Help Identifying a 1944 Omega - Ref. 2179? Art Deco Dial?

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AS

·Jul 18, 2026

This is my first post on this fantastic forum.

I'd really appreciate your help identifying the exact model of a vintage Omega that I own and am currently having restored.

From the research I've done so far, it appears to be a reference 2179 (civilian model). Based on the serial number (10341165), I believe it dates to around 1944.

What I haven't been able to find is any reference to this dial with Art Deco-style numerals. Is it possible that the dial is not original, or could this be a different reference altogether?

Another detail that puzzles me is that the case has no markings or inscriptions, either inside or outside.

I inherited the watch from my father, who emigrated to the United States in the late 1940s, so it's possible that he purchased it there.

I've attached photos of the movement (currently being restored) and the dial. Any information or insight you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

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mac_omega

·Jul 18, 2026

welcome to the OF

your watch does not look like a ref 2179 - case is very different
the dial has been reprinted.
sorry for the bad news

 

S

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size11s

·Jul 18, 2026

Is the case Portuguese with the stamp on the 11 lug?

 

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JimInOz

·Jul 18, 2026·Melbourne Australia

AS

Is it possible that the dial is not original,

The metal plate of the dial is most likely original to the watch but it has been poorly re-painted at some stage as noted above.

 

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AS

·Jul 18, 2026

Thanks for the suggestion. The watch is currently at my watchmaker's for restoration, so I can't inspect it in more detail right now. From the photos I have, the only marking I can see is a tiny "575" stamped on the side of the case near the 6 o'clock lug.


Your theory about it being a case from another country actually sounds quite plausible, especially since my father emigrated to the United States in the late 1940s and may have bought the watch there. That could explain why the movement appears to date from around 1944, while the case doesn't seem to match the expected Omega reference.


Once I get the watch back, I'll inspect the case more carefully and post better photos of any markings I can find. Thanks again for pointing me in that direction.

 

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AS

·Jul 18, 2026

I had already suspected the dial had been refinished. Thank you

 

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AS

·Jul 18, 2026

The only watch I've been able to find with what appears to be the same dial is this one currently listed on Chrono24 as a ref. 2179-6 from around 1960:

https://www.chrono24.es/omega/omega-omega--id47095219.htm

However, that only adds to my confusion. My movement's serial number dates it to around 1944, while the seller dates that watch to 1960, and even the listing states that the dial has been professionally repainted.

At this point I'm quite lost. I'm just trying to understand what I actually have, a correct movement in a replacement case, a later case, or something else entirely.

I really appreciate everyone's help and expertise.

 

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tdn-dk

·Jul 19, 2026

This is my 2179-6 for comparaison

 

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speedb

·Jul 19, 2026

Three digit stamps on cases were sometimes used to match the midcase to the correct caseback. Without any marking on the caseback it is difficult to determine whether what you have is actually an Omega case and not just something an orphaned mechanism was put into. The hands are definitely contemporary to the mechanism. Definitely not something from the 1960s

 

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gatorcpa

·Jul 19, 2026·ΩF InvestiGator

AS

The only watch I've been able to find with what appears to be the same dial is this one currently listed on Chrono24 as a ref. 2179-6 from around 1960:

https://www.chrono24.es/omega/omega-omega--id47095219.htm

The Chrono24 watch is from 1944, not “around 1960”. The dial on that one is also repainted.

Don’t believe everything you read when it comes to vintage watches, especially vintage Omega.
gatorcpa

 

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AS

·Jul 20, 2026

Perfect, thank you all for the information. At least now I have a much clearer picture of what I own: an original 1944 Omega 30T2 SC movement, housed in a non-original case with a refinished dial.

Beyond its sentimental value, I don't think it has much monetary value, but it was my father's watch, so I'm still happy to have it restored and keep it in good working order.

 

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JimInOz

·Jul 20, 2026·Melbourne Australia

AS

Perfect, thank you all for the information. At least now I have a much clearer picture of what I own: an original 1944 Omega 30T2 SC movement, housed in a non-original case with a refinished dial.

Beyond its sentimental value, I don't think it has much monetary value, but it was my father's watch, so I'm still happy to have it restored and keep it in good working order.

Good plan.
Watches like this were sold by the bucketful in the 1950s. Ex MoD sales contained good watches, broken watches, parts etc. It's not beyond the realms of possibility that one of the bulk lots buyers used what they found in the "bucket" to make a saleable watch.
There was no intent to deceive, they were just selling "a watch".

It wasn't until a generation or two later that mil watch collectors became the experts on these after researching Mil specs, sales adverts etc.

Get a basic service and enjoy it.

 

S

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size11s

·Jul 20, 2026

I agree get a service and enjoy.
I don't want to be a naysayer but I very much doubt that there is anything military with the watch. The movement serial is too late and the movement the wrong colour for an RAF 30T2SC (in my opinion) which were mainly supplied circa 1942. Always happy to be wrong, however.

 

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AS

·Aug 8, 2026

AS

Perfect, thank you all for the information. At least now I have a much clearer picture of what I own: an original 1944 Omega 30T2 SC movement, housed in a non-original case with a refinished dial.

Beyond its sentimental value, I don't think it has much monetary value, but it was my father's watch, so I'm still happy to have it restored and keep it in good working order.

 

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AS

·Aug 8, 2026

Just to wrap things up, I finally got the watch back from servicing, and it does indeed have a serial number on the inside of the case back.

I think it came out really nice, and I’m very happy with it. I’ve added a few pictures for anyone interested.

Thanks again to everyone who helped and shared their thoughts!

 

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DON

·Aug 8, 2026

Looks very nice. Always liked leaf hands. Classy. Years ago some dials were refinished if damaged in some way. You didn’t say where your father immigrated from, but heat, humidity could cause the dial finish/paint to deteriorate.

Movement looks very clean which is always nice to see

Wear in good health