Difficulties Identifying Watch

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Bbisme123

·Aug 27, 2020

Hello! I'm new to the Omega forums and I was wondering if there's anyone out there that can help me identify a watch. So far, by way of doing image searches and comparing, it appears to be a 1947 Omega 17j dress watch and I would love to know more, it was my grandfather's and I'd appreciate any help. There's no external serial numbers and I realize the best bet is to have a jeweler remove the back, but I'm trying to stay home due to the virus.

 

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X350 XJR

·Aug 27, 2020·Vintage Omega Aficionado

American market reference N-6216.

Note there were a variety of dials offered, finding an exact match on the net may not be possible.

 

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Bbisme123

·Aug 27, 2020

That's what I'm running into, so far found two images out of hundreds that match, but no info.

 

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X350 XJR

·Aug 27, 2020·Vintage Omega Aficionado

Bbisme123

That's what I'm running into, so far found two images out of hundreds that match, but no info.

What other info are you looking for, I gave you the reference number. There is simply very little information available for these American market watches.

 

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Bbisme123

·Aug 27, 2020

Oh! Again I'm a newbie to vintage watches and didn't realize that was the reference number, DUH. Thank you for your help, I'll look it up!

 

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DaveK

·Aug 27, 2020

Finding an exact match may be difficult. The dial looks to have been repainted at some point - note the uneven subseconds markers, a bit wonky Omega text, and what appears to be paint on the sides of the applied numbers. Repainting was more common during a repair back in the day, so the work could be honest. Collectors frown a bit on redialled/repainted dials, but it was your grandfather’s and I’d wear it with pride.

 

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Ravineman

·Aug 29, 2020

Its very nice. Get it serviced and wear it !

The stretch band is not helping the watch's look .... consider something more ....... elegant ?

 

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Bbisme123

·Aug 30, 2020

Yeah I realize the Spiegel stretch band isn't doing it any favors, lol. I guess it's most valuable to me just the way it is because that's how my grandfather wore it, we're all partial to sentimentality and that kind of makes it hard to change anything. I did find out the other day that after not being wound since the early 90's it still works perfectly!

 

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Ravineman

·Aug 30, 2020

The oils lubricating the movement have dried up ..... running the wach now is wearing it out do don't!

If you just want to look at it and not use it as a watch, a service is not needed. I think it would be a shame not to wear it.

On keeping the stretch band, I understand the sentiment and wish you the best with your watch

 

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Bbisme123

·Aug 30, 2020

Thank you much for the input, after I wound it I thought it's probably not wise to keep winding a watch that hasn't been wound regularly since the 90's. I did it just once and thanks to your advice I'll get it serviced if I ever want to wind it again.

 

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DON

·Aug 31, 2020

Could have a caliber R17.8 movement. Maybe a 302 (pretty much the same movement, but later version with shock protection?)



DON

 

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Bbisme123

·Aug 31, 2020

DON

Could have a caliber R17.8 movement. Maybe a 302 (pretty much the same movement, but later version with shock protection?)



DON

So far I've learned it's a 17 jewel movement, so I guess my question would be how likely is it to be the R17.8? I need to trust a jeweler and have the back removed.

 

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X350 XJR

·Aug 31, 2020·Vintage Omega Aficionado

It is a R17.8, I've had this reference in the past.

 

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Bbisme123

·Aug 31, 2020

X350 XJR

It is a R17.8, I've had this reference in the past.

Thank you, another piece of the puzzle solved. I've approached many "watch appraisal sites " and they have no information to offer, very frustrating when you just want to learn about your grandfather's watch you have fond memories of.