Identifying an old Seamaster

matsb · Thurs. 2:49am

Hello. After searching the web for some time, looking for a vintage Seamaster, my dad told me yesterday he had one lying around for at least 40 years. Can some of you please help me identify the model and if it looks original?

As you see, it has both the hippocampus and "stick hands".

It will be taken to a watchmaker, but in the meantime I would like to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks!

Best regards,
Mats

Spruce · Thurs. 5:03am

Hi Mats, and welcome to OF.

Definitely a Seamaster and probably mid/late 1960s. Others with more expertise will have a better appreciation of what it is but it may be a 165.002?

A replacement crown shouldn’t be a problem and can be refitted when the watch is serviced but, one of photos suggests that the lugs may be bent and, if they are, that might be a problem.

Another factor is that although it is always nice to have a sentimental heirloom, the cost of service etc may be prohibitive.

MtV · Thurs. 7:15am

Are the lugs bent? Especially the ones at 11 o clock and 5 o clock.

matsb · Thurs. 8:18am

Thanks for the replies. Not really sure about the lugs. My dad left it at the watchmaker who didn't say anything about it. I havn't seen it myself, so I can't say for sure. I would think the spring bar between the lugs would be bent as well if the lugs were bent. But that would be guessing. I agree that it looks a bit bent.

Dan S · Thurs. 8:22am

The lugs absolutely look bent, which would not cause the spring bars to bend (although they may be less secure because they are entering the holes at an angle). The lug at 11 o'clock is pretty extreme, IMO, which takes a lot of effort on a stainless case. You may need to use a slightly narrower strap, but if you use a thin flexible leather strap, you may be able to squeeze it in.

On the bright side, it's a legit hand-winding Seamaster, and once it's cleaned up with a strap, the bent lugs may not be very noticeable when on the wrist.