zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

That's an interesting question, and there is a very simple answer.

Shown below is an Abercrombie & Fitch Shipmate . . . It's my favorite case; beautiful hands; the original crown; and a nice clean movement, that keeps great time. The problem, however, is the dial -- Refinished!! And, in fact, the refinisher must have been nervous, because he wrote "Shipmate", rather than "Seafarer". You see, Abercrombie made Shipmate watches, and Seafarer chronographs, but never a Shipmate chronograph!!

The seller -- on ebay, of course -- was especially nasty. The worst moment came when he wrote, words to the effect that "if you are such a big expert on these old chronos, then you should have noticed the refinished dial". of course, he had provided small, fuzzy photos, and sworn that the dial was absolutely original.

Oh, well . . . you live and you learn . . . and if I ever find the correct dial for this one, then the story will have a happy ending. In the meanwhile, it sits in a drawer . . . a reminder to ask the questions, and get good photos, before sending the money!!