Help identifying this watch?

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pianofxr

·May 25, 2023

I just received a text from my wife with a pic of a watch her father (85yr old) just gave her because he knows I'm interested in such things. I won't physically have it for a few more days when she gets back. I've been searching around for another exact example online but no luck. I'm fairly sure its from the 40s-50s. Bumper movement maybe? This would be an older era then I usually go after. My thing is F300s and 60s Seamasters. So far this pic is all I have.
Just for fun, anybody want to give it a shot?

 

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X350 XJR

·May 25, 2023·Vintage Omega Aficionado

Unfortunately with its badly refinished dial you are unlikely to find another one just like it in that regard, however you're on the right track about what it generally is, 1950s bumper.

 

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pianofxr

·May 25, 2023

X350 XJR

Unfortunately with its badly refinished dial you are unlikely to find another one just like it in that regard, however you're on the right track about what it generally is, 1950s bumper.

I thought that dial looked a bit sketchy. I'll open it up when I get and see if the rest is salvageable. Perhaps a replacement vintage dial could be found. I see it doesn't have the sub seconds dial. What movement number might that be? 351 ?

 

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X350 XJR

·May 25, 2023·Vintage Omega Aficionado

Going out on a shaky limb based on your photo, ref G6213, caliber 351/354.

 

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Dan S

·May 25, 2023

Many of these were nationally cased, making them difficult to identify.

 

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pianofxr

·May 25, 2023

That reference G6213 looks promising. Thanks. Of course the more I study it and compare it with what's out there the worse it looks. Oh well. It might have some family history attached to it and once its been assessed maybe it'll be more promising. I'll update when I have it in my hands.
Thanks!

 

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Spruce

·May 25, 2023·Sunburst dial fan

I appreciate the value of an original dial and, as much as any OF member, the emotional link with a family heirloom but, in this instance, I’d get the dial sympathetically repainted.

This is my 1950 cal 351

 

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pianofxr

·May 26, 2023

I've looked around at dial restorations but I wonder if it's not better and cheaper to find a decent original dial and just replace it?

 

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UncleBuck

·May 26, 2023

P pianofxr

if it's not better and cheaper to find a decent original dial and just replace it?

Best of luck!
If you find a source for these dials, please send me a pm.
I'm not being a nabob of negativism, dials and donor watches do show from time to time. Enjoy the search but watch out for different sizes that may not fit. Diameter, dial height, foot positions, all can vary.
Please let us know when you get your hands on it.
If you have strong emotional ties, there is always Omega for a complete restoration but it is probably North of $1000 US.

 

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Spruce

·May 26, 2023·Sunburst dial fan

And, as @UncleBuck says, you may spend a lifetime looking for a nice dial for an obsolete 70 year old watch. Chances are that if a nice dial appears, it’s probably going to be in a nice case with a nice movement. Still … you pays your money …..

 

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p4ul

·May 26, 2023

UncleBuck

nabob of negativism

……and the award for Phrase of the Day goes to……

 

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pianofxr

·May 27, 2023

Got the watch, while cleaning it i discovered this between the lugs.
W brand and 14k , so it's solid 14k at least (I think). Running intermittently ,original crown, i think it's worth doing something with
Can't get back off safely.

 

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Dan S

·May 27, 2023

IIRC, that W refers to a US case maker, Wadsworth? I think.

 

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pianofxr

·May 28, 2023

The plot thickens...
I succeeded in removing the back. Not even an automatic! Movement dates to 1947. But no caliper code in the later style, but there is one UNDER the balance, movement is a caliper 28.SC. Wadsworth case, T921285, ref p6521.
I think the balance was damaged in the drop. It restarted and then stopped. Thoughts?

Edited: May 28, 2023

 

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Dan S

·May 28, 2023

Probably not much more to be said. US-cased watch with a repainted dial that says "AUTOMATIC." I guess someone found a dial they liked and just copied it verbatim. Kinda' funny if you think about it.