About Omega buckles

impalla62ss

I have found one that looks pretty similar to Tom's Buckle above. This one looks real to me. Just want to get a second opinion before I pull the trigger. Thick pin, good stamp, correct design in my eyes. Anybody think the chips in the plating on the back are a deal breaker? Can the tang be cleaned or is that more than dirt?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Dr No

Recently acquired pink gold over steel buckle.

Art

Onion0909

Hello all, I would like to source the original buckle for my KM6303 American Seamaster, I just have a 17mm strap for now, but i believe it's meant to be 11/16ths, per some info I've gotten from the guys with so much insight here.
Does anyone know what size those American Buckles would have been? Any ideas on what the markings would be so I could try to find one? Or possibly where I could find one? Should I just source a period correct Swiss one?
What about a complete original leather band with buckle? Any chance for that?
Would really love any insight I can get...want to find the correct crown and crystal too if possible...but this probably isn't the right thread for that.

X350 XJR

Here are a couple different ones which came on 1960s US watches. Two simply marked OMEGA on the reverse and plain on the front. Fitted to 11/16ths lizard or alligator straps measuring 1/2" at the buckle.

impalla62ss

@Onion0909, I have been searching for vintage straps presently and will share what I have learned. Hopefully this is not TMI. During my search I have found that a few of the older straps advertised as 18mm / 16mm are actually 11/16 vintage straps. Now these conversions are averaged so 11/16 is actually 17.46 mm and 5/8 is 15.87mm. The difference between a 5/8 buckle and a 16mm buckle is so small that it will not make a difference. If 5/8 buckles were made for the American market and sold online they would be listed as 16mm. While looking at vintage strap/buckles offered you will also find 18mm / 14mm strap buckle combos listed. 14mm converts to 9/16 or actually 14.29mm, half inch buckles are listed as 13mm and are actually 12.7mm.

I just purchased an Italian made Omega boar strap that is an 11/16, so I am assuming 1950s and 1960 European straps used standard non-metric measurements, please correct me if I am wrong. Watch cases made in America used the non-metric system. But any 11/16 strap and 16mm authentic vintage buckle will work on a non-metric 11/16 labeled strap if is is advertised as 18mm / 16mm. Photos below are an averaged conversion chart, the boar strap I just purchased. You will find 18mm/14mm and 18mm/13mm (1/2 or 12.7) straps and buckles more commonly, but the 11/16 (18) 16mm is more desirable and in my opinion looks better. I have had really good luck and bought a lot of genuine straps from a Russian seller Micro_Rom on eBay. Not sure what he has now, and shipping takes forever, but worth a look. If in doubt, ask the seller to measure the item for you. I would invest in an inexpensive micrometer to confirm the size of your lugs or take it to a watchmaker for confirmation. Good luck.

VetPsychWars

Also of note: If you are an average American, the 11/16 "regular" straps on an early 50s watch will be too short.

Tom

VetPsychWars

Original straps did come in 11/16L, just have to look for them.

Tom

VetPsychWars

One just appeared on eBay. It’s not marked long, but you could ask for measurements.

Tom

Onion0909

Perfect thank you sir! I have asked for the length - will see how it goes
Mark