Question?

Does anyone know had there been variations on this cal in terms of basic, top or cronometer grade? Was it basic in accuracy or adjustable to 5 positions?

 

The calibre 354 when used in the Constellation models was chronometer rated and adjusted to 5 positions.

 

The Seamaster usually had the non-chronometer 354, and the Constellation always had the chronometer version.

 

Thank you.

 

Also used (though not exclusively) in the uncommon, early Seamaster chronometres…

 

Thank you to all that got back to me.

My apologies for the novice questions, very new to this. I am about to purchase a bumper auto from 1954, cal 354 (no date) in 9k gold to add to my 1962 Seamaster.

I have read that the bumper movement is a nice thing to have in your collection. They are getting rare as not made in large numbers. Is it true they can have reliability issues due to the nature of the way they work? Thinking should I stay away from the bumper and get a standard auto or manual wind? I love the idea of owning a bumper and have been advised to get one.

Also thinking of getting a watch winder. Is it true they can cause harm to the watch in terms of magnetic fields? Have been told to get one that will not harm the watch will cost hundreds of pounds, I hope not!

 

Not sure of the model number of the watch but it not a Seamaster or Constellation. Just a 9K gold basic automatic. Fro a reputable jeweller in the North of England.

 

To try to answer your questions -

* The Omega 'bumper' automatic movements are in fact pretty rugged old beasts with very few reliability issues. I collect only these watches and have encountered no real problems. The cal 33x, 34x and 35x are basically very well-developed manual-wind movements which have the auto-wind mechanism added on top. The auto only winds in one direction, unlike the later full-rotor calibres, so there are no tiny reversing gears to wear out or go wrong. Most of the bumper movements will need a standard clean and lubrication, and a new mainspring, but it is rare to find problems beyond that.

* For non-date watches, I really don't see the point of a winder. There is absolutely no need to keep the watch running all the time that you are not wearing it, you are just wearing it out.

* Can you post pictures of the watch you intend to purchase?

Best wishes, John

 

Thank you John for the reply.

The bumper automatic was purchased yesterday and will arrive in the post soon. I will send you pictures when it is with me.

In the interim period it would be my pleasure to post you pics of my 1962 Seamaster.

Great information on the moment and advice.

 

Watch winders can be problematic for some movements, producing premature wear. A 17 jewel watch's automatic winding parts use bushings instead of jewels, so I would recommend against it. If the automatic winding parts are jeweled, then it's less of an issue.

My preference is to wear a watch for at least a week if you're changing between them. You can always wind it and reset the calendar and it hasn't been spinning around on a winder wearing out.

Tom

 

Thanks Tom.

 

Good afternoon gentlemen.

I have purchased a 9k gold omega auto circa 1954. Cal 354 bumper.

The shop is about to send it to me. They took a pic of case back and movement. A bit strange there is no Omega stamp on case back, just serial number.

Can you guys help?

Paul

 

In some countries, Omega sold the movement complete to be cased in that country, especially with solid gold cases. It avoided import duties.

Tom

 

Bushing wear in the main plate and the upper oscillating weight bridge is the most common issue I see on these bumpers, but it's easily fixed...parts are still available and they press in and out very quickly.

As with any watch, if it's well maintained it's not an issue to own one or use a winder. I have a few of my own watches on winders.

Cheers, Al

 

As I had anticipated, this is not a Swiss Omega case. As you are purchasing in the UK and it is 9k gold, I had expected it to be a Dennison case but this is not one from that Birmingham firm of casemakers. And there is no English hallmark, either. So I am puzzled - perhaps others can suggest the significance of the ATO stamp? Have you a photo of the dial?

 

This is from Parkers in Sheffield, who have been doing watches and jewlery from 1883 sold it to me. They said back then companies would get other companies to manufacture parts for them, that is why there is no Omega stamp. How does that sound to you guys?

 

The guy there mentioned Dennis on. They are sending me pic of dial shortly. It looks good, they assured me it is not restored. I take it it is genuine?

 

Has a year guarantee also.

 

Just seen a pic of a Dennison on case from another omega on net

 

I enclose front pic of my watch