Hi all,

I just inherited this omega from my great grandfather, my nana brought it here to the US from Italy in 1972 and has been sitting in a box since. I have found that it is missing a few of the automatic pieces, the band is incorrect along with the case back. The case looks authentic and its just so old and knowing where its been since 1969 i highly doubt its a fake, It has a 552 movement, can anyone help me pinpoint what model this piece is? The serial number is 21219721 which would date it to about 1964.

Thanks in advance!

Phil

 

I have purchased a complete 24 jewel 552 movement for donor parts.

 

Pictures of both sides of the caseback?

It’s an omega movement or at least most of one.

 

One with better light.

 

This is wrong. Which is why I’m in the dark as to which model it is.

 

161.033?

 

Hmm interesting zenith caseback. I wonder if the whole case is zenith. Although the mention of a gold filled bezel makes it appear the case and back are not from the same watch.

 

The case looks identical to the 161.033 that shabbaz inclined. And the case is the same
33.5mm also. I guess now is to get it fixed with the parts I have coming. Does anyone know where I can get a correct case back and a new or good original band?

PhIl

 

AFAIK the 161.033 is a solid gold case only.

I'm more inclined to believe that OPs watch in a Zenith case and not an Omega case with a Zenith back. Automatic parts were likely removed to fit its present case, which with a flat back was likely from a hand wind watch.

 

Earlier generations made do with what they had and repaired watches with the parts that were available. My thinking is that it would honor your ancestors to simply repair the movement and not attempt to restore it to its hypothetical original state. This watch will never have high financial value, and my feeling is that the historical/sentimental value is best preserved by keeping it as is. Just my opinion.

I inherited a re-dialed IWC from my father and I wouldn't consider trying to replace it with an original dial. I regret that I don't know the story behind the refinished dial, but it was the watch that he wore.

 

I agree, restore the movement and keep in the current case if sentiment is your motivation. If originality is what you are after, I'd purchase another Omega and still keep your Great great Grandfather's watch as is.

 

Sentiment is the motivation indeed for this piece, it seems i will need a larger case back to utilize the automatic movement.

 

Apparently, your great-grandfather didn't mind winding it by hand.

 

Why bother? You will have a hard time finding one, it still wont be original and it will not be the watch your GGF wore.

Just get it serviced, remember to wind it every day and enjoy a little bit of history and the story behind it.