Help needed, vintage Chronograph 33.3 from 1939?

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HHdeBoer

·Apr 28, 2020

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

Edited: Apr 28, 2020

 

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ConElPueblo

·Apr 28, 2020

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.

 

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OMEGuy

·Apr 28, 2020

Do you have higher resolution pictures? At first glance I agree with what @ConElPueblo has stated.

 

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_awatchsnob_

·Apr 28, 2020

Dial is refinished for sure.

 

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HHdeBoer

·Apr 29, 2020

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?

 

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watchyouwant

·Apr 29, 2020

Like vintage Patek's.......kind regards. Achim

 

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JimInOz

·Apr 29, 2020·Melbourne Australia

Omega had punch card documents in 1939?

 

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ConElPueblo

·Apr 29, 2020

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.

 

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HHdeBoer

·Apr 29, 2020

Well thank you, this is extremely helpful! How do you spot its a redail so easily?

 

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STANDY

·Apr 29, 2020·schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector

H HHdeBoer

Well thank you, this is extremely helpful! How do you spot its a redail so easily?

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 )

 

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Tony C.

·Apr 29, 2020·Ωf Jury member

H HHdeBoer

Well thank you, this is extremely helpful! How do you spot its a redail so easily?

Contrast the quality with an original...

 

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HHdeBoer

·Apr 29, 2020

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.

 

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Mark020

·Apr 29, 2020·not the sharpest pencil in the ΩF drawer

H HHdeBoer

Well thank you, this is extremely helpful! How do you spot its a redail so easily?

Look at the 2, 4, 8 and 10 (to start with)

 

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Mark020

·Apr 29, 2020·not the sharpest pencil in the ΩF drawer

This is mine. Also 9.174m serial....

 

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NDLaw2009

·Apr 29, 2020

Mark, that is an absolutely stunning watch.

 

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cristos71

·Apr 29, 2020

Mark020

This is mine. Also 9.174m serial....

What a beauty 🥰

 

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Mark020

·Apr 29, 2020·not the sharpest pencil in the ΩF drawer

NDLaw2009

Mark, that is an absolutely stunning watch.

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).

 

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watchyouwant

·Apr 29, 2020

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

 

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Mark020

·Apr 29, 2020·not the sharpest pencil in the ΩF drawer

That must be the picture 😉

Edited: Apr 29, 2020

 

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watchyouwant

·Apr 29, 2020

No, Mark. Show the magnified part, where the black half circle runs into the subdial.....not the inner coloured ones. Kind regards. Achim