mrsnak shares a delightful account of acquiring a vintage Omega Seamaster at a local NAWCC meeting. His post highlights the thrill of discovering a "diamond in the rough" and the immediate satisfaction of bringing a classic timepiece back to life with a little care and expert advice. This narrative offers a relatable experience for collectors who appreciate the hunt and restoration of vintage watches.
Attended the monthly meeting of my local NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors) today. Nice group of real enthusiasts. Had a fun time with the mart beforehand, where I befriended a woman who happened to be selling her dearly departed husband's 1965 501 cal. Seamaster. I saw it as a diamond in the rough. The watch had been serviced, but the caseback was not seated flush to the back. It looked correct except for the second hand. Fortunately, I had the advice of my local watchmaker, Ferdinand across the table (he's also a member and teaches the group) for a second opinion. "No problem", as he popped the caseback off, showed me that all was well, only that someone didn't line it up correctly and press it into place with the pressure necessary. Gorgeously clean movement.
The rest of the program was interesting as the group is very involved with the restoration of clock towers in the area. Though Ventura County, California may not have the history of 1000 year old European towns, the towers clocks built in the founding years of our county's towns held the same function as those hundreds of years earlier. It was how the town told the time of day as they passed by.
The presentation was on one currently in restoration by the chapter in Santa Paula, a town nearby.
I couldn't pass up the Seamaster and picked it up for a song. Here it was after I brought it home:
After a little cleanup and a new strap, it's not looking too poorly. My watchmaker offered to clean up the case and get me a proper second hand. Could also use a new crown as this one is a tad scuffed.
Also picked up a very cool vintage caseback opener and strap tool for a couple bucks! Have more than a few JB Champion bracelets, so I couldn't pass this up!
This message has been edited by mrsnak on 2012-02-19 17:14:54 
