Thanks Edwinowl.
Here are a few more photos:
No serial number which is odd. The consensus is that it utilises an Omega pocket watch movement dating from around 1915. The maker of the case is unknown; "Omega- Swiss Made- Fabrication Suisse" appears on the inside of the caseback.
As I said before, I am an enthusiast rather than an expert. I love this watch for its patina, size, and age. It would not surprise me at all to find that it is a bitsa of the first order, and my love would not be diminished if I did. You really do have to see it in the flesh to appreciate its presence.
Hi Alec,
First of all, welcome to the forum, I'm sure you'll fit right in here.
Now I rarely disagree with
@ConElPueblo, but on this occasion I feel I must.
😲
The case style speaks to me of the 1940s, maybe a bit earlier so my suggestion is that this was a pocket watch movement converted to a wristwatch, either by the original owner or done to order. The caseback is also marked with an Omega symbol, unless we can get a good clear picture it's only conjecture that it's a genuine Omega case or one made by a proper casemaker.
As to the movement, I think it's a Caliber 15''' S 7P :
15''' meaning a diameter of 15 lignes (34.6mm).
S meaning Savonette, the stem is at 3, unlike a Lépine, where the stem is at 12.
7P meaning 7 Pierres (stones) or 7 Jewels.
The movement
may date from the late 1890s or so. As no serial number is visible on the movement, it will probably be on the plate under the dial.
As to the dial, I think that has been re-finished but is original to the watch, as are the Omega "Empire" style blued steel hands.
Why was this "cobbled together"?
My theory is that it was done at a time when the UK was either suffering during WW2 or shortly thereafter when things were not much better and there were still huge shortages of everything from butter to luxury watches. Rather than throw away a perfectly good movement, some early "re-purposer" decided to have a modern style at minimal cost.
These are only my thoughts so it may all mean nothing. But I'd like to think that it's the way it happened.
Cheers
Jim
