Apparently non-existing ref# in caseback

Hey all,

wondering if there’s something wrong with this ref or why I’m unable to find anything about it. So the watch in question is supposed to be 9k solid gold, the pictures show a cal 520 and the serial dates it to 1959. Yet, it says “01597” in the caseback and I can’t find anything related to this “ref”, not on google, not in the forum. Surely, there must be something wrong about the watch, other than the crown not being original?

I scrolled through other Omegas of ‘59, with limited success.

This particular example has a a patina I quite like, so if it turned out to be correct I might make an offer to the seller.

Looking forward to hearing your opinion and learning something along the way. I have no experience with solid gold watches so far, it’s been all steel or gold plated for me so far. Every help is much appreciated - thank you guys in advance!

Interesting - thanks guys! I didn’t expect a ref I can’t find online to turn out genuine.

I’m aware of the polished case and the non-original crown, if it reflects in the price I’d be ok with that (and try to source an adequate crown).

That’s because it isn’t a reference number.

More likely a case serial number. The reference numbers were controlled by the importers. Even in Switzerland, the model numbers did not necessarily correspond with what Omega engraved on the inside of the watch.

This changed in the 1980’s when Swatch took over and bought out most of the National production importers. They then went to worldwide uniform marketing.

Hope this helps,
gatorcpa

The London hallmark also dates the case to 1959. It is indeed a UK make Shackman case. They made high quality cases, usually at least as heavy as any Swiss equivalent. That watch has been polished quite heavily but still looks good. Nice watch!

It definitely did! As it is so often when I learn something new here, one answer leads to the next question: Since that is not the reference number of the watch on the caseback, is there a way to find out the actual one? If it has one at all.

Only with a contemporary UK catalog (late 1950’s) and maybe not even then.
gatorcpa

If I may follow up on the non-original crown: I‘m in touch with the seller and trying to figure out what price I’m willing to pay. To be sure about that I’d like to factor in the cost for an original crown - but since I don’t even have a ref. I wouldn’t even know where to start. I assume the crown is not only specific to the movement, but also to the case?
If anybody here has an idea where I might find a suitable crown and, more importantly for now, in what ballpark the cost would be, I’d be very grateful. The watch itself will probably be around ~550-600€ in total.