1930s/40s Chronometre

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Alan P

·Dec 22, 2023

Hi all, new to the forumI'm looking at getting my Grandad's old Omega Chronometre watch back into full working order so I can start wearing it. My mum seemed to think it was from the 1930s, but looking online this type seems to have been made in the 40s too. Has anyone seen one like this before/know anything about it? It seems i may be best to take it to a watchmaker, rather than to Omega themselves - does anyone have a view on thi? I don't want it aesthetically restored as such, just to get it running well. It currently only goes for a few hours. I'm UK based so if anyone knows a good watchmaker I'm open to recommendations- want to get the case open and find out more. Thanks in advance for any advice/info!

 

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TexOmega

·Dec 22, 2023

Welcome, nice heirloom....1940's production

Full Arabic numerals usually points to a UK sold location.

I'd be extremely hesitant on any aesthetic improvements. Hopefully inside will look better.

Reference is inside the case back


Many members from that side of the Pond for local WM recommendations.

Holiday Season may slow posts so be patient.......Remember, first, do no harm.

 

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DON

·Dec 22, 2023

Simon Freese. Google search

Movement service and new crystal. Maybe a light case polish, but up to you

you can discuss with Simon

 

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noelekal

·Dec 22, 2023·Home For Wayward Watches

Oooo... I love full Arabic numerals!

Thanks for joining us and thanks for posting the photo of your grandfather's watch.

 

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Dan S

·Dec 22, 2023

Calling @mac_omega.

 

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mac_omega

·Dec 22, 2023

Dan S

Calling @mac_omega.

Dial looks all original, its a well documented design
Hands have lost their plating
What makes me feel a bit worried is the very narrow bezel. The proportions are off. Could well be due to the angle of photo though.
Without a glimpse at the inner case back I am undecided - could well be a recased orphaned movement...
hard to tell from this single photo.

I would like to see the "innards" in good photos 🍿

Edited: Dec 23, 2023

 

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CBM1590

·Dec 23, 2023

Beautiful watch and very nice heirloom. Love it back into working order and hang on to it. I love family pieces like this. You’ll get great advice here. Follow it. The abundance of knowledge you can tap will put you in the right spot. Welcome to the forum and congrats on your grandad’s watch!

 

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Alan P

·Dec 23, 2023

Thanks to all who replied! I'll give an update for anyone interested once the case back is open

 

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Kwijibo

·Dec 23, 2023

I'm generlly not for dial resoration but here... I can give you a very good address.exemple on a guilloché dial

 

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Franco

·Dec 23, 2023

A guilloche dial does not belong with this ref 2366. It would be good to see the inside back cover and the movement. From tis picture the case looks weird.

Simon Freese is the person to go to, knows what to do, Cleaning of the case, change the plexy, service the movement, possibly source leaf hands to replace the old ones - or ask Simon to gently polish them - they are steel I think. I would not touch the dial.

To check the crown, should be about 6mm and unsigned.

Edited: Dec 23, 2023

 

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Kwijibo

·Dec 24, 2023

Franco

A guilloche dial does not belong with this ref 2366.

Hence the word exemple

 

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Alan P

·Dec 24, 2023

Franco

A guilloche dial does not belong with this ref 2366. It would be good to see the inside back cover and the movement. From tis picture the case looks weird.

Simon Freese is the person to go to, knows what to do, Cleaning of the case, change the plexy, service the movement, possibly source leaf hands to replace the old ones - or ask Simon to gently polish them - they are steel I think. I would not touch the dial.

To check the crown, should be about 6mm and unsigned.

Thr

I kind of want to keep it intact as much as possible, as it's kind of a record of my grandad's life if that makes sense.
I had assumed the crown had been replaced at some stage as there is no logo embossed on it, but that may not be correct. The bracelet is definitely not original, but I can source something approximately similar to the original brown leather. I'll definitely look Simon up. Appreciate the advice.

 

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Syrte

·Dec 24, 2023

Welcome to the forum, I would absolutely not touch this dial- it still has a lot of character and an appealing design.
Good luck on bringing your grand father’s watch back to working condition.
Even if the case isn’t original, it’s a nice watch.
Wear it ingood heallth.
Best regards

 

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Alan P

·Feb 26, 2024

For anyone interested, an update. Have had the movement serviced. A new mainspring aside, in good working order. Seemingly a couple of slightly unusual features to the movement. Pretty happy with it, and I'm sure my grandad would be too.

 

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Fallout Boy

·Feb 26, 2024

WOW !👍

 

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X350 XJR

·Feb 26, 2024·Vintage Omega Aficionado

A Alan P

Seemingly a couple of slightly unusual features to the movement.

Please elaborate.

 

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Alan P

·Feb 26, 2024

X350 XJR

Please elaborate.

I can't remember the technical details but it was to do with the placement of certain elements. Not a case of never seen before but uncommon for this sort of movement

 

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mac_omega

·Feb 26, 2024

A Alan P

Seemingly a couple of slightly unusual features to the movement.

Was this what your watchmaker stated? Any parts besides the mainspring replaced?

maybe the watchmaker meant the movement parts which are specific for 30mm chronometre movements.
All the crucial parts are there, all perfectly fine and nothing peculiar or unusual... so I don´t know how to understand your initial comment ^

 

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Alan P

·Feb 26, 2024

Possibly the movement parts - I don't really have the level of knowledge to elaborate but he said he'd only seen a couple like that before.

 

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CBM1590

·Feb 26, 2024

Nice! And a nice turn around time for the service. Less than 60 days….