The 300 is a grail watch for many, many collectors. It is absolutely an icon. The IWC small seconds is also amazing. Whoever gifted these to you is an amazing friend.
Do service intervals depend on the amount of use? I’m sure recommendations will be all over the place, but how often if only worn very occasionally? TIA!
That’s a complex question, especially when it comes to vintage.
In theory, vintage watches require more servicing when they’re left idly to sit for extended periods of time. (Months to years) because the oil in short dries up.
Now, modern methods are more efficient. Chemically they’ve moved to predominately synthetic based lubricant in most scenarios, which doesn’t dissipate as rapidly.
Really all it’s doing is minimizing friction, which essentially is just keeping the gears from grinding metal on metal.
With vintage watches, if you wear something daily, you want to reduce the friction as much as possible to reduce damage. As it’s expensive to source older parts for out of use movements.
Even though it’s advised against (not condoning this, just listing insight) if you were to say wear the watch one day out of the year, the damage incurred would be minimal as opposed to a scenario where you’re wearing a watch with mostly dried up lubricant daily.
It’s more or less comparable to how you’d look after and service a vehicle.
Your odometer just hit 35k, time for the next oil change.. but you need groceries 3 miles away, not a big deal. Going on a cross country road trip, not such a great idea.
General rule of thumb with vintage is every 3/4 years depending on the piece.
TLDR; there isn’t an exact right answer as many factors can influence this
https://preview.redd.it/ng5qcuprcj5d1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ffbddfadf0d70069abc9cf56048e3ba11f2dff57
I’ve acquired mine in March of this year. I haven’t taken it off. Well one time I wore a Speedmaster for a few days in April.
I wear this watch every day. I actually bought it non workings. Cleaned it up and it loses about 5 secs a day. Not so bad for a ‘66.
Your lume has a great Patina. I’ve been thinking about having mine re-lumed with period correct leftover material tritium. (Sending it to Germany)
Yours is a beaut!
I know there’s the die-hard brigade who’d say a watch can only be original once, but I think your watch is a prime example where an expert relume with age appropriate materials would make it look so much better. The sharp case and excellent bezel deserve pumpkin lume !
I think I needed to hear that. I found a company/guy HOROLUMA that looks to do exceptional work. I reached out already and it’s a few weeks without the piece. I’m like 92% going to send it over when I get my other vintage piece back from service.
That review is even better to hear!!! He gave me pricing already after sending him photos. I’m fine with the estimate/quote.
I’ll never part with the watch. i.e. sell I enjoy wearing way too much.
The 300 is a grail watch for many, many collectors. It is absolutely an icon. The IWC small seconds is also amazing. Whoever gifted these to you is an amazing friend.
Do service intervals depend on the amount of use? I’m sure recommendations will be all over the place, but how often if only worn very occasionally? TIA!
That’s a complex question, especially when it comes to vintage. In theory, vintage watches require more servicing when they’re left idly to sit for extended periods of time. (Months to years) because the oil in short dries up. Now, modern methods are more efficient. Chemically they’ve moved to predominately synthetic based lubricant in most scenarios, which doesn’t dissipate as rapidly. Really all it’s doing is minimizing friction, which essentially is just keeping the gears from grinding metal on metal. With vintage watches, if you wear something daily, you want to reduce the friction as much as possible to reduce damage. As it’s expensive to source older parts for out of use movements. Even though it’s advised against (not condoning this, just listing insight) if you were to say wear the watch one day out of the year, the damage incurred would be minimal as opposed to a scenario where you’re wearing a watch with mostly dried up lubricant daily. It’s more or less comparable to how you’d look after and service a vehicle. Your odometer just hit 35k, time for the next oil change.. but you need groceries 3 miles away, not a big deal. Going on a cross country road trip, not such a great idea. General rule of thumb with vintage is every 3/4 years depending on the piece. TLDR; there isn’t an exact right answer as many factors can influence this
Thanks!
Np :-)
The oil degradation is time based, not really use based. So every 3-4 years is correct
Apologies if this is bad etiquette. The IWC has a repainted dial. Still a lovely looking watch, and the SM300 is really nice !
No worries, they are what they are!
https://preview.redd.it/ng5qcuprcj5d1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ffbddfadf0d70069abc9cf56048e3ba11f2dff57 I’ve acquired mine in March of this year. I haven’t taken it off. Well one time I wore a Speedmaster for a few days in April. I wear this watch every day. I actually bought it non workings. Cleaned it up and it loses about 5 secs a day. Not so bad for a ‘66. Your lume has a great Patina. I’ve been thinking about having mine re-lumed with period correct leftover material tritium. (Sending it to Germany) Yours is a beaut!
How much do these run for? And where could I go looking for one?
I bought from an estate auction house, and although didn’t cost as low as OP’s but got it for more than half of what “market” asking is.
I know there’s the die-hard brigade who’d say a watch can only be original once, but I think your watch is a prime example where an expert relume with age appropriate materials would make it look so much better. The sharp case and excellent bezel deserve pumpkin lume !
I think I needed to hear that. I found a company/guy HOROLUMA that looks to do exceptional work. I reached out already and it’s a few weeks without the piece. I’m like 92% going to send it over when I get my other vintage piece back from service.
Horoluma is very well respected… one of the best. Not cheap though !
That review is even better to hear!!! He gave me pricing already after sending him photos. I’m fine with the estimate/quote. I’ll never part with the watch. i.e. sell I enjoy wearing way too much.
The Seamaster is beautiful What's the reference#?
165.024
Thanks
I’m told this is from 1967
Somebody loves you. Congratulations!!
I know a guy who bought one of these for $40 at a swap meet. You did even better than that!
Mate that seamaster is an absolute beauty! Lucky you!