Advice on this 2391-2

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This is actually a good example of the market in action. The seller knows that there is only one aspect of the watch that sets it apart from many others of the same reference - the dial. And even though it is heavily patinated, it is an uncommon variant, and some collectors like that style.

So, he is asking asking a much higher price than would be typical of the model reference. In fact, he is asking too much, which is why it hasn't been sold.

Probably worth about half, or a bit more, though who knows, he may get lucky if someone absolutely must have that dial.

As an aside, while I do find the dial to be attractive, there is something about the dissonance resulting from the mixing of Roman and Arabic numerals that rubs me the wrong way.

Cheers,

Tony C.
Edited:
 
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Thanks Tony-
Very nice explanation, thanks. And like you say, this seems to be a relatively uncommon dial (happens to be one of the dials I am looking for...). Maybe I'll be that example of the market in action, I'll have to think about this...! :-O
So true that it all depends on the willingness of any one (or a few) people to drive a price like where it is. I personally really like the dial, but can appreciate how the mixing of numerals isn't for everyone!
Thanks again- TIM
 
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Glad to be of help, Tim! And I'm being pedantic about the numerals; it is a very attractive dial style.

TC
 
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Nothing wrong with some pedantry between friends!
I have been trying to track down 2 movements (this and a 30T2SCrg), with specific dials, which are rather hard to find (the specific dials I should say). I do like this dial (the patina I could give or take, but I think it looks fine), but I don't like the price, as you mention...
Tim
 
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Hi everybuddy-
I wanted to see if any experts here have advice on this Omega 2391-2.
I see it has been for sale before (actually for the same price it almost is now!) but didn't sell, so I'm wondering if there might be something wrong with the watch. I don't want to make a mistake...
Thank you!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-194...953092?hash=item4d40f00344:g:4UgAAOSwf-VWXbz4

A friend has a similar (but not identical) reference in unpolished condition (and original crown, too) acquired last year. Without discussing the actual price paid, I can say with firsthand knowledge that this seller's asking price is reasonably close to current market. It's a little high due to the replacement crown and refinished case, but not off by much.

Cordially,

Art
 
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I'm not certain about the originality of the hands, either, Art. They sure are shiny given the state of the dial...

Cheers,

Tony C.
 
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I'm not certain about the originality of the hands, either, Art. They sure are shiny given the state of the dial...

Cheers,

Tony C.
I'm ok with the hands, Tony, as they're essentially identical to my friend's example. I tried posting an image, but the file size was larger than OF platform can accept. Lost track of your e-mail address; if you'll send a pm with your e-mail, I'll reply with a photo of David's similar Omega (different case, no crosshairs).

Art
 
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2 basic ones:
1. how can you tell that the case has been refinished given all the nicks and dings? it is really just the caseback?
2. regarding the crown - would the correct one have the less space between the feet? (and how hard is it to find an original crown for these?)
Again, thank you much!
(I can't hazard a guess on the hands)
 
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2 basic ones:
1. how can you tell that the case has been refinished given all the nicks and dings? it is really just the caseback?
2. regarding the crown - would the correct one have the less space between the feet? (and how hard is it to find an original crown for these?)
Again, thank you much!
(I can't hazard a guess on the hands)

The original crown wouldn't have the Ω symbol. Finding a truly original crown (in Omega packing) would amount to a stroke of good luck, but not impossible. Finding a facsimile shouldn't be hard at all. I'm going to post the photo that I was unable to upload yesterday later today or tomorrow so you can see the likely original crown on my friend's example.

As for polishing: if you look closely at the flank of the case, you can tell it was originally horizontally brushed, and polished afterwards, probably at the same time the replacement crown was fitted.

Cordially,

Art
Edited:
 
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The watch is small at 33 mm and it's quite pricey. While I do like the dial. Size and cost = no sale for me. Sweep hand also not original.

My parts supplier always had crowns, but none were ever signed for these older case

DON
 
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2 basic ones:
1. how can you tell that the case has been refinished given all the nicks and dings? it is really just the caseback?
2. regarding the crown - would the correct one have the less space between the feet? (and how hard is it to find an original crown for these?)
Again, thank you much!
(I can't hazard a guess on the hands)

Here's a photo of a friend's contemporary model with a similar dial (less crosshairs) and hands, although a different case.


[credit to cicindela for resizing this photo]

A close inspection of this, and other, image(s) in my files leads to me to believe the dial and hands of the example currently offered on eBay are original. With a more suitable crown and case refinishing to bring it closer to original condition, the subject of this thread should find a home in an Omega fan's collection. A ~ 10% discount off the asking price would make the deal do-able in my book. (And no, I'm not the eBay seller!)

Cordially,

Art
 
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Art/Tony - do either of you happen to know of any reference that shows the different dials for the 2391-2 (or other 30T2SC references?

Art - just curious, do you mean when you say refinish to bring it back so it looks "like new"? It sounds like yes...I know sometimes folks leave cases as is.
Thank you!
 
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Art/Tony - do either of you happen to know of any reference that shows the different dials for the 2391-2 (or other 30T2SC references?

Art - just curious, do you mean when you say refinish to bring it back so it looks "like new"? It sounds like yes...I know sometimes folks leave cases as is.
Thank you!

If you're referring to a reference book, then try to locate a copy of A Journey Through Time. Formerly available at Omega boutiques; unsure if that's still the case.

There are case refinishing specialists able to sympathetically restore brushing; I'm sure this forum can recommend a few. My experience with watchmakers is that the ones who are talented at movement restoration are often less than adept at case renovation.

Best,

Art
 
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Here's a photo of a friend's contemporary model with a similar dial (less crosshairs) and hands, although a different case.


This contemporary model is quite attractive to me. Yum! Do you have any info about the model or reference? Thanks!
 
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This contemporary model is quite attractive to me. Yum! Do you have any info about the model or reference? Thanks!

Sorry, I don't have that info at hand. It was acquired last year from a source in the Midwest that specializes in estate sales. And it's even more evocative in the metal than in that photo!

Art
 
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Don't you think that this dial can be wrong for this reference?