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Quicksilver · 19 October 2016, 07:03 PM

I bought a "rebuilt" Vintage Seamaster 300 (caliber 552) from a dealer in Lichtenstein. It's not a Watchco Seamaster but of the same type - constructed from genuine Omega service parts. The dealer advised me that it was made by a level 3 Omega service technician in Switzerland. His view is that Omega will service it but I am not so sure. I had mixed emotions buying this seeing as views on the Watchco Seamaster are mixed - most people love the look but there have been some concerns about quality and servicing down the line. Only time will tell how my one will behave. The dealer offers a 12 month warranty at least. One thing for sure - its beautiful and I love wearing it

Quicksilver · 19 October 2016, 07:20 PM

Another close up shot. I think these dials are stunning -

1William · 19 October 2016, 08:55 PM

I like it. Congratulations.

RXAPPP · 19 October 2016, 10:00 PM

I like it, I've been looking for a watchco myself but haven't had much luck. Did you stumble upon this one or are you aware of a few

yessir69 · 19 October 2016, 10:44 PM

Love it!

Rebel · 19 October 2016, 11:08 PM

Very nice!

Quicksilver · 19 October 2016, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RXAPPP

I like it, I've been looking for a watchco myself but haven't had much luck. Did you stumble upon this one or are you aware of a few

Thanks everyone.

I found this one on Chrono24 via a dealer called Timeless Watches and Jewellery AG. They have a brick shop in Lichtenstein and you can order via Chrono 24's trusted Checkout service or direct from the dealer if you wish. They are a legitimate professional outfit and I had no problems with them (although they are a little slow to post). If you are interested worth checking as he may have some more.

JeremyS · 20 October 2016, 02:10 AM

I don't see any servicing problems, aside from parts availability. So long as all the parts are original Omega parts, it's no different from any other watch of the same vintage. I mean, if you have a 40+ year old watch, it's likely to have a hodge-podge of old and NOS parts anyway. Watches that have been well worn sometimes require new case backs or even cases due to corrosion problems. Tritium dials get replaced with non-tritium dials all the time, even when service is provided by the OEM. How could Omega tell if a movement was re-cased by Omega service as opposed to a third party, as long as the parts are genuine? Even Rolex will mix older watches with newer dials or hands and other parts during service unless instructed not to.

Quicksilver · 20 October 2016, 02:27 AM

What you say makes perfect sense to me but I remember reading that owners of some Watchco seamasters reported problems with Omega. Perhaps Omega can tell from a serial number (on the movement perhaps). But I don't know if these reports are based on genuine experience or are merely anecdotal. Any Watchco owners care to chime in?

sensui · 20 October 2016, 02:48 AM

The watch looks great.....these days I don't sent my watches to Omega anymore for servicing as I found a great local watchmaker...I'd go with a trustworthy independent anytime since they take better care of the watch and more care to details/you know exactly who's working on the watch anyway. So I wouldn't worry too much.

Quicksilver · 20 October 2016, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sensui

The watch looks great.....these days I don't sent my watches to Omega anymore for servicing as I found a great local watchmaker...I'd go with a trustworthy independent anytime since they take better care of the watch and more care to details/you know exactly who's working on the watch anyway. So I wouldn't worry too much.

You're absolutely right. Why worry - there are plenty of independent Omega qualified watchmakers around

RW16610 · 20 October 2016, 05:34 AM

Love those watches, it looks great!

dysondiver · 20 October 2016, 05:40 AM

it does look great ,,, and about fifty k less than a 5517 ,,, no one does champhers like omega ,,

AlTinkster92 · 20 October 2016, 08:39 AM

One of my favorites, congrats!

MATCH1969 · 20 October 2016, 01:35 PM

Very nice

Baco Noir · 20 October 2016, 02:06 PM

I love mine. I had my watchmaker build it for me.

As others have said, find an independent to service it when the time comes.

Quicksilver · 21 October 2016, 12:02 AM

Lovely. I like the mesh bracelet you have on it.

slorollin · 21 October 2016, 02:29 AM

These things are gorgeous and I love the mesh. Congrats and hopefully you won't need to worry about service for a while.

