I have had this vintage Omega manual wind 36mm watch for a number of years. I had it serviced when I first got it, and the movement was photographed at the time. Unfortunately I cannot find the images. I do know that all of the movement was gold. The case is marked 18ct and I imagine the movement is too. It keeps excellent time and has an Omega button. I’ve struggled to find anything the same or similar on line. I’m reluctant to attempt to take off the back. Can anybody help me with its age and a value? The bracelet is Chaincraft 9ct. Many thanks. Mike

 

The movement most certainly wont be gold (hence Mark's post above), though it may be a bronze-gold colour as is typical for the era. One of the 30mm 28X series perhaps. The dial looks original and circa 1950s. The case could be local uk production, by Denisson or Shackman perhaps. The fact it is 36mm is unusual for the era, back when 34mm (exc crown) was more the norm. I like it. The info you need for further identification is on the inner caseback. The back is curious, normally the manual wind stuff has flat backs, that one has relief as if for an auto rotor but if it was auto it would say so on the dial. Maybe it is utility case used for both.

Be aware that some are sensitive to what appear to be demands for info on here from newbies. Your post is fine but your title could be misconstrued as a little abrupt! Curt even (see what I did there )

 

I have never heard about a entire movement in gold. Some wheels yes. But the remaining parts could be gold colored.

 

We need more pictures

 

No, wheels are never made in gold. Too soft. But some of the high-end companies (e.g. Patek, Vacheron, AP) have used gold on rotors in their automatics.

 

And not just the same ones repeated again and again and again……………………………..

 

Hi
with the risk leading this post somewhere else, I recently read this article
https://www.lang-und-heyne.de/en/communication/newsletter/solid-gold-gear-train-2019-2/

 

Thanks. Interesting! I stand corrected, though the gold content would presumably be relatively low.

Likely only found in Lange watches, but remarkable nonetheless.

 

Patek Philippe used 9K gold wheels for certain watches that were produced for Gondolo & Labouriao.

 

Only pocket watches?

 

+1 about thread drift, but I couldn't resist looking. Slightly elusive in parts in what it means by "gold". Near the beginning, it says (my version) "Many people think of gold as a soft material, but it can be made harder than brass by alloying (Legieren), rolling and hammering." Of course, if you alloy any metal enough, you can give it some of the properties of something else. I would be intrigued to find that 18ct would do the trick metallurgically, and I think we agree that a mid-range Omega would not have that feature anyway. Not sure the article makes the case for this material very clearly.

 

Btw, a nice watch.
Mike, are the hands in different colours?

 

I believe even their wristwatches.

https://www.phillips.com/detail/patek-philippe/CH080116/133

 

Agreed. 9ct gold is 37.5% gold, while 14ct and 18ct are 58% and 75%. So yes, if the gold content is small enough, gear train parts can apparently be viable.

 

Case shape and crown reminds me of Dennison cases - would be surprised if they were not

 

Seeing that there is only one hallmark on the rear of the lugs certainly makes the case (!) for a national production watch. The 9ct bracelet is also an indicator of English origin/ownership.

 

Gold wheels in an Omega or watch from that period.

 

notice the parting shot about gold filled?