Ive got 2 Omega DeVille Chronographs ref. 146.017. One in SS and one goldcapped. However, i do have a spare SS case and SS dial. Hands are still available on the interwebs so i could make the swap and have 2 SS versions. I also have a spare cal.930 mvmt thats sourced from a SS/white dial Deville.

Ive seen the goldcapped version couple times on Ebay fetching decent prizes, but rarely the SS with white/cream dial. The SS version are more collectible for different reasons. For me personally, im willing to do the swap because I find the SS/white far more attractive.

Im welcoming any thoughts whether i should do the swap or not. Right now im 55% sure its a "good idea" My gut feeling is telling me to do it, my brain hasnt really been a part of this hobby for quite a while now...

- The goldcapped version i bought on Ebay from Canada. Later i got an extract from the archives stating it was
delivered to Canada in 1970. It has some wear, but looks 100% original.
- I could get an EftA using my spare mvmt stating it being from a SS, but it will still be a franken sort of.
- Dial in GC is 90%
- Spare SS/cream dial is 99,99% PERFECT

What would you do, and why?


No decent thread without pictures:





I could have 2 of these...

 

Well, if I were you, I'd do the following...


Step 1). Sell me the stainless steel version (at a fantastically low price),

Step 2). Once step 1 step one has been successfully completed, do as you wish.

 

I think the OP wanted help on what he should *actually do.

What you should *actually do is sell ME the SS/white dial one and then,.. um, what was the question?

 

Thanks for the input.. i do have some spare parts that not mentioned as well if you want to build your own....

 

If you have a spare case, dial and movement, and hands are available, why not make a third one? Leave the gold one as-is, sell it if you're not that into it. I'm sure someone would love it!

That's a nice looking watch. I personally prefer the SS, but I don't know if I'd break up the gold one tbh.

 

The lower spring bar is thicker, that's a deal breaker for me.

 

Incidentally, which movement is fitted in these watches?

 

So you are going to take a reasonably nice watch, turn it into a Frankenwatch, and then do what?

 

cal.930, a base cal.861 redone to have date at 9. also used in the bullhead.

 

Grazie signor

 

I think I would do this too, the more I look at the SS the more I like it, sell the GC keep the SS for good and make the custom SS a gentle beater!

 

I like them both and they look different enough that I'd keep them.

 

Keep them both in their original form!

 

I wouldn't alter the gold one either but would enjoy owing the pair with their differences.