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  1. efauser I ♥ karma!!! Oct 10, 2015

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    I've been studying this early Connie because the listing claims it's a first year. After a quick visit to Desmond's site, I see that the reference is from 1954, not 1952. What really confuses me is the movement. Aside from from the fact that it looks like it's missing screws (it may not be), the serial number seems a bit early. I really like the patina on the dial but I have a lot of questions. Any thoughts are appreciated. Here's the link for the listing.
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  2. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Oct 10, 2015

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    I'll let others comment on the collector stuff, but certainly 2 screws appear to be missing and one looks like the head is broken...
     
  3. efauser I ♥ karma!!! Oct 10, 2015

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    Thanks, Al, that's what I thought. Are those readily available or would one need a donor movement?
     
  4. MikiJ Likes songs about Purple spices Oct 10, 2015

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    This particular seller seems to have a warehouse full of vintage watches, especially Omegas ::stirthepot::
     
  5. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Oct 10, 2015

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    Screws usually aren't a big problem. I don't have time to look up each one and check but I suspect you will be fine with those. But be aware that new parts for this era of movement are not plentiful. Really looking at the Omega automatic movements, until you get to the 55x and 56x era, parts are not all available. Even just going back to the 500 series supply of new parts are very hit and miss.
     
  6. vinn2 Oct 10, 2015

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    one case sc_ew and clamp missing --- bounce back mvt.
     
  7. Kja Oct 10, 2015

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    I think the very first ones has written Omega instead of metal, and my '56 has a 501 mvt. I hope this helps, it might very well be a '54, I don't know enough about them yet to help any more.
     
  8. efauser I ♥ karma!!! Oct 10, 2015

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    The question is really about it being a 1952, since Desmond and Omega both say that reference began production in 1954. Omega
     
  9. Kja Oct 10, 2015

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    Maybe the movement was made in '52 and it was for a Globemaster but never got used?
     
  10. efauser I ♥ karma!!! Oct 10, 2015

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    Quite possible. I guess, no matter what, it's not a "First Year Connie" (well, maybe the movement is), based on the reference number. Am I safe with that assumption?
     
  11. LawBrk Oct 10, 2015

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    The 2782s were a '54 release as you've said. I have a 2652 released in '52 and my movement number is 131xxxxx. If that helps.

    I have contacted the seller before about his pieces, asking for better, clearer photos. His replies are the same photos but cropped to fit the screen. I passed on that one. "Buy the seller".
     
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  12. Peemacgee Purrrr-veyor of luxury cat box loungers Oct 10, 2015

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    I also looked at this watch
    That's my take too
    The movement could be correct but from information available the case can't be
    For a 'first year Connie'
    Others may have more info
    Like original papers that prove to the contrary
     
  13. Canuck Oct 10, 2015

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    The case clamp and retainer screw indeed appear to be missing. The screw is not likely to be a problem. But the case clamp likely could be a problem! It is an odd one, shaped like a "stair step" which reaches downward toward the dial, then outward to latch to the case. This design permits the case back to screw down past the case clamp. To say nothing of other broken or missing screws.
     
  14. LawBrk Oct 10, 2015

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    I believe the 2782 is a snap back case? Would this clamp be the same shape as the screw down?
     
  15. Canuck Oct 10, 2015

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    Yes! Whether a screw back or a press back, the clamp is the same.
     
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  16. efauser I ♥ karma!!! Oct 10, 2015

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    Same here on an IWC. He has a lot of positive feedback, though.
     
  17. John R Smith Oct 11, 2015

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    If screws are missing and damaged, and the case clamp is missing too (so the movement will be rattling around in its case) - all this is a very big warning flag that ham-fisted idiots have been messing around with this cal 354. So what other damage is there that you can't see? These '54 Connies are very nice, but they are not that rare. Do yourself a favour, run a mile from this bag of trouble and wait for a better one to come along.
     
  18. efauser I ♥ karma!!! Oct 11, 2015

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    Absolutely agree. I was more interested in it as a learning tool because there are so many issues.
     
  19. Time Exposure coordinates his cast with his car's paint job Oct 12, 2015

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    Dave is a good guy. We have traded treasures over breakfast on a few week-ends.
    I have bought and traded with him several times, and I have sent a few back, too. Never had an issue with him as a seller.
    One thing I have noticed with Dave: he is not heavy into research. I have provided him details on watches with which he was not familiar. Chances are he occasionally is misinformed and passes along the same misinformation not knowing the truth or the details. But I believe he would never intentionally mislead a buyer.
     
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  20. efauser I ♥ karma!!! Oct 12, 2015

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    I don't mean to imply that he is he intentionally misleading. I think it would be better for his business if he took better photos and spent a few minutes researching. Although, knowledge is power and might help with negotiations.