Hi everyone, I'm a new member here but I just found my great grandfather's Omega a few days ago. It's been sitting unworn for well over 20 years. I want to learn more about it since I am so new to vintage watches (I usually only buy new stuff). Unfortunately I don't have a caseback opening tool to check the year and model. But I can feel it is a bumper movement and it is surprisingly running and keeping time well. I don't know when or if it has been serviced before. When I look online it seems to have the 2577 case? However very few models I've seen use this red seconds hand. I was told he probably purchased this watch around 1950 from another family member who owned a jewelry store in Canada from 1900-1958 and he had very good connections with Omega. Edit- should've clarified I put it on this strap today, but I found it on a brown nato
Sure. 2577 seems right. Definitely a repaint of lettering and minute dashes on a very neat patinated dial. Replacement second hand. Are the insides of the hour markers relumed? I’m going with yes. It’s a bit of hot mess. Which is probably why I like this watch. Anywho, worth checking out an example that recently sold here for reference: https://omegaforums.net/threads/1950-ss-omega-seamaster-chronometre-w-352rg-bumper-movement.108026/
Yeah, many issues. Still, a very cool heirloom that I’d be happy to wear if it came from my family . But from a collectors standpoint, much has been done to this watch. Perhaps that’s why you’re having a hard time finding one similar. Minute dash repainted over patinated paint which in itself is covering hour marker: What appears to be lume applied to the inside of an hour marker:
As @mrbreen says it is an older restoration and lovely patinated The style is the correct Omega design, but the wrong fonts and rather sloppy general application (notice how the minute track isn't centered on the dial) gives the game away. You are most likely correct in your dating of the watch as it appears to be a reference 2577 from the early fifties. A great piece of family history!
I just get happy when I see this little bastard! It´s warm colours and the red second hand brings out a sense of cosiness A strap that harmonize with the dial would be lovely on this heritage!
Thanks for the feedback guys. I figured it may have had a repaint for the indices at some point. I also assumed the crystal may have been replaced but then I saw the embossed omega logo in the center so perhaps that is original. I also changed the strap
I think that strap sings on this piece, which has its own beauty and charm. Redials need love too! I know the watch isn’t yet “yours”, but if it is to be worn regularly, it will need a service beforehand, with an independent watchmaker. That will ensure it’s able to be worn within the family for generations to come!