Okay, this may be sound stupid but, did Omega use Bulova patented parts in the f300 Geneva line? I found one and was a little unsure. As I have looked into it more it seems to be a relatively common thing, or there are a lot of Frankens.

Second question, Did not all of the dials say "Geneve" on them? And is there any variation between the ones that have Geneva and don't have it?

Third. Here is the one I found. Ref. 198.030. Looks like it wasn't worn gently but has its own history. Thoughts?


Thanks for your input,

Jake

 

Yes. The technology was licensed from Bulova.

No, not all tuning forks were Geneve. Here is one example I used to own. A 198.0016 Seamaster

Depends on price. These can be found for relatively cheap on eBAY. Key thing is to buy in working condition. There are a limited number of watchmakers that still work on these.

 

IMHO f300s are super. I have a Constellation that I should wear more often. You really can hear them humming.

And as Joe said, you can get nice examples for relatively cheaply. Mine was right under $500 a year ago.

 

I think I'll be able to get a great price on it, probably around $200, maybe less. I've purchased from this seller before so maybe they will even cut me a returning customer deal.

The one thing that concerns me is what looks like chips/cracks on the backside of the case where the caseback threads would interlock.

 

You can find very good examples of f300s at reasonable prices. There have been at least 3 sold here in the last year, all in great shape. I have a watchmaker who services these movements in the US and seems to have parts. The plastic date disk often breaks, but there may be a source for those in metal in the UK as I understand. I've had mine replaced 3 times, all from donor watches. I have a Connie and love it, I also have a few Accutrons and a Longines Ultron Chronometer. If you look for one on the Bay, I'd still go for a case and dial in excellent condition, there are just too many around not to. Then also a working movement, even if slow/fast. A service will cost as much or more than the watch. I believe these were plated, not gold filled, so I'd take that into consideration as well. That one looks like it might have some loss. The SS examples would be my preference.
David

 

I too would go for a steel case over a damaged gold plated one but a clean plated one can look good. At least one model (198.034) was plated to 80 microns so can take a bit of refinishing. Here is a link to an excellent website with info about hummers. The guy is UK based and fits the remanufactured date wheels.

http://electric-watches.co.uk/

Here are a few of mine, obviously a mix of Omega and Bulova, my avatar is also an Omega hummer:

 

My f300 hummer is a Seamaster Chronometer that I picked up here. It's in pristine condition and I really enjoy it. Classic and simple, slightly larger than my usual 60s era 34mm pieces. They come up for sale here periodically.

 

@Jacquot do you mind sharing your US based watchmaker that services these? I'm in Boston and the one place I went knew enough to know that they needed to do research, but weren't experienced with them. There was enough trouble just determining the correct battery for it! My date wheel also slips occasionally so might need a replacement wheel. Did you by a non running donor or did your watchmaker have them available for repairs?

 

Re the battery, Easy answer: all the Omega hummers take cell 344, the Bulovas are different. The replacement metal date wheels were commissioned by the U.K. guy I mentioned above, Paul, and AFAIK he doesn't supply them to other fitters so I would guess that the only native USA solution is a donor.

By the way, I believe the day-date models have thicker and stronger date wheels and are less likely to fail, the date only ones are now very brittle (the youngest is 40 years old) and are are as likely as not to have failed by now in my experience.

 

These are great watches gold plated or stainless steel a forum member helped me with making the right choice (GregH) so here is mine .. [email protected] he is the man to contact here in the U.K. He is a specialist when it comes to these watches and accutrons . mine was found on eBay

 

Found mine on eBay too. Both with Omega repair center now, picking up one of them all serviced up this Monday!
Bought the D900 as a donor watch but maybe I'll have it all fixed up as well, depends on how it is part wise.


Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

Looking for one of these. Really good value with heaps of 70's cool!!!!! Some really great examples here. STS still service I think in the UK but not cheap at Cat 4.

 

I have three now. One not ready for viewing yet (fitted with crappy after market crystal). Here are two I purchased very inexpensively. The Geneve was not working when I got it. Advertised as not having battery for some time, so not sure if it would work or not. As it turned out, it hummed like crazy and wanted to work with a little tickling. I took it to my guy and he did a lube and tune and it works fine now. I stole it!.
The Constellation came with the original bracelet and keeps amazing time. Just under $400.

 

Very nice and OUTSTANDING value!!! Got to get me a hummer!!! Like in particular the Geneve.

 

Don't want to be the TTIWWOP poster in this thread so here's mine. I think it may be a redial because of the smaller Constellation Chronometer text and the fact the seconds are along the edge and the seconds hand doesn't hit them.

 

TTIWWOP?

 

Not necessarily a redial IMO. The hands often do that and can look short on some models. Look at the picture gallery in the link I posted above, I can't see yours but it is not a full list.

 

Nice texture dial and I like the applied OMEGA. There are some real treasures out there. Wear in good health!!

 

This Thread Is Worthless Without Pictures. I didn't want to be the schmuck talking about watches but not posting pictures of said watches.

 

Recently returned after a full service from the respected Watchmaker Ludmil Balevski. Great watches!