Hi,

I recently got a watch from my dad who got it from his grand dad. I'm a complete newbie to watches of any kind and havent been able to identify the watch with frantic googling. It's old, that much i know and the (forgive me my lack of terminology) knob, glass and strap have been replaced.

Also sorry about the crappy photos, its the best i could do with the lighting.

I'd be grateful for any information about the watch.

Thanks!

Jesse

 

Hi Jesse,

Welcome to the forum! You inherited a very nice watch in great condition which dates from the 1950s.
As far as I can tell (without seeing the movement) it has the Omega caliber 344 bumper automatic movement. Indeed, the crown (knob) is not original to this model.
Have it serviced and enjoy wearing it!

 

Yes, that's a fine old Seamaster and a great legacy. Having it serviced by a watchmaker sympathetic to vintage pieces is desirable.

The real info on your watch is inside the case. Don't attempt to remove the back yourself. Please have the watchmaker do that. Then you or the watchmaker can record the numbers in the caseback and on the movement.

If you were to share your general location maybe suggestions for a good watchmaker will be forthcoming.

 

Nothing to add to what @GeorgeT11 said but these bumpers are great to wear as you feel them bumping on the springs. Enjoy.

Cheers, Chris

 

Hi guys and thanks alot! I'll be sure to have it serviced and find out the serial number. I live in Turku, Finland. I think we have a few watchmakers here certified to service Omegas.

Jesse

 

Don’t change the hands or dial!! Leave them alone or maybe have them stabilized. You don’t need an omega certified person, just someone with vintage experience

 

If you want advice on watchmakers in your area, try contactinga local member. I posted this the other day in another thread and it might be useful:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/what-city-are-you-in.53404/

I only see one Member in Finland but I know of another.

Good luck, Chris

 

Just curious how you can tell it's a bumper & specifically the 344? The 342 also came with seamasters & the 490 also had a sub second hand.

 

Over time you see these and know what’s inside, based on previous observations. but ok, gotta open up the back to CONFIRM what’s inside...

 

I'm thinking 490, too. IIRC the bumper versions have a screw-down caseback and this one is a snapback...

@Zesar, when moving the watch about, do you feel a sort of heavy weight shifting around inside the watch? If so, it is a "bumper" movement.

 

Not sure if i can feel it but i can definitely hear something moving in there. Almost sounds like a spring.

 

I took the watch off of my wrist and rotated it, i think the moving part moves quite evenly throughout the rotation. Read a bit about the bumper system and apparently it should only move around 120-200 degrees or what not. Could be my ears failing me too though.

 

You'd be able to feel the "bump" quite clearly, if it is one. I agree with @Bumper (hah!) that it's a cal 490

 

Looks like a very close relative of mine. It would appear to be a 490/491. IIRC 491 were delivered to US market?

 

1954 Bumper

 

It was more like a lucky guess based on what I've seen before. Even better if it's 490/491.

 

All righty, dropped to watch to a matchmaker today. It's a 2846/2848 (2848 i think though with the sub second?) with 491 caliber movement. Couldnt find much info with the serial number other than that it's made between 54-57 i think. Any idea how to find more specific info?

And some more of my crappy pictures: