Hi everybody! I used to work in jewelleries changing also the batteries for the watches and every time someone brought an automatic Omega i raised me hand and claimed with a great respect that I was not able to help! So here we go again, I do not know exactly what I have in my hands but I love this watch since I have been looking one for years. My father gave me this just couple of weeks ago, it used to be my grandfthers, he has received it when he retired in 1962. It had been in a drawer from the seventies as nobody had used it since he died. Incredibile, but as I took it it started working right away! I’ve been looking hundreds of photos but I have not seen one similar to mine. Does anyone know what model this would be, is it uncommon? I love it and I have no intention to sell, but some hint of it’s value would be nice to hear. I guess this is a gold watch? I have been reading that it would cost 600-700€ to do a good revision, it it really necessary, what do I risk if I do not have it done? I see that there is patina on the watch but I think I like it this way, the yellowish goes with the case ... I just throw awy the wrist band and bought a new one and that’s all.
It looks like a nice, original solid gold Omega Seamaster 2846 reference. The watch was gifted in 1963 but produced 1-3 years earlier most likely. Photos of the inside of the case would help better identify it. I like the patina as well and the crosshair dial. The case back is in nice condition for a solid gold watch. The front may have been polished at some point, it’s hard to tell from the photos. Regarding service, it should be cheaper than that. I’d give your location and ask other members for watchmaker recommendations. If you’re going to wear it often, you should definitely get it serviced. Here’s a slightly older stainless steel one of mine with the same dial configuration but with rose gold markers.
Hi Anna. What a fantastic watch. It is indeed solid gold, though I can't tell what the hallmarks are - if they look like a woman's head in profile it will be 18 carat and if it looks like a squirrel it will be 14 carat. It is difficult to tell what type of Omega it is without opening it, but find a decent independent watchmaker (a service by Omega isn't always the best solution...) he or she will be able to tell you what reference it is. That you cannot find one exactly like it is no issue as there are a wealth of dial types, all genuine. @seekingseaquest's post above is a good start It is difficult to tell how much a service will cost, as there are many variables, but I am sure it won't exceed the value of the watch, which is probably around €1300-1500. If you wear it without servicing, you will eventually wear down the mechanism inside (like running a car without old changes etc.) and the old seals which will have degraded by now could lead to moisture entering the case, destroying the movement, dial and hands.
I see the close up photo of when we found the watch has brought up the lines on the plexi glass in a way that are not visible for the eye
Nice! I need that watch, only because it was given to your grandfather on a date that was very close to the day that I was actually born. I would not wind the watch and let it run until you can have the movement cleaned, oiled, and adjusted. Do not let anyone change the hands or dial during a service, nor let them polish the watch. They can polish the crystal if needed. Omega would likely try to muck with the dial and hands.
What a lovely thing. I too think that is a 2846 but one of the latest, ~1959-60 at a guess, the inside of the caseback and movement serial will tell you more. Find the right sympathetic watchmaker and it wont cost the earth to clean and service that and nothing more, maybe €300-400. Dont be tempted to have anything cosmetic changed, it will affect both the charm and value negatively. The crystal may polish up OK or may need replacing, that is OK but nothing else! My earlier 18K gold 2846 from 1957 says hi:
very nice piece, huge congrats and wear in good health the watch will need a service when you plan to wear it daily best luck
Thank you for all your advice and appreciations! You have convinced me to have it serviced asap, taking care to choose well the watchmaker and retouch as little as possible. Thank you so much! ❤️
Nice watch!! I'm really digging the patina on your dial! Here is my 1958 stainless Steel 2846 from England!
Also yours is beautiful, you have kind of marbeled patina! I guess my yellowish patina is caused by the pipe my granpa used to smoke
You have that backwards. The black goes on the steel and the brown goes on the gold. Of course you do what you want and I do too, but that was the tradition back when these watches were new. Tom
They came into my possession this way - it's a PITA to move the clasp and strap over without scratching anything, so I procrastinated.