process they use when servicing was impossible. Apparently that information wasn’t given out to clients and kept secret. I’m guessing it probably had something to do with charging over $200.00 for a service when not even the mainspring was replaced. When asked I was told parts for this watch are unavailable. After a five minute search I found a complete source which I sent them via email.
To this day the watch has been sitting, apart from the occasional wear but with Summer here it’s just cruel to have it sitting in a box. While it’s away getting the much needed facial peel and spa treatment I’ll remove the crystal and do a full refinish on the case. The lugs and sides have been done but the bezel side still needs to be blocked and polished. The final touch will be a Hirsch Liberty strapped on and the next stop will be the beach or perhaps a day of sailing.
Omega dial before refinishing
I removed the dial and took the opportunity to polish the chevrons before sending it off to International.
Updates coming soon… dial on the way.
Seamaster dial before International Dial refinishing
Got a postcard from International Dial this morning. The Service includes: Butler finish, applied markers and luminous dots on the indices. I’d love to get a hi def video of the complete process but at the price they’re charging it’s generous of? them just? to snap this pic.
International-Dial refinished - Seamaster
Package from International Dial!
It still needs a proper Omega crystal with the reflector ring and the second hand could be replaced, but it’s 99.7% finished so here it goes.
Omega Seamaster with beads of Rice bracelet
After the final touches are done it will be up for sale with the Beads of Rice bracelet and a genuine croc strap. Check the Watches for Sale page for details.
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14 Responses to 1953 Omega Seamaster
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I have been an fascinated reader of your site for a few months now. I wanted to say thank you for all the interesting watch information.
I got a deposit of $50.00 into my account and an email asking me to ship the watch so he could inspect it. Then a schedule for payments to be made monthly. I returned the deposit and politely declined.
So the sale didn’t go through? Scammer?
It is one of my favourites but it’s time to refresh the collection. That and those big white Canon lenses don’t grow on trees.
I can’t believe you’re selling it after all that work.
Looks pretty sick!
Once they get it, it takes about a week to finish and they ship it back. I’ll probably have it by months end. Trish, the new Sky King isn’t as good as yours. This one looks a little rough around the edges but should refinish to a good piece.
Now get back to work you guys and quit surfing the webs when you’re supposed to be inkin!
It’s going to be really pretty! Iss the new Sky King as nice as mine?
Can I have this one too? 
When do you get the dial back?
It was a little puzzling that he recommended an overhaul but then put the watch in the class of +_ 20 second time keepers. Those watches I overhaul myself.
Thanks for the list. I know a couple names on there.
I finished reading the file you sent me this morning. Maybe you caught him on a bad week but that was terrible customer service. I would have asked why it couldn’t keep better time; but he probably wouldn’t have given you an answer to that question either. I’ll send you my list of good repair people.
I’d never heard anything bad about them prior either Jason. Only after I posted information about my experience did a couple people email me about theirs. I took the watch in for the canon pinion to be tightened and was told it needed an overhaul. As I’d removed the back several times to photograph the movement I thought it might be a good idea. I’d always brushed and blew out the case and inside prior and after shooting because dust shows easily on the photos. The technician and manager both evaded any questions as to what was done other than cleaning, casing and regulating. The tech also told me the best my “antique watch” could do would be +- 20 seconds a day. I’ve emailed you the combined emails so you can decide for yourself if the situation was handled professionally.
I’ll have it re regulated once it’s finished at international and I’ve completed refinishing the case.
I’ve never used Friedl but haven’t ever heard anything bad about them. What was the problem with the watch? Why didn’t you just take it back in for them to time it again?