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First Omega Purchase Help - 1940’s Mechanical

traycw
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I’m considering bidding on this 1940’s mechanical and thought I’d ask for some knowledgeable opinions from you folks first. It would be my first Omega. From what I’ve read and comparing photos, this looks like a ref 2339 from 1943? The radium burn from the hour hand leads me to believe the dial and hands are original. Unfortunately, very little info is provided by the auction site and you’re not able to ask questions. It has a plain crown and is the case is 31mm. Currently the high bid is $118. I love the history of these old watches, not just that it’s an Omega...any thoughts? Thank you in advance!
62F1A110-6E11-4BDA-8218-24C92DF6AA6B.png 40D5E6A2-9EC9-47A1-8B7A-71F51E68B17E.jpeg
 
Dan S
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Those photos are not very helpful, but I'm not seeing any obvious red flags. 31mm is quite small. Unless you're sure that you are ok with such a small watch, you might want to set your sights on a watch in the 34-35mm range.

Edit: Incidentally, after just a quick search, I couldn't find any examples of a ref 2339. Are you sure about that reference number? Perhaps you can provide more comprehensive photos or a link to the auction if you are serious about getting information.
 
traycw
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Thank you for your replies - I know the photos are terrible, but they are the only ones available. I searched this forum for information and found a post from June that gave the 2339 reference (see screenshot). Is looks like the same model watch? The auction is held by Goodwill and there are many interesting vintage watches, including a few Seamasters right now. I’m interested in 1940’s era watches which is why this one caught my eye. Also, I’m a woman with small wrists, so the size doesn’t bother me. Thanks again.
FD09AB93-445E-4A6D-8913-09162A79E05F.png
 
Dan S
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No, please see my post above. It is not like Luigi's (bubba48). You can see that the lugs are quite different. In particular, the lugs of the OP watch have an obvious sharp edge running down their length. Read the thread that I linked.

You seem to be focusing on the dial, but references came with different dial variations. The case determines the reference. Please see my comments about the watch being in non-running condition. Do you have a watchmaker who can repair it?
Edited:
 
traycw
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I originally thought it looked like the 2300, but as you said, the dial threw me off. I did note that the stem works but it’s not running. I do have a local watchmaker, but not sure if he services Omegas. I’m sure repair would cost more than the watch if the price stays low.
 
Dan S
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It can be risky to buy a non-running watch, especially without seeing the inside. It could be rusted out or there could be missing parts. Replacement parts are not always easy to find for these old movements and collectors sometimes have to buy extra movements to scavenge parts.

Or it could be a simple repair.
 
traycw
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Yes, I guess if the price is low enough, I feel like it’s worth rescuing and seeing if it can be brought back to life.
 
onlyomega94
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Dan S Dan S
It can be risky to buy a non-running watch, especially without seeing the inside. It could be rusted out or there could be missing parts. Replacement parts are not always easy to find for these old movements and collectors sometimes have to buy extra movements to scavenge parts.

Or it could be a simple repair.
Agreed, this is risky ground.

I would also ad that on some occasions people simply do not know there is such a thing as mechanical watches. I recently purchased a Seamaster advertised as not working. When it arrived I wound it and it is running perfectly. I also have sometimes bought vintage Omegas advertised as needing the battery replaced. These of course being mechanical watches from the sixties.
 
aleksejeremeev
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There are of course gifts of fate but mostly the price shows the state. The cheaper the worse.
 
gatorcpa
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My experience with Goodwill Auctions is that things tend to sell there for retail and above. I doubt this auction will stay anywhere near $118.
gatorcpa
 
Dan S
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gatorcpa gatorcpa
My experience with Goodwill Auctions is that things tend to sell there for retail and above. I doubt this auction will stay anywhere near $118.
gatorcpa

I agree. What do you think retail is for a 30mm non-running 1940s Omega with a heavily patinated dial and no movement photos? ::stirthepot::
 
gatorcpa
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Someone will write a $400+ check to Goodwill and try to take a tax write-off for the whole thing.
gatorcpa
 
traycw
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gatorcpa gatorcpa
My experience with Goodwill Auctions is that things tend to sell there for retail and above. I doubt this auction will stay anywhere near $118.
gatorcpa
It sold for $286
 
gatorcpa
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traycw traycw
It sold for $286
If it was working, that’s a decent price. However, you would need to put $100 to $200 into a service.

So now someone is in between $400 and $500 for a 30mm Omega.

Too much in my book.
gatorcpa
 
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