Thanks for reading. If you have any thoughts about this Seamaster 300, case reference 165.014, please email me at ian.fogden@btinternet.com

I recently bought this Omega from the original owner, who claimed that the watch was still as it was when bought new. From the state the case was in, covered in thick dirt, I can believe that the watch certainly hasn't been touched for many years. The movement is the correct 24 jewel calibre 552, with a serial number dating it to 1966.

The case top looks correct for a ref 165.014. Note that the bezel insert has gone the way most of these do - ie no longer there !!

The inner retaining ring for the crystal, again correct for a 165.014

Inner case back correctly stamped as reference 165.014

Caseback engravings all apppear to be correct

And now to the mystery part - the dial. To me, the dial is that from a case reference 165.024. So the question is

1) Has the dial been replaced at some time ?? Possible, but not if the original owner is to be believed.

Or

2) Could it have left Omega this way ? Possibly during a transitional period between the 165.014 & 165.024 ?

I presume the hands have been relumed at some point, judging by the difference in colour etc. The next steps for me are to source a correct crystal for the watch, and to try and get something done to restore the bezel.

Any thoughts you have about this watch will be gratefully received.

Cheers

Foggy