Omega Seamaster 300 NOS Project

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Omega Seamaster 300 NOS Project

By cholack · Jan 9, 2013 · 5 replies

WPS member · Omega forum

5 replies1384 views29 photos

Cholack's journey to build a 'new old stock' Omega Seamaster 300 highlights the enduring appeal of this iconic diver and the challenges collectors face in acquiring pristine vintage examples. His detailed account, featuring a NOS Caliber 552 movement, offers a fascinating look into the meticulous process of assembling a watch from period-correct parts, achieving vintage aesthetics with modern reliability.

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Dear Friends,

I have always been enamoured by the SM300. However, in terms of acquiring a vintage piece, I have always been weary of durability as I intend to wear all my watches on a daily basis. As such, naturally, my attention was turned to the WatchCo SM300's but unfortunately I came to party late, so-to-speak, as it appears that all the non-date versions are no longer available. But if there's a will, there IS a way...

It was not long ago when I asked some of you for help in sourcing some Omega parts. Finally, through many people's advice, I was able to acquire all the pieces to finish a great project; in fact, the process of sourcing the parts myself and meeting people along the way has made this journey all the more memorable and enjoyable.

Before the pictures tell a story, I wanted to thank my watchmaker, Al from Archer Watches (who is also Canadian! ) for his top notch work and help. He truly is passionate about his work, and it shows (pictures of the build are his and posted with his permission).

So without further ado...

All the parts. You will notice a NOS Cal 552 and 2 dials (a spare...in case)

Begin disassembly of the movement

Automatic winding module

Disassembly of the winding/setting parts

Disassembly of the wheel train side of the movement

Down to just the pallet fork

Now bare

All parts of the movement sorted out nicely

Parts are now in baskets for the cleaning machine

Once out of the cleaning machine, the jewel hoes are cleaned with peg wood to ensure that dried oils are removed

A new mainspring installed

Good amplitude of the balance

Here after some adjustments, the positional checks on the timing machine. Delta between the positions looks good!

Temporary installation of the crown

Dial back on

Movement installed without the automatic winding

Now movement is complete

Voila !

Now the watch is ready for extended timing and power reserve tests

Pressure testing

Now for delivery

Nicely wrapped contents and a pen!

Mmmmm.....looks gravy

Pressure test results, CD documenting the build (sorry couldn't post ALL of the pictures), pen and .....

watch!

Looks nice!

A lume shot for good measure

Thanks for viewing this project. Again, many thanks to the people I've met along the way.

Cheers!

Warren

Key Points from the Discussion

The vintage SM300 is highly desirable but finding one in factory-original condition is extremely difficult. WatchCo versions offer a good alternative, though they lack the aged tritium patina.
While some purists might argue a WatchCo build isn't 'real' Omega, many collectors appreciate these watches for their blend of vintage aesthetics and modern reliability, making them excellent daily wearers.
Restorations and renovations are a source of fascination for collectors, with many opting to overhaul movements while preserving the original external condition.
The SM300 design is considered by many to be impossible to improve upon, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.

The Discussion

NI

nilomis

Jan 9, 2013

Great project ...

You now have a wonderful watch. Some perfectionist may claim that your is not a real one, because was not fully made by Omega but I believe that this is excessive perfectionism. I do believe that Omega should release a SM300 re edition. Glorious watch. Congratulations and thanks for sharing with us your project. Cheers, Nilo

AR

aroma

Jan 9, 2013

Wow!!! it's a great story and nice to see.......

it well documented. The SM 300 is one of my favourites - it's one design that is impossible to improve on IMHO. Well done and I wish you happy times with it Cheers Andrew

HA

harrisans

Jan 9, 2013

An iconic watch

aroma Indeed the vintage SM 300 is a desirable watch amongst collectors. It is an iconic watch from an iconic watchmaker. However to get one in factory-original condition is akin to looking for a needle in a hay-stack. The watchco ones are all right and still good-looking, far better than the frankens and fakes. Unfortunately, missing is the aged patina found on ones with tritium hands and hour-markers.

G9

G99

Jan 9, 2013

great project Warren. congrats and welcome to the sm300 owners club

DR

Dr No

Jan 10, 2013

Thanks much for posting this, Warren . . .

. . . restorations and renovations are the source of endless fascination. I've got a vintage Seamaster currently undergoing a movement overhaul, but leaving the externals untouched, even though they're on the rough side. If I'm lucky, the watchmaker will take a photo or two of the process. Cordially, Art

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