18k Omega Automatic "bumper" - Interested to know more

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skirescue911

·Jun 4, 2022

This Omega Automatic "bumper" has been in our family for a long time; possibly from the late 40's or early 50's based on the family members who owned it in the past. I'd love to know more about it; age, did it have a specific name or was it part of an Omega collection, rarity, etc.. It's a Cal. 352, 18k (appears solid), serial # 11950372. I'm excited to start using it! This is my second Omega; a vintage Speedmaster being my first.

Comments? Opinions?

Edited: Jun 4, 2022

 

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Engee

·Jun 4, 2022

Chancing my arm on an assessment here. Looks somewhat over polished (lugs are a bit on the thin side) and certainly poorly redialled at some point, but as is often said here, that shouldn’t matter if it’s an heirloom to be kept in the family, but might not realise the best price if you want to sell it.

 

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stormysky10

·Jun 4, 2022

Solid 18k case. Late 40s movement. Redialed somewhere along the way.

Key of Geneva stamped with number 4 indicates the case maker was Antoine Gerlach SA (see: here).

 

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skirescue911

·Jun 4, 2022

Agreed - poorly detailed in the past. Not shown well in the photos is the non-original crown. Also, the Omega symbol on the face also seems to be in an odd position; too close to the word "Omega". Probably the result of a re-detail but I wonder if it's at all possible that placement is original. The case was mistakenly polished when the movement was recently worked on.

 

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Dan S

·Jun 4, 2022

Reference 2550, a high-end piece at the time with high quality chronometer-grade movement: https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-other-omega-oj-2550

As noted above, it has been well-loved, but a great heirloom nonetheless.

Edited: Jun 4, 2022

 

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skirescue911

·Jun 4, 2022

Thanks! Late 40's does make sense. I assume there were different version of the 2550 which would account for the differences in the dial indices. Any thoughts regarding a replacement value for insurance? Do you guys feel there much of a collector value or is most of the value in the gold?

 

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Dan S

·Jun 4, 2022

Unfortunately, the actual collectible value is modest because of the condition. However, an insurance value is a replacement value, and if you wanted to buy a vintage 18k Omega chronometer from a dealer, I suspect you'd need $3k at minimum.

 

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skirescue911

·Jun 4, 2022

Thanks much - that gives me a good place to start.

 

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johnireland

·Jun 5, 2022

Since it has been poorly redialed in the past, I would suggest finding someone who does really good ones, and make the dial as good as when new. It can't hurt any value more than the current dial...and it will make it a more attractive heirloom.

 

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Widows Son

·Jun 5, 2022

It wasn't uncommon to refinish the dials mack in the day, it was often done at servicing. I agree with John, get it redialed and serviced, and wear the heck out of it!!

 

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Redondo444

·Jun 5, 2022

johnireland

Since it has been poorly redialed in the past, I would suggest finding someone who does really good ones, and make the dial as good as when new. It can't hurt any value more than the current dial...and it will make it a more attractive heirloom.

Wo can do redials as good as new? Thx for telling - Own interest and for sure for the to 😉

 

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Dan S

·Jun 5, 2022

Redondo444

Wo can do redials as good as new? Thx for telling - Own interest and for sure for the to 😉

If there is anyone who can consistently re-dial Omega watches as good as new (or even to a level that would be acceptable to a knowledgeable collector), they have not been discussed on Omega Forums to my knowledge. And this question comes up frequently. Even re-dials that are performed/commissioned by Omega directly, as part of expensive restorations in Switzerland, are mediocre at best IMO. There are certainly people who can perform re-dials that would be acceptable to a casual vintage watch owner.

Edited: Jun 5, 2022

 

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Widows Son

·Jun 5, 2022

I have used International Dial.

 

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DON

·Jun 5, 2022

Are these the only movement pictures?

Ratchet wheel is missing it's screw and ask for a picture of the balance bridge to be sure it has the RG model with adjusting screw plate and not something else

DON

 

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gatorcpa

·Jun 5, 2022·ΩF InvestiGator

Redondo444

Wo can do redials as good as new?

Simple answer, no one.
gatorcpa

 

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Caliber561

·Jun 5, 2022

These people might be able to help you out: https://www.cadraniers.ch/