Omega Seamaster 300 WatchCo Build Guide

During the week I had to go into town to see my solicitor - good reasons, not bad. I was walking in the direction of her office around lunchtime when I decided to stop for lunch first and I made a detour towards a shopping district that I sometimes go to. Anyway my first choice cafe was full and I didn't want to wait. So I went to find another cafe and found myself walking past an antique store on the second floor where I usually don't go. Now usually antique stores don't interest me, but this one had an unusually large display of watches in the front window. Some vintage and others more recent. Sitting forlornly surrounded by Rolexes and Tudors I saw an Omega which instantly got my attention.

I peered into the antique store to suss it out. The usual older female attendants and a younger guy. I could see another counter with even more watches. I went in and had a look around. I could see a workroom with watch tools and other equipment. The younger guy approached me and I asked to see the Omega in the window. I wasn't expecting much as often these guys are just there to get a sale. "Ah, you mean the Seamaster 300 from 1966...", he exclaimed...

For a while now, I have been thinking of going down the vintage timepiece route. But there are so many watches to choose from and without the appropriate knowledge there is significant potential for error. Nostalgically, I wanted to get an Omega (but also Rolex, JLC, Zenith etc etc) but which one? Seamaster and Speedmaster seem the obvious choices and so I garnered a little information about these in case I stumbled across one. And a 1964 vintage would add to the spice of the hunt.

Anyway the attendant seemed to know a fair bit about the watch and Omega. Turns out that he is the son of the store owner and is a qualified watchmaker. That was totally unexpected.

I examined the watch for any telltale signs...

No stubbies. Check.

I am not sure about "SWISS MADE". Is this correct or should it be "T SWISS MADE T"? Perhaps someone here can comment about this?

Open 6 and 9. Check.

Outlined date window. Check.

Flat topped A. Check.

Bezel with lume. Check.

Upon reference to his inventory files, caliber 565, movement number 24,283,xxx. I don't own a caseback opener but I would still like to have a look inside. I hope to get to my usual watchmaker sometime soon to have the movement checked.

Even though this is a 1966 vintage, I was struck by the quality of this 166024. I felt reasonably confident with this purchase. I am weak spirited. Why wait for a 1964 that I might never find (because Graham owns most of them) when this gorgeous one is there for the taking.

By the way, I will get a call if a 1964 does happen to come in and I am assured that trade-ins are welcomed.

My first watch was an Omega omega.watchprosite.com And now so is my latest.

I still made it in time to see my solicitor by the way.



...And the trouble with lawyers?

Indirectly or directly, they always cost you money. Here endeth the lesson.



Thanks for looking,

Richard.