Dear all, I have been thinking of buying this nice (allegedly vintage) 33.3 Omega. The seller says its from 1939, 18K case and in original condition (except for the strap, obviously). Since I am quite new in all of this, I would love to have some of your expert opinions. I think it looks great, but perhaps a bit too great for a watch this old? Do you think it could actually be original? Any input is hugely appreciated! Thanks in advance, Hans
Hi Hans. I am not an expert of these, but I would say that the dial has been refinished. The subdial print looks somewhat crude. Furthermore, the case back looks a bit knocked about, judging from the picture of the inner case back. Be advised that 33.3s are probably most sought after in the steel waterproof cases, not solid gold as you would think. A very ambitious watch to choose for one's first foray into the vintage watch world Best, Troels.
Hi all, thanks very much for your input. Its hugely appreciated. The best resolution pictures are attached. Interesting that the steel ones are more desirable, why it this?
Yikes, that didn't improve on the looks! Very poor redial, Omega guarantee and box are later items. Re. the steel case aspect, as @watchyouwant says, just like Pateks they were produced in lower numbers and, at least to my mind, are more interesting given their more rugged construction. These were probably bought more often to be used as a functional tool rather than for dressing up your attire with a fancy complication.
Look at lots of watches. Tip for someone new, with any watch you are looking at find 3 others before you start looking more at the one for sale. ( even similar watches from the same era/maker will give you quality and font comparable qualities if you can’t find 3 )
Haha, yeah I guess I lack the experience you all have. Glad you were so friendly to help me though. I don't think this will be good one to start my collection with.
Thanks. My watchmaker thought it may have never been serviced before The one in the book is plated btw. Mine is solid gold (just like the one from the OP).
Mark, i think, your dial is not original as well. see the bleeding of the upper and lower half circle into the subdials ; look at the subdial at 4 o`clock. . that is not Omega from that period. kind regards. achim
No, Mark. Show the magnified part, where the black half circle runs into the subdial.....not the inner coloured ones. Kind regards. Achim