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Help! How genuine is this watch ? I like it but I have big doubts.

kakala
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So I’ve seen a listing for this « jumbo calatrava » on chrono24. I like the dial design, the spider lugs, everything. But between the misaligned 7, 3 and 2, and the fact that I have trouble finding any info on this specific model online, I am starting to believe that the dial I like so much is a later fake. Movement and case look original, and in decent condition but I’ll wait for the experts opinions ! I’m really not a pro in vintage omegas and my budget isn’t stretchy enough for such a scam. It’s listed for 1550, reduced from a prior 1600.

IMG_0790.webp IMG_0791.webp IMG_0788.webp IMG_0786.webp IMG_0787.webp
 
Dan S
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The dial is no good, poorly repainted. Case heavily polished.
 
kakala
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Dan S Dan S
The dial is no good, poorly repainted. Case heavily polished.
Do you know where I could find a picture of the same case in better condition ? So I can have a visual reference to compare in the future
 
Dan S
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kakala kakala
Do you know where I could find a picture of the same case in better condition ? So I can have a visual reference to compare in the future
Not off the top of my head, and I'm not sure I've ever seen an unpolished example of this particular reference. But in general, you would like to find cases with edges that haven't been rounded over quite so much. Still, that's a valuation issue, the dial is the dealbreaker.
 
kakala
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Dan S Dan S
Not off the top of my head, and I'm not sure I've ever seen an unpolished example of this particular reference. But in general, you would like to find cases with edges that haven't been rounded over quite so much. Still, that's a valuation issue, the dial is the dealbreaker.
Thank you, unfortunate, I would have liked that exact model to really exist !
 
SOG53
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https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/ Cover Image
Thread 'Learn How To Fish' ·
I have had a few newer members asking me for advice on how to spot a good vintage watch and what they should be on guard for. I've decided to post a little primer on how to assess vintage watches...
ConElPueblo ·
https://omegaforums.net/threads/recommended-vintage-omega-watches-only-on-ebay-not-for-inquiries.1790/ MSNWatch
Thread 'Recommended Vintage OMEGA WATCHES (only) On EBAY (NOT for Inquiries)' ·
We have lots of threads from members asking opinions on watches listed on ebay. How about we turn things around - let's talk about watches on ebay that are worth purchasing. My disclaimer is...
MSNWatch ·

Read the top thread

Follow the recommended vintage thread daily to see vetted examples from OF mods. You will learn a lot.

Once you find a reference you like, research it on OF and google so you know what features to look for.

Ask before buying.

Patience.

Welcome. Stick around!
 
Dan S
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kakala kakala
Thank you, unfortunate, I would have liked that exact model to really exist !
It probably exists, or at least something very similar. Use google images to search for Omega 2603. Many of the examples may have repainted dials, but some are original. I took a quick look and found many examples with applied Arabic numerals. Full applied arabic dials are not particularly appealing to me, TBH. I much prefer a more sparing use of the numbers, like even numbers or 3-9-12. But that's subjective.
 
Syrte
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If the bent lugs are what you like, you can also look at Omega Constellations with so-called “dog leg” cases.
It’s a different watch of course, but quite distinctive, and it may be easier to find than a relatively obscure reference.
The price may be higher for a good example, but it’s a chronometer movement.
 
dsio
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Hijak Hijak
Constellation with dogleg lugs...

IMG_0294.webp
This right here is why I mention in that other thread that the case is as important as the dial in a dogleg. The difference made by sharp edges on the 1490x and 16x.005 is enormous, even outweighing the difference between a patinated and perfect dial. On C-cases that difference is magnified even more so, the case being sharp transforms the watch.
 
kakala
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SOG53 SOG53
https://omegaforums.net/threads/recommended-vintage-omega-watches-only-on-ebay-not-for-inquiries.1790/ MSNWatch
Thread 'Recommended Vintage OMEGA WATCHES (only) On EBAY (NOT for Inquiries)' ·
We have lots of threads from members asking opinions on watches listed on ebay. How about we turn things around - let's talk about watches on ebay that are worth purchasing. My disclaimer is...
MSNWatch ·

Read the top thread

Follow the recommended vintage thread daily to see vetted examples from OF mods. You will learn a lot.

Once you find a reference you like, research it on OF and google so you know what features to look for.

Ask before buying.

Patience.

Welcome. Stick around!
Thank you for your tips, I’m happy to have found this place !
 
kakala
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Dan S Dan S
It probably exists, or at least something very similar. Use google images to search for Omega 2603. Many of the examples may have repainted dials, but some are original. I took a quick look and found many examples with applied Arabic numerals. Full applied arabic dials are not particularly appealing to me, TBH. I much prefer a more sparing use of the numbers, like even numbers or 3-9-12. But that's subjective.
Even numbers does look phenomenal. But there is just something about the full dial and the omega logo that just makes my heart beat. I have a vintage vulcain for the even numbers and as I am not yet a full on omega collector I try not to have the exact same look twice haha. Still, thanks a lot for your time !
 
kakala
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Syrte Syrte
If the bent lugs are what you like, you can also look at Omega Constellations with so-called “dog leg” cases.
It’s a different watch of course, but quite distinctive, and it may be easier to find than a relatively obscure reference.
The price may be higher for a good example, but it’s a chronometer movement.
They are indeed very nice however I think the « spider » lugs really stole my heart. Not that I wouldn’t consider the dog leg lugs too but at the moment I have to prioritise 😀
 
kakala
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dsio dsio
This right here is why I mention in that other thread that the case is as important as the dial in a dogleg. The difference made by sharp edges on the 1490x and 16x.005 is enormous, even outweighing the difference between a patinated and perfect dial. On C-cases that difference is magnified even more so, the case being sharp transforms the watch.
The one thing I am not yet sure of for the specific lugs on the aforementioned model is how sharp they are supposed to be. On all the 2603 references I have seen with the spider lugs online (never had the chance to handle one), the lugs have a certain roundness on the upper face. Can it be that they are machined this way or it’s a case of all the examples being old and having gone through enough owners to be a bit over polished ?
 
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