4vCoupe · 21 October 2016, 02:48 AM

Nice SM300!
I just bought one from watchco about two months ago. I was also on the fence about buying it but I liked the look. I still haven't warmed up to it 100% but also haven't worn it very much due to travel.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

WJGESQ · 21 October 2016, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

Another close up shot. I think these dials are stunning -

That's a better looking watch than the newer version

RW16610 · 22 October 2016, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WJGESQ

That's a better looking watch than the newer version

I agree, the new ones got nothing on this vintage piece in my opinion

BawlaDK · 2 November 2016, 10:51 PM

I absolutely LOVE these and I have had a few of them in the past. Just recently landed my third which is a brand new build, so I am kind of considering wether to keep and start wearing - Or if I should sell it for someone else to enjoy.

Anyone interested feel free to contact me

sea-dweller · 5 November 2016, 01:41 AM

Congrats!

htbilgic · 6 November 2016, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WJGESQ

That's a better looking watch than the newer version

Totally!

TSD · 6 November 2016, 01:54 PM

Love my Watchco SM. Been wearing it all weekend. Like Roger said, go with your independent watchmaker for regular service. This movement is robust, and quite capable of running COSC for years.

But since the question was raised, the watchmaker at my local Omega Boutique tells me Watchco SM300s are actually not cobbled together. The movement Watchco had acces to is a fully built service replacement from Omega, just like the service cases, dials, hand sets, etc., so it's 100% original Omega and can be serviced by Omega (if you prefer).

strafer_kid · 16 November 2016, 05:33 AM

Looks great!

mps354 · 16 November 2016, 05:34 AM

Very nice!

jabauer85 · 16 November 2016, 10:27 AM

Nice watch! How's the bracelet? Looks super comfy

Ravager135 · 17 November 2016, 02:13 AM

Are these still available anywhere or are they complete custom jobs? I have read that Watchco no longer has the parts for them.

Quicksilver · 6 December 2016, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jabauer85

Nice watch! How's the bracelet? Looks super comfy

Its a very comfy bracelet - Omega mesh is legendary

19 October 2016, 11:08 PM	#6
Rebel "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Dr Mark R Nail Location: New Albany Watch: Tudor Sub 75090 Posts: 8,066	Very nice! __________________ ------------------------------- Member of the Nylon Nation

20 October 2016, 02:27 AM	#9
Quicksilver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: David Location: London+Guangzhou Watch: ing watches Posts: 2,603	What you say makes perfect sense to me but I remember reading that owners of some Watchco seamasters reported problems with Omega. Perhaps Omega can tell from a serial number (on the movement perhaps). But I don't know if these reports are based on genuine experience or are merely anecdotal. Any Watchco owners care to chime in? __________________ Rolex Sea Dweller 116600, GMT Master II 16710 (Pepsi) and 116710 BLNR, Daytona 116500LN, Submariner 14060M.

20 October 2016, 02:06 PM	#16
Baco Noir "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Roger Location: Colorado Watch: this ya'll Posts: 4,819	I love mine. I had my watchmaker build it for me. As others have said, find an independent to service it when the time comes. __________________ Current Collection: Rolex 116710BLNR & 216570 polar Explorer II; Omega Apollo 8 Speedmaster; Tudor BB Bronze Bucherer Blue Edition; Heuer Heritage Autavia; Nomos Club Sport Neomatik 42; Breitling Aerospace, Avenger Blackbird, & Superocean 44; Seiko Black Monster; Mickey Mouse Timex Electric; and dare I say it...an Apple Watch too

21 October 2016, 12:02 AM	#17
Quicksilver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: David Location: London+Guangzhou Watch: ing watches Posts: 2,603	Lovely. I like the mesh bracelet you have on it. __________________ Rolex Sea Dweller 116600, GMT Master II 16710 (Pepsi) and 116710 BLNR, Daytona 116500LN, Submariner 14060M.

21 October 2016, 02:29 AM	#18
slorollin "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: NC Watch: yer pints & quarts Posts: 372	These things are gorgeous and I love the mesh. Congrats and hopefully you won't need to worry about service for a while. __________________ "The great Confucius said that he would rather be a profound political economist than chief of police." S. Clemens

19 October 2016, 08:55 PM	#3
1William 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North Carolina Watch: Rolex/Others Posts: 44,900	I like it. Congratulations.

