:Hi,
I`m an Omega collector based in England who also does a bit of trading on eBay. I can`t claim to be an expert on 50s Seamasters but I've learned quite a lot over the past couple of years. I also own two bumper automatics (around 1950) and I recently traded a third one. They are sometimes described as having 'fat lugs' to describe the style of the lugs which is much thicker than the 60s models. Most are 34mm diameter excluding crown but they do vary a little around this. The Seamaster was first manufactured in 1948. The 340 and 350 bumper automatic movements continued to the mid-50s when they were superceded by the 500s which have fully-rotating rotors. The calendar models you refer to have the date at 6-o-clock (I own one of these) but it is almost impossible to read due to the small size. Also, it is laborious to reset (no quickset facility, just lots of hand-turning)so it is not much use. These are a little higher priced than the non-date models; my advice is to forget the date and give yourself a wider choice. On the subject of pink gold, I don`t know the answer. I would say pink gold (14kt or 18kt) is rarer therefore more expensive to buy. However, lots of people prefer yellow gold so it is difficult to call this one. I have a 14kt pink gold model although I prefer yellow gold! One major point to consider: many of these watches have had the dial refinished. An original dial in really excellent condition is always more desirable, but very difficult to find. Lots of redials have been done in elaborate styles that don`t resemble the original; these are best avoided in my opinion. Also, lots have been refinished in black, because black dials generally fetch more money. It is really a question of personal taste vs originality. I`m happy with a refinished dial if it looks like the original design. The best advice I can give is to buy from an established dealer and accept you will pay a little more. eBay is a minefield and is best avoided if you don`t know what to look for. Feel free to e-mail me for more advice; I`m happy to discuss watches and always willing to help.
Paul Walker
eBay walkerwek1958
England
