First Time Vintage Buyer

trustygoose · Aug 26, 2023

Hi all,

Been a longtime reader of OF, but never posted. I have been looking for a nice vintage, all original small seconds Omega from the 40’s/50’s. I want something with no radium, because it concerns me a bit (even though I know that may be controversial).

I just came across this 2540-6 on OF and was hoping for a couple of second opinions. Anything look concerning? Thank you for the space:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-2540-6-with-lovely-patina.162095/

https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-ref-2540-6-stunning-patina.106105/

osterman · Aug 26, 2023

Hi. Excellent idea.
Just look for the many watches with 265 or 266 Omega movement and pick the one you like most: you can't be wrong!

trustygoose · Aug 26, 2023

osterman
Hi. Excellent idea.
Just look for the many watches with 265 or 266 Omega movement and pick the one you like most: you can't be wrong!

Thanks very much! Any thoughts on the 2540 I linked?

Dan S · Aug 26, 2023

The seller is a very knowledgeable and trusted member of this community, and I'm sure the listing is totally accurate. If there is something specific you want to know, feel free to ask. However, while there is no rule against discussing a sales listing in a separate thread, as a new member, you should be aware that a request like this is understandably a bit awkward.

trustygoose · Aug 26, 2023

Dan S
The seller is a very knowledgeable and trusted member of this community, and I'm sure the listing is totally accurate. If there is something specific you want to know, feel free to ask. However, while there is no rule against discussing a sales listing in a separate thread, as a new member, you should be aware that a request like this is understandably a bit awkward.

Got it—my apologies. My specific questions are as follows:
1. Am I correct in believing that this reference has no radium?
2. After an exhaustive search, I could not find any other sales—or documentation—of this reference. How common is that?

This is the closest I can find (https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-other-omega-ck-2540) but I do not believe this linked example is a 2540-6 because it looks slightly different (indices on the sub seconds) and the serial number of the 2540-6 puts it at 1950, while the linked example is purportedly 1946.

Sorry if these are noob questions—I obviously have no experience with vintage Omegas.

I should note that my intention is NOT to suggest that the seller is, or may be, misrepresenting the watch in any way whatsoever. I only seek to learn more information about the watch from others on the forum who might have different perspectives.

Dan S · Aug 26, 2023

There is no lume, therefore no radium.

The 4-digit reference number (2540) basically refers to the case design, and a given reference was often made with many different dial/hand variations. Only one variation (at most) is shown in the OVD. For a relatively uncommon reference, you cannot always expect to find other examples with the exact same dial and hands. Moreover, a given reference will have been made for a number of years. The "-6" after the reference number refers to a production run, in this case the 6th production run of the 2540 reference.

The OVD entry you found is certainly the same reference, noting that production started in 1946. At that time it would have had a cal 30 or 30T2. By 1950, when the OP watch was produced, the cal 30 had evolved into the shock-protected cal 265. It all looks ok to me at first glance.

If you had asked the seller these questions by PM, he probably would have been happy to answer.

trustygoose · Aug 26, 2023

Dan S
There is no lume, therefore no radio. The 4-digit reference number (2540) basically refers to the case design, you would not necessarily expect to see another example with the exact same dial and hands, and a given reference will have been made for a number of years. The "-6" after the reference number just refers to a production run. The OVD entry you found is certainly the same reference, noting that production started in 1946. At that time it would have had a cal 30 or 30T2. By 1950, when the OP watch was produced, the cal 30 had evolved into the shock-protected cal 265. It all looks ok to me at first glance.

If you had asked the seller these questions by PM, he probably would have been happy to answer.

I see. That is informative and very helpful. Thanks very much.

Dan S · Aug 26, 2023

You're welcome. And sorry, I noticed some typos and edited my response to fix them, and clarified a few points at the same time. Please take another look.

theluckyluke · Aug 27, 2023

The link you provided above for the watch listed in 2019 is relatively unlikely to be still for sale I would imagine. A quick check with the seller would answer this easily.

trustygoose · Aug 27, 2023

theluckyluke
The link you provided above for the watch listed in 2019 is relatively unlikely to be still for sale I would imagine. A quick check with the seller would answer this easily.

The 2019 listing is the same watch as the current listing—the current listing references that one as the original purchase. Sorry for any confusion.

theluckyluke · Aug 27, 2023

Ah ok, makes sense! I thought these were the same links! 😉

First Time Vintage Buyer

trustygoose

osterman

trustygoose

Dan S

trustygoose

Dan S

trustygoose

Dan S

theluckyluke

trustygoose

theluckyluke

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