19 October 2016, 10:00 PM	#4
RXAPPP "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Blue Planet Watch: 5 Posts: 1,201	I like it, I've been looking for a watchco myself but haven't had much luck. Did you stumble upon this one or are you aware of a few

19 October 2016, 10:44 PM	#5
yessir69 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Kevin Location: Tornado Alley Posts: 3,214	Love it!

20 October 2016, 02:10 AM	#8
JeremyS "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 273	I don't see any servicing problems, aside from parts availability. So long as all the parts are original Omega parts, it's no different from any other watch of the same vintage. I mean, if you have a 40+ year old watch, it's likely to have a hodge-podge of old and NOS parts anyway. Watches that have been well worn sometimes require new case backs or even cases due to corrosion problems. Tritium dials get replaced with non-tritium dials all the time, even when service is provided by the OEM. How could Omega tell if a movement was re-cased by Omega service as opposed to a third party, as long as the parts are genuine? Even Rolex will mix older watches with newer dials or hands and other parts during service unless instructed not to.

20 October 2016, 02:48 AM	#10
sensui 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 12,366	The watch looks great.....these days I don't sent my watches to Omega anymore for servicing as I found a great local watchmaker...I'd go with a trustworthy independent anytime since they take better care of the watch and more care to details/you know exactly who's working on the watch anyway. So I wouldn't worry too much.

20 October 2016, 05:34 AM	#12
RW16610 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Rommel Location: Toronto Canada Watch: 116710LN Posts: 8,983	Love those watches, it looks great!

20 October 2016, 05:40 AM	#13
dysondiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: tom Location: northern ireland Watch: my fins Posts: 10,063	it does look great ,,, and about fifty k less than a 5517 ,,, no one does champhers like omega ,,

20 October 2016, 08:39 AM	#14
AlTinkster92 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: NC Posts: 499	One of my favorites, congrats!

20 October 2016, 01:35 PM	#15
MATCH1969 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: PARIS Watch: Vintage Posts: 2,761	Very nice

21 October 2016, 02:48 AM	#19
4vCoupe "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: USA Watch: GMT Master 16750 Posts: 787	Nice SM300! I just bought one from watchco about two months ago. I was also on the fence about buying it but I liked the look. I still haven't warmed up to it 100% but also haven't worn it very much due to travel. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

2 November 2016, 10:51 PM	#22
BawlaDK "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Morten Location: Denmark Watch: 16800 Submariner Posts: 265	I absolutely LOVE these and I have had a few of them in the past. Just recently landed my third which is a brand new build, so I am kind of considering wether to keep and start wearing - Or if I should sell it for someone else to enjoy. Anyone interested feel free to contact me

5 November 2016, 01:41 AM	#23
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	Congrats! __________________ TRF Member #6699 (since September 2007)

6 November 2016, 01:54 PM	#25
TSD "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Real Name: Tom Location: So Fla Watch: 16660/16710 Posts: 345	Love my Watchco SM. Been wearing it all weekend. Like Roger said, go with your independent watchmaker for regular service. This movement is robust, and quite capable of running COSC for years. But since the question was raised, the watchmaker at my local Omega Boutique tells me Watchco SM300s are actually not cobbled together. The movement Watchco had acces to is a fully built service replacement from Omega, just like the service cases, dials, hand sets, etc., so it's 100% original Omega and can be serviced by Omega (if you prefer).

16 November 2016, 05:33 AM	#26
strafer_kid "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Kenny Location: northern ireland Watch: SDs, Subs & GMTs Posts: 5,127	Looks great!

16 November 2016, 05:34 AM	#27
mps354 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Real Name: Mike Location: CT Posts: 8,974	Very nice!

16 November 2016, 10:27 AM	#28
jabauer85 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Real Name: James Bauer Location: Ft Lauderdale, FL Watch: OMEGA 8507 Posts: 13	Nice watch! How's the bracelet? Looks super comfy

17 November 2016, 02:13 AM	#29
Ravager135 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: New Jersey Posts: 4,134	Are these still available anywhere or are they complete custom jobs? I have read that Watchco no longer has the parts for them.

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