Post by carl on Oct 25, 2013 21:09:43 GMT -6
When I left home for work this morning, I had absolutely no idea that this day would score me a vintage watch! I already have two, both from Otto Friedl here in Vancouver, specializing in watch repair and restoration and also selling preowned watches. An absolute treasure trove for me! I can't usually get there to see the watches as their hours are exactly the same as my work day.
It was a slow day at work, so I took the bus downtown to take a look. I had seen this Seamaster on many visits, and a little voice told me that I had to see it again. I didn't buy it in the first place, because of the rice bead bracelet that was too small for my wrist. However, I decided that if I liked the watch, I would have a leather strap installed, keep the bracelet and sell it. Turns out, that I think the watch looks better on the leather anyway.
This watch has so many criteria that I was looking for in a vintage Seamaster:
circa late 1940s to mid 1960s
Stainless steel case
Silver dial
Baton or arrow makers with or without 3,6,9,12 arabics and NO LUME
Wide lugs. I did not want too dressy a watch
All original: dial, crown, crystal, hands with little or no polish, original strap/bracelet and buckle not important
Sea Monster logo on back (very important for me)
Here it is. We are quite sure the dial has not been touched up, as there are small blemishes which can only be seen in certain light. They polished the hesalite crystal for me, and it is signed as well. Ditto for the crown. The hands are original. There are small surface scratches on the case, which I love having. Most important, it really looks as though the watch has not been polished, as the edges of the case and lugs are super sharp, just as they must have been in 1963.
1963 Seamaster Automatic Caliber 552 33mm (smallest watch I have ever owned)
This is how it looked in the shop with the rice bead bracelet:
Love the strap on this watch. Quality strap, soft and pliable with just the right padding for this watch. It is the Camelgrain model. Here is a quote from Hirsch about the strap, one of the most comfortable I have worn:
"Made from carefully selected supple leather with natural grain. The Camelgrain model owes its fame to the revolutionary HIRSCH No-Allergy finish, using skin-friendly high-tech lining leather. Together with the nickel-free No-Allergy buckle, it ensures the greatest comfort even for people with sensitive skin"
I have to make a confession: I truly believe this will replace my AT8500, and be my every day watch. All I can say is that the 8500 is a beautiful watch, but when I put this 63 Seamaster on my wrist, I feel that it's really me!
Thanks to Otto Friedl once again. Your service and your pre-owned watches are the best. Special thanks to Crystel for providing the beautiful strap to go along with the watch.
Thanks for looking and reading this looooooong post!
Cheers,
Carl
It was a slow day at work, so I took the bus downtown to take a look. I had seen this Seamaster on many visits, and a little voice told me that I had to see it again. I didn't buy it in the first place, because of the rice bead bracelet that was too small for my wrist. However, I decided that if I liked the watch, I would have a leather strap installed, keep the bracelet and sell it. Turns out, that I think the watch looks better on the leather anyway.
This watch has so many criteria that I was looking for in a vintage Seamaster:
circa late 1940s to mid 1960s
Stainless steel case
Silver dial
Baton or arrow makers with or without 3,6,9,12 arabics and NO LUME
Wide lugs. I did not want too dressy a watch
All original: dial, crown, crystal, hands with little or no polish, original strap/bracelet and buckle not important
Sea Monster logo on back (very important for me)
Here it is. We are quite sure the dial has not been touched up, as there are small blemishes which can only be seen in certain light. They polished the hesalite crystal for me, and it is signed as well. Ditto for the crown. The hands are original. There are small surface scratches on the case, which I love having. Most important, it really looks as though the watch has not been polished, as the edges of the case and lugs are super sharp, just as they must have been in 1963.
1963 Seamaster Automatic Caliber 552 33mm (smallest watch I have ever owned)
This is how it looked in the shop with the rice bead bracelet:
Love the strap on this watch. Quality strap, soft and pliable with just the right padding for this watch. It is the Camelgrain model. Here is a quote from Hirsch about the strap, one of the most comfortable I have worn:
"Made from carefully selected supple leather with natural grain. The Camelgrain model owes its fame to the revolutionary HIRSCH No-Allergy finish, using skin-friendly high-tech lining leather. Together with the nickel-free No-Allergy buckle, it ensures the greatest comfort even for people with sensitive skin"
I have to make a confession: I truly believe this will replace my AT8500, and be my every day watch. All I can say is that the 8500 is a beautiful watch, but when I put this 63 Seamaster on my wrist, I feel that it's really me!
Thanks to Otto Friedl once again. Your service and your pre-owned watches are the best. Special thanks to Crystel for providing the beautiful strap to go along with the watch.
Thanks for looking and reading this looooooong post!
Cheers,
Carl