Item Tag: France

This seldom seen vintage 1970’s Belair Seapearl 600 has a “T” signed dial that is in lovely but not perfect condition as it shows some difficult to see wear and discoloration. The lume, which emits a quick-burst glow on the dial only, has aged gracefully. The black fat font countdown bezel, which shows wear and rotates a bit stiffly bidirectionally, presents nicely. The stainless steel case shows honest wear with no visible signs of oxidation. The outside of the case back is stamped “100% WATERPROOF” followed by “TESTED 20 ATMOSPHERES” and “506873.” The inside of the case back is stamped “BELAIR WATCH CORP” and “MADE IN FRANCE.” The crystal should be replaced as it shows crazing. The 25 jewels “B” stamped patented PUW 1361 automatic movement with quickset date function runs strong, albeit a bit fast, and the date wheel rolls over at 12 am. The quickset date function works flawlessly by manually rolling over a new date and then moving the hour hand repeatedly between the 20.5 and 24 hour marks until the desired date has been reached. After recently winding the sharply threaded non-screwdown crown 39 full revolutions the movement was running about 3 minutes fast by the end of its approximate 38 hour power reserve period. The crown winds smoothly. Given that this watch is more than 45 years old and considering the movement’s unknown service history (there is a lone undecipherable watchmaker service marking on the inside of the case back) a complete overhaul is long overdue and recommended.This watch measures approximately 37 mm excluding the crown, approximately 40 mm including the crown and approximately 18.5 mm between the lugs. Case thickness, measured from the bottom of the case back to the top of the bezel, is approximately 8.5 mm. Including the crystal case thickness measures approximately 10.5 mm.Given that the movement runs a bit fast and considering its unknown service history complete overhaul is recommended. As such there are no warranties, express or implied, attached with the sale of this watch. Vintage means old and while my personal belief is that old-school means better quality and workmanship, things can and do go wrong from time to time. Any servicing costs going forward are your responsibility.Please thoroughly read this entire listing and kindly ask any and all questions you may have prior to buying as this sale is final and no refunds of any kind will be given. And please study the 12 high magnification pictures carefully as they are part of the description and serve as an accurate representation of the condition of this watch.Expedited and insured shipping along with signature confirmation will be provided. Thanks for looking!