It's my first post here, so just sayin' HI to everyone!
Few weeks ago I wouldn't expect myself to join because I had no Omega in my collection (if that's what you call 3 low end watches) and wasn't even close to getting one. Only having SMP300 on my wishlist for 40th b-day, but that's a long term plan.
Now things have changed as I've found family treasure. Although I believe I'm the only family member who thinks that way. I have seen it before like 20 yrs ago, but back then I didn't care about watches at all. So it was closed in a box and burried deep in the basement (or attic, maybe) and forgotten. That's, until I fall into mechanical watches and realised that "there was that nice watch somewhere". Took few years to find it.
This watch belonged to my grandfather, WW2 soldier. He passed away long before I was born, so all the info I got comes from the family. He got the watch in England where his unit was moved in 1944/1945 from Switzerland or France. He had another, smaller Omega as an everyday watch (which I am going to ask about in another thread later), and I've been told this one here did not get much of a wrist-time.
No one was able to tell my anything about the maintenance or service. I'd think that it was not serviced (or even taken care of), but there are some things that makes me wonder if it's in all-original state.
I did some research and found that it looks quite like a cal. 33.3. But that's it. I can't even tell which reference it really is (thinking about getting extract of the archives from Omega). Some 2077-ish, possibly?
Let me list my questions/concerns. I'd be very happy if someone can help me with these.
1. The movement. Obviously not in a mint condition. Rust all around, damaged hairspring, maybe something else. I don't know how this could happen if watch has not ben worn for 60+ years. Anyway, it runs for few minutes, so at least some parts of the mechanism are working. But it can only be slightly winded, and I don't want to damage it. The thing is - I'd like to bring it back to life. Do you think it's possible without selling a kidney to get a funds? I don't think the crystal is a problem, but what about internals?
Do you think some renowed watchmaker can handle it or should I send it to Omega? I'm afraid they don't accept kidneys anyway.
2. The dial. Not the most fancy I've seen in "33.3" range (I love the black or two-tone black grey ones), but not the ugliest either. Seen some vintage watches and I think it's not in the worst condition. Two things bother me - logo and hour markers/lume. First one, I find it uncommon that it's italic font. Makes me wonder if it's original? Markers/lume - they just look ugly. Is this how they should look after 80 years? Or the dial was relumed by an amateur? What should I do about it? Remove? Relume? Leave as is?
3. Serial numbers. The one on caseback is 10 xxx xxx. On the movement - 9 xxx xxx. Looking through the internet, in most cases these numbers are closer. Something to worry about? Swapped caseback? Swapped movement?
Also, shouldn't there be something else engraved on the inside of the caseback?
4. Blue hands. I like them so much! Just wanted to state that.
5. Is the crown original?
6. What does second pusher (at 4) do? I was able to start/stop/reset with the first one.
7. Is it a nice watch?
😉
Thanks!
Iz
