Can anyone shed some light on this Geneve reference?

[gbesq]

Reference is 2981-3. I have been able to find info on -1, -2 and -4, but nothing on -3. The serial number dates the watch to 1958 and it’s a caliber 491 automatic. The dial, hands, crown and crystal all appear to be original and in good condition. Not sure whether the case is gold plate or gold fill, but I think it’s the former. Yes, I know that the case is polished. While I’m not happy about that, I really like the dial. Anybody know why there appears to be so little information on reference 2981-3?

 

[seekingseaquest]

I’m not very familiar with this specific reference, but I tend not to read too much into the case reference versions with these 50s pieces. It’s the 2981 that matters.

As it seems you already anticipated.. if I were you, I would hold out for a less polished piece. It just takes some patience.

 

[X350 XJR]

Polished to death, not much gold to remove from a 20 micron gold plated case. I suspect there is more brass base-metal showing than there is actual gold plating left.

 

[duffy7]

Is the font of Automatic correct? As far as I know (especially the old Geneve with cal 552) the M in Automatic does not go straight down along the crosshair. Shouldn`t the M be beveled?

ed: OK checked the ref on the net - everything should be correct with the straight M

Edited: Jan 22, 2020