Restoring the Only Thing He Has From His Grandfather - 1958 Omega Seamaster
This 1958 Omega Seamaster is the only thing he has left from his grandfather. When it arrived at my bench, it was running - but barely. After 67 years, the movement was struggling with dangerously low amplitude and poor regulation.
This solid 18kt rose gold Seamaster represented something special to his grandfather - quality built to last generations. The watch appeared in a 1958 Christmas photo with him, and now the owner needed it to keep accurate time again. The challenge? Restoring proper amplitude, regulating the movement, and preserving a family memory that had been slowly fading with each weak tick.
In this restoration, I take you through diagnosing the amplitude issues, servicing the movement, and bringing this Seamaster back to proper running condition - from struggling timepiece to accurate family heirloom.
WATCH DETAILS:
1958 Omega Seamaster
Caliber 501 automatic movement
18kt rose gold case
Original dial and hands
Family heirloom with 67 years of history
This watch presented some unique challenges:
A worn pallet-fork jewel causing excessive side shake
A divot in the balance-cock cap jewel affecting amplitude
A hairspring that was coning upward
A completely dried-out movement needing a full teardown
A careful polish of the 18k rose-gold case to revive its mirror finish without altering any original lines
Full cleaning, lubrication, and regulation of the Omega Caliber 503 automatic movement
After replacing jewels, correcting the hairspring, cleaning and lubricating the Cal. 503, and regulating the movement, this Seamaster Calendar is running beautifully once again.
