Hi all, I just purchased this vintage omega which I believe is a red 2957 cal 351 and the watch is currently running with omega automatic on the dial along with the number 12 only. I don't know anything about the piece and was wondering if you could provide assistance on its background, rarity, and value! Thanks in advance
If you purchased it already, our help is too late. Please read this https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-omega-posting-guide.383/
Hmm, on my screen the number at the 12-o'clock position looks like a 10 and not a 12. That strikes me as a bit odd...
I would think you would want opinions before spending the money, to know if it's a good buy. My recommendation is have a watchmaker open the watch and take photos of the movement and the inside of the case back. That's the only way to know for sure what you have. Once you have that info, you'll be able to research the watch and members will be able to provide accurate insight.
Do you think it could be a fake? I paid 400 dollars for it? Any initial thoughts if it was worth my money?
It's a 12 alright, not 10. These numerals are really cool I don't think that the $400 are completely wasted, but I know very little about these. It all depends on the dial being a redial or not, and that I can't tell.
No, I think it's a real Omega Automatic. The reference number doesn't seem right, but I know that some of the case engravings at that time are difficult to read. Watch dates from late 1940's or early 1950's. Are you sure it isn't a Ref. 2597, not a 2957? http://naligazone.com/index.php/data-watch/omega/13-watch/omega/317 Dial and crown look correct for the era. That is a "12" and not a "10 at the top of the dial. Outside has that "barn find" natural look. If the insides are consistent with this, I think you got a decent buy. FWIW, I tend to stay away from the Goodwill auctions as I find that good items bring much higher than retail prices there. Maybe people are taking 100% of the price as tax write-offs? gatorcpa
Here are my initial impressions: 1. Movement looks to be in pretty good shape for its age, although I'm sure it could use a service. 2. Seconds hand is a replacement, possibly from an Omega. It may be trimmed by a watchmaker to the correct length, and you'd not be able to tell the difference. Other hands look correct. 3. Dial is correct and original, IMO. 4. Crystal need a polish with Polywatch, or a replacement. 5. Crevasses at the back of the case are filthy and should be cleaned. 6. Crown might be a replacement, but is of the correct type. Can you post a picture of the inside of the caseback? gatorcpa
OK. This is a case Ref. 2421. Omega has information on this watch available on their website. Here it is: https://www.omegawatches.com/planet...ache=1&cHash=b70af11e330b16462cd3338860a26f01 Here is a similar watch that was recently sold. http://www.sellingantiques.co.uk/25...odel-24211-bumper-automatic-mens-watch-c1946/ According to the Omega website the correct movement for this watch would be a cal. 28.10RA. The main difference is that it has exposed bumper springs. Like this one: The question is whether the Ref. 2421 watch was ever sold with the later cal. 351 movement. This is what most cal. 351 movements look like: Here is your watch: Note that the inside left of the rotor is somewhat rounded, similar to the older version, but yours has the internal springs from the cal. 351. It is possible that running changes were made along the way, since your serial number is later (circa 1950) than the 28.10 and earlier than most cal. 351's out there. I was able to find another example of a watch marked with cal. 351, covered springs, but with the rounded rotor: http://www.poshtime.com/496.151/Omega-cal.-351-Bumper-auto-c.1949.php So, in summary, I think the cal. 351 movement did come with your Ref. 2421, and it has a nice original dial. Good pickup! gatorcpa
As is, high end of the range. But you're going to need to put some bucks into it. Will it be worth $600 after service? Probably not. gatorcpa