I love collecting pocket watches and my latest acquisition is attached. I bought it as not working, but had it running nicely within 15 mins. What worries me a little is that the case is not original as serial No is <1000,000! Also, No serial number on any of the bridges, but it is stamped Omega and "Front Street". Does any of you experts know more, what Cal is it and approximate year. I would also add that the case has cleaned up fine, but lots of rust/debris on the balance wheel!
Thanks
Could be a calibre 19. I think the "19" refers to the diameter by the Swiss system which uses the ligne as the basic unit. So this one (IIRC) is a 19-ligne. This model was made in 7-jewel, 15-jewel, and 17-jewel versions. The same plate layout was also used in smaller calibres. This image from Dr. Ranfft's movement archive.
Thanks but where did you see "19"?
For info there's a bezel to the front and a screw back!
Just checked with the Dr and I guess at 43mm mine is the 19" and dates between 1894 and 1911. I will remove Dial tomorrow (for cleaning) and see if there's a serial No. Thanks
Are you doubting that this is a calibre 19? I have one as well, and there isn't a 19 on it either. Omega specified the model by specifying the diameter which is 19 lignes! In an era when your watch was made, Omega produced only a small number of calibres, so such a simple way of specifying a calibre was adequate. As they diversified and got into more and more calibres, they had to change how they classified their calibres. If you will refer to the image in the link I provided in my first post to your thread, you won't find the calibre marked on the movement in the image, either!
I have two smaller Omega pocket watches which are known only as calibre as CCR. That's it! CCR! These movements ARE marked with the CCR. An up jewelled version of that one is a CCCR. They also did a DR and a DDDR. If you will check out the Omega in the opening post in this thread, you will find a calibre number on that one! It appears to be a Cal. 40 6L T2. As per Dr. Ranfft's archive.
No Canuck, I just though you were stating that you had seen 19 stamped somewhere that I had missed. Thanks and I must use Ranfft more often as I have Googled many times, but didn't seek the advice that you know, so thanks again. I am please that my acquisition works
Onto cleaning. Is it advisable to ultrasonically clean the balance as a complete assembly? I have bought a simple cleaner, but feel I should
remove hairspring from wheel but don't really want to.
You will likely have a barrage of suggestions that you clean the balance wheel assembly in One Dip! But I feel there is no substitute for cleaning the assembly in watch CLEANING solution (One Dip is a RINSE not a cleaner), in an ultrasonic. I have used US machines for decades, and have never had a problem. I rinse and dry the assembly in a centrifugal machine. You may also have a barrage of suggestions that the shellac holding the roller jewel will dissolve, and you'll lose the jewel! If that jewel,is loose, there is a risk that any cleaning regimen might cause to jewel to fall out.
A small part of my collection, which began with a couple from one of my great-grandfathers, and my dad. But these pale with the other beauties and rarities in this thread...
Wow! Each one is amazing in its own right. The 2 tone pink dial Omega is just...😲 If you happen to have images of the Ulysse Nardin or Gruen movements I would love to see what's inside. I do not recall coming across any stainless steel Gruen watches like that.
Wow! Each one is amazing in its own right. The 2 tone pink dial Omega is just...😲 If you happen to have images of the Ulysse Nardin or Gruen movements I would love to see what's inside. I do not recall coming across any stainless steel Gruen watches like that.
An absolutely fabulous collection. 👍
I didn't take one of the Gruen - I should have. It has a Beautifully finished movement. I have a UN shot, though.
Just come across this thread. Fascinating. My small watch collection started in 1970s when my grandad gave me his 1916/17 Waltham USA Traveler in its original box. It's 9ct, Dennison case ALD made in Chester. The box is H&A Kimball, 182 Aldersgate Street, London EC est 1868. My grandad was in WW1 and as this is the centenary of the watch I have written a commemoration. I'm trying to find out about Kimball the Jeweller & Goldsmith as when my grandad was alive I never asked him about how he came by it . Since then his son, my late dad, gave me his 1978 Speedy which reignited my space-watch interest (in 1961, he took me to see Gagarin drive past to London Airport after his historic space flight) and I bought a 50 anniversary Gagarin Sturmanskie in memory of my dad. I've just capped off my collection with a FOIS which is my watch for future generations. But it all started with a pocket watch. Any info on H&A Kimball would be amazing though
Thank goodness for this thread - my dad has only ever worn pocket watches, and I decided to to find him an antique one for his birthday this year. He's turning 74. Everyone's posts and pictures were very educational!
After months of research and narrowing down the options (including a beautiful 14k chased full hunter Omega slipping through my fingers at an auction), I finally pulled the trigger. My dad prefers silver/white gold-tone, full hunters, and maybe it's because I'm a newbie but it seemed so difficult to find a full hunter that was not monogrammed, ran well, with a dial in good condition. My research says original dials in good condition are critical, and since my knowledge is more jewelry-based, I know damaged enamel is more trouble than it's worth. The watch I bought for him is traveling from England to Texas, USA - photos included here are from the seller; I hope to add more once it arrives. It has been recently serviced, and runs/keeps time, but I think it needs a clean. Would love to hear thoughts and advice!
Details: case and chain marked 0.800 (silver), approx 2" (or 48-50 mm across).
(*feel free to correct me!)
2 of my Railroad Watches-both just serviced-each have Gold Filled Chains
I "rescued" these 2 and had my watch man service each
He has 2 more of mine in for service- 1917 Hamilton 992 Railroad + Hamilton 974
60 Hour Illinois Bunn Special -Heavily Filigreed Green Gold Filled Case 16 Size
14k White Gold Filled Elgin BW Raymond 16 Size Early 17 Jewel Railroad Watch
