first vintage Omega watch - need help with identification

[wldvrien]

***EDIT 2: new pictures below: after being serviced + with new strap***
***EDIT 1: new pictures below: inside of the back case + mechanism***

Hi everyone

I am new to this forum and I'm looking for help to obtain information on the Omega watch I own.

After comparing some images on google, I think the watch is from around WWII. It compared relatively well with military style watches from around that period.

I am thinking about fully restoring the watch in order to wear it. I would change the band to a high quality leather one. Now it has a fixo-flex band.

Could you help me with identifying the year/model/value?

On the picture you can see the front of the watch. There are only even numbers displayed. On the back there is no information.

Thank you very much!

Willem

After being serviced
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Before being serviced
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Edited: Oct 24, 2015

 

[STANDY]

Need the case back off for serial and model number. Some more knowledgable members may give you a bit more but info is inside....

Loose the bracelet as soon as possible as they damage the lugs.....

 

[wldvrien]

Thank you Standy. I'm taking the bracelet off right now.. I don't have a tool to remove the back case, but I will buy one.

 

[STANDY]

wldvrien

Thank you Standy. I'm taking the bracelet off right now.. I don't have a tool to remove the back case, but I will buy one.

We have seen enough over the years that don't buy a tool. 🤦

 

[wldvrien]

STANDY

Need the case back off for serial and model number. Some more knowledgable members may give you a bit more but info is inside....

Loose the bracelet as soon as possible as they damage the lugs.....

Hi Standy, I provided extra pictures of the watch.

 

[Peemacgee]

13,8XXX runs the watch at around 52-54 (possibly up to 57)
here's a link to dates
http://ialreadyhaveawatch.com/watch-articles/omega/omega-serial-numbers-by-year/

now you have the case number and movement cal -try the Omega data base to see if you can find additional information

nice watch by the way......

 

[wldvrien]

Peemacgee

13,8XXX runs the watch at around 52-54 (possibly up to 57)
here's a link to dates
http://ialreadyhaveawatch.com/watch-articles/omega/omega-serial-numbers-by-year/

now you have the case number and movement cal -try the Omega data base to see if you can find additional information

nice watch by the way......

Thank you Peemacgee. I went to a watchmaker this afternoon to restore it. The man is 86 and has a little shop in Ghent. Do you guys have any idea on the value of this watch when restored properly? Any suggestions about bracelets (eg. type of material, price range)?

 

[novina]

Going by the refence number of 2640 only, vintage Omega sight brought this up. Possible the -8 would add the other style of dial you have. Not sure though. Others will be along to sort this out properly. I so much liked the last Vintage Omega site.


Reference 2640 only though:


International collection
1949 - 1958
Dimensions
Ø36 mm
Case
Stainless steel
Case Back Type
Screw-in
Dial
Luminous (radium), with "Dauphine" hands
Crystal
Armoured hesalite
Bracelet
Leather
Function
Movements
Type
Manual winding (mechanical)
Caliber Number
283
Other
Created in 1949
17 jewels
Central sweep-second hand
TECHNICAL DATA
Water resistance
30 meters

 

[hoipolloi]

My 2640

 

[Peemacgee]

wldvrien

Thank you Peemacgee. I went to a watchmaker this afternoon to restore it. The man is 86 and has a little shop in Ghent. Do you guys have any idea on the value of this watch when restored properly? Any suggestions about bracelets (eg. type of material, price range)?

I'm guessing English isn't your first language -so forgive me if it sounds like I'm criticising
Please don't have the watch 'restored'
Have the movement serviced and the case lightly cleaned not polished
don't touch the dial other than a gentle dusting if required
I can't tell if some of the minute plots have been touched up -they vary in size and look a little too good to be true (could be refraction of the crystal
but is a lovely hobnail dial all the same
The value of this kind of watch is out of my scope -others might be able to tell you
I would personally rather see this on a nice black or brown leather strap than on a bracelet
A Hirsch strap runs from $40 upwards depending on the style and material -and you can get new Omega buckles should you wish

if it is radium bear in mind it will still be radioactive for the next thousand years or so -so don't go licking the minute markers....😉

 

[PatrickJ]

Make sure you service the watch with someone who understands vintage omega. Don't take it to anywatchmaker just because they have been in business a long time. Just to remind you what the other forum member said in that don't polish the scratches out of the watch on its case and do not restore the dial. If the plastic dial cover has light scratches use polywatch, see u tube for instructions. If you mess with the watch it will be worthless to a collector. Just saying that's all.

 

[wldvrien]

The watch will be serviced, indeed, instead of restored. I am Belgian, so it's correct English isn't my first language. Dutch is.

I will call the watchmaker tomorrow morning to ensure he doesn't polish the scratches out of the case and doesn't touch the dial except for removing dust gently.

I will try not to lick the minute markers, although it's tempting 😀.

 

[Mouse_at_Large]

Whilst I understand the advice from a collector's viewpoint regarding the preservation of the watch as opposed to restoration, as you have stated you intend wearing the watch, the real decision you must make is whether you will be happy to have it on your wrist in its present condition.

 

[wldvrien]

Hi everyone, thank you for all your very informative comments.

In my first post I added some pictures of the watch after being serviced and with a new brown leather Hirsch strap.

I have one more question: if I hold the watch horizontally and move it vertically I can hear something 'rattle' (if I hold it next to my ear). Is this normal? I went back to the guy who serviced my watch and he said it was normal, but I can't help to still have doubts..

Edited: Oct 24, 2015