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Pre-WWII wristwatch savant needed !

  1. UncleBuck understands the decision making hierarchy Aug 6, 2013

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    Try as I might, I haven't been bitten by the speedy or connie bug yet and I am not comfortable wearing the modern larger watches.
    However, I am enamored by the Art-Deco pieces, the porcelain dials, the cathedral hands and the wonderful Omega's from 1908-1939 or so.

    W2758_s.jpg
    Anyone else like the old sh*t?

    I am in desperate need of a guide, mentor, co-conspirator, as I am going to jump in and I don't know how deep the sh*t is!
    Anybody follow this stuff?
    Buck
     
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  2. adam78 Adam @ ΩF Staff Member Aug 6, 2013

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    This is an Illinois Beau Brummel, I think. The dial's been refinished, so old Illinois die-hards tend to stay away from them. I have a reasonably large collection of '20s-30s Hamilton and Illinois. If you are seriously interested in the latter, or just want to admire an amazing book, find a copy of Fred Friedberg's "The Illinois Watch" -- it's beautifully done, and very obsessive-compulsive for the Art Deco WIS-ers.

    http://www.amazon.com/The-Illinois-...1375840555&sr=8-2&keywords=the+illinois+watch

    Here are a few of mine!

    Major
    [​IMG]

    Ritz
    [​IMG]

    Boone (if you like this, Kyle just put his up for sale in the sales forum)
    [​IMG]

    Cushion
    [​IMG]

    Piping Rock
    [​IMG]
     
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  3. kyle L Grasshopper Staff Member Aug 6, 2013

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    Adam is your guy! I think Evan also has a couple of Hamiltons and so does Steve.
     
  4. UncleBuck understands the decision making hierarchy Aug 6, 2013

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    Man, that's great news ! I was afraid I might be alone.
    Adam, your collection is amazing.
    Kyle, I can't believe how nice that piece is for the $.
    However, I really am an Omega guy, I showed that Illinois for the flavor or feel that I was looking for and I should have showed an Omega, something like this. Early_silver_Ome_49d7dc0024c93_150x150.jpg .

    I have been looking some and would greatly appreciate the chance to bounce some ideas or get some experienced thoughts if I was considering a piece.
    Thanks!
     
  5. ulackfocus Aug 6, 2013

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    If you want to get into Illinois, I gotta guy. ;) Elgin too.

    Personally I know squat about the period but have had a fling or two with Elgins and Walthams.
     
  6. kyle L Grasshopper Staff Member Aug 6, 2013

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  7. adam78 Adam @ ΩF Staff Member Aug 6, 2013

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    That's very similar to a Hamilton Mt. Vernon, Kyle!

    (not mine, just an old saved pic)
     
    hamilton mount vernon 1932 2b.jpeg
  8. UncleBuck understands the decision making hierarchy Aug 6, 2013

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    That picture is unbelievable ! What size would that be? Those numerals are some of the coolest I have seen.
    Thanks for the link, I'm actually watching another one pretty similar with great hands.
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/321179273811?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

    But now you've ruined me with that picture!
     
  9. adam78 Adam @ ΩF Staff Member Aug 6, 2013

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    I have two 1930's Omegas, none like Kyle's however.

    "Foibos"
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    And a "mini-Scarab"
    [​IMG]

    Both are about 32mm.
     
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  10. kyle L Grasshopper Staff Member Aug 6, 2013

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    About 40mm lug to lug by 26mm in diameter. It has a really nice wrist presence though! Also have a nice '30s tank. Adam, those Foibos are cool!
     
  11. marturx Aug 7, 2013

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    Buck, here´s a couple of old Omegas for you:

    The compulsatory T17:

    T17.jpg

    The rare dedalos:

    Dedalos.jpg

    I have also a square silver case 26.5 with big art deco arabic numerals. Unfortunately I cannot find a picture of it now, but it too is a great looking old wristwatch!
     
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  12. SpikiSpikester @ ΩF Staff Member Aug 7, 2013

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    Jim, I've been researching these lately as I'm also considering whether to start collecting them.

    Happy to be a fellow traveller with you :)
     
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  13. SpikiSpikester @ ΩF Staff Member Aug 7, 2013

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    Thanks Kyle, I was bidding on that ! No wonder I got an outbid notice in the middle of the night...

    Edit - just checked my emails & I was outbid within minutes of Kyle posting the link. Does anyone care to reach a gentlemans agreement rather than have an unintended race to the line ?
     
  14. Alpha Kilt Owner, Beagle Parent, Omega Collector Aug 7, 2013

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    Thanks for starting this thread Buck, and a big :thumbsup: for the subsequent posts - real beauties "coming out"
     
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  15. UncleBuck understands the decision making hierarchy Aug 7, 2013

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    Glad to hear, Warren,
    I bother you so much that I was afraid you might block my messages!

    Nice dial and hands on this one, but it looks like the case and movement may be shot. I bet parts watches would be sound investments once the target pieces are determined. I'm hoping these are simple to work on.
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/161077544507?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
     
  16. UncleBuck understands the decision making hierarchy Aug 7, 2013

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  17. gatorcpa ΩF InvestiGator Staff Member Aug 7, 2013

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    Not a big fan of that one. Hands look to be mismatched and while the dial is original, I think that luminious stuff was globbed on later. You can do better.

    I liked the second auction you posted. It just ended at $178. A good price for any running Omega.

    I hope you got it!
    gatorcpa
     
  18. SpikiSpikester @ ΩF Staff Member Aug 7, 2013

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    I've bid on it yesterday & am considering going back in. PM me if you want to have a crack at it.
     
  19. gatorcpa ΩF InvestiGator Staff Member Aug 7, 2013

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  20. SpikiSpikester @ ΩF Staff Member Aug 7, 2013

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    Now that really is a nice example of a much sharper case and dial. Thanks Evan.
     
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