So it looks like my Omega is a franken?
That is a US import code. Not an export code. It would be on movements imported into the US, whether they were already cased or not.
I just wanted to state explicitly that I am not saying the watch is a franken. I tried to be clear in my previous comments, and I'm sorry that I was not able to communicate effectively.
At this time most references were available with a wide variety of dials. I see no reason to suspect the dial on your watch has been changed.
You’ve lost me.
The reference has no bearing on the dial. The reference number is a case reference number, denoting case style (but not material). Each case ref came with multiple dials.
I’m guessing this may be a locally made case (often so with solid gold cases), which is close to the reference number you quite, but not exactly the same. Are there any marks inside the case back?
I have had an overwhelming feeling of deju vu coming back to this thread after 4 years. I thought it had all been made clear but obviously not. You are going to send yourself mad with this search you are determined on but can never be resolved with any certainty.
It is clear that this watch is not a 135.041 or any other omega case reference because if it were then the case reference would be stamped inside the case back. (The references are case references and not dial references so can come with many different dials)
That only really leaves 2 possibilities
The most likely is that it was locally made case and the watch was assembled in the country of sale with genuine omega movement and dial. This would not be a franken watch but a legitimate omega watch made in such a way to avoid import duties as was fairly common practice at the time. Unusual it was not marked inside the caseback but still my favourite option.
Second and less likely in my opinion is that it was originally supplied in an Omega case but then was recased at some future date for some reason unknown (damaged case maybe?). This I guess would make it a franken but still an attractive watch. I don't think this is the most likely option but possible.
No one can know for certain in this circumstance. Any opinions are subjective and based on experience and probability. Its frustrating but you will just have to accept it and enjoy wearing the watch.
Thanks Davidt and Gav,
I want to express my sincere thanks for sharing your knowledge. I wasn't going to extremes with my search, but I decided to give it one last shot. I now have a clear understanding of the locally made cases and how this was a common practice back then. My grandfather purchased this watch around 1970 and wore it proudly, mainly during special occasions such as their 50th wedding anniversary and his retirement. I didn't feel comfortable with the idea that this might be a Franken watch, as some ill-informed individuals on a Dutch forum suggested. A few very knowledgeable vintage Omega enthusiasts on that forum also mentioned some of the same details you provided. We may never know about the case thing for 100%, but this is sufficient. Watches are my passion, and researching locally made cases is a fun and rewarding sub-hobby.
Gav, you've given me the best and clearest possible answers. Thank you!
The most important thing is that it was your Grandpa's watch. Every time you look down at it you are looking at the same view he looked upon so many times. And touching the same things he touched. That is priceless and something you will be able to pass down to other family members when the time comes. All the rest is just unimportant background information.
