Help on vintage omega!

Tom_Timepiece! · May 3, 2020

Hey everyone I’m new to this whole forum and I wanted to come to the community and ask if anyone could answer a few questions for me?

First question: I just purchased a vintage omega watch( I don’t know exactly which one it is so I will post pictures). The crown “broke off” according to the seller and the movement is reference 302. Is there somewhere I can look to find a stem and new crown or would I just have to send it into omega?

second question: looking at the pictures could anyone tell me anything about this watch? The seller had little info on it and I would like to know as much as possible about this watch? Pictures will be attached.

thank you all for any info you can give me!!!

Tom_Timepiece! · May 3, 2020

And if I can purchase a stem and crown does anyone know what size I would be looking for? Thank you again

JwRosenthal · May 3, 2020

Nice looking watch Tom. Usually it’s the stem that breaks, although the stem is in the crown so if the bit in the crown can’t be extracted, then the whole thing needs to be replaced.
Give it a day or so for the resident experts on this era of Omega chime in- it’s Sunday and many don’t check their email or the web in the weekends. Plus many are on the other side of the globe.

Tom_Timepiece! · May 3, 2020

Thank you and Ofcourse aha and thank you for the kind words I got her at a steal from an auction. It’s still on it’s way to me but am very excited to add to the collection. But since I’m not so knowledgeable on that I figured I would ask the pros aha

X350 XJR · May 3, 2020

Your watch is an American market watch dating to ca 1956/7.

Why not just let a watchmaker source the stem/crown, no doubt the movement needs servicing anyway. Any competent watchmaker familiar with vintages watches can do this, absolutely no need to send it to Omega.

Tom_Timepiece! · May 3, 2020

X350 XJR
Your watch is an American market watch dating to ca 1956/7.

Why not just let a watchmaker source the stem/crown, no doubt the movement needs servicing anyway. Any competent watchmaker familiar with vintages watches can do this, absolutely no need to send it to Omega.[/QUOT
to be honest I didn’t even think of that aha thank you so much everyone so far has been a huge help. It’s nice to hear about its age I am a sucker for vintage watches and I figured as the first omega to my collection I am hoping it is a great watch to add to the bunch

X350 XJR · May 4, 2020

It is a reference N-6258, 14K gold-filled, case made by Jonell.

Tom_Timepiece! · May 4, 2020

X350 XJR
It is a reference N-6258, 14K gold-filled, case made by Jonell.

This might be a vague question and I apologize if it sounds stupid. Like I stated previously it is my first omega. What is your opinion on this watch specifically?? ( like what would your personal likes and dislikes about this watch) I just have been trying to find info and has been hard to find so I figured I would ask on here ?

Vitezi · May 4, 2020

Tom_Timepiece!
What is your opinion on this watch specifically?? ( like what would your personal likes and dislikes about this watch) I just have been trying to find info and has been hard to find so I figured I would ask on here ?

Hi @Tom_Timepiece! and welcome to the forum! Congratulations on finding a classic Omega! Our personal likes and dislikes about your watch are of no importance; you like the watch and that's all that matters here. Please tell us, what drew you to it?

The above two posts by @X350 XJR tell you everything you need to know about your watch. Try this search to find an AWCI (American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute) professional near you specializing in vintage watches, if you live in the USA. You may also try the NAWCC (National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors) search page. You may have to call around to find a local watchmaker that is comfortable working on watches from the 1950s, but don't be afraid to use a watchmaker that accepts watches by mail only. Search this forum for nationwide recommendations.

Below is an excerpt from a 1955 Omega catalog as published by Norman Morris Corp, their US importer in the mid-1950s. The model N6242 on the right is similar to your watch (though not exact) so you can see how it compares to a few other models from that time:

Tom_Timepiece! · May 5, 2020

Vitezi
Hi @Tom_Timepiece! and welcome to the forum! Congratulations on finding a classic Omega! Our personal likes and dislikes about your watch are of no importance; you like the watch and that's all that matters here. Please tell us, what drew you to it?

What really drew me to this watch was it’s very elegant square case and the sub dial and with the age the history of this watch throughout its past. really just fell in love with this one the second I saw it. I’m a beginner watch collector and building my collection slowly and since I love love vintage watches as there is usually a nice little history behind them and age to them really brings out some beauty with the watch condition itself in my eyes if that makes sense?lol I have a hard time explaining stuff sometimes

The above two posts by @X350 XJR tell you everything you need to know about your watch. Try this search to find an AWCI (American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute) professional near you specializing in vintage watches, if you live in the USA. You may also try the NAWCC (National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors) search page. You may have to call around to find a local watchmaker that is comfortable working on watches from the 1950s, but don't be afraid to use a watchmaker that accepts watches by mail only. Search this forum for nationwide recommendations.

Below is an excerpt from a 1955 Omega catalog as published by Norman Morris Corp, their US importer in the mid-1950s. The model N6242 on the right is similar to your watch (though not exact) so you can see how it compares to a few other models from that time:

Vitezi · May 5, 2020

Tom_Timepiece!
What really drew me to this watch was it’s very elegant square case and the sub dial and with the age the history of this watch throughout its past. really just fell in love with this one the second I saw it. I’m a beginner watch collector and building my collection slowly and since I love love vintage watches as there is usually a nice little history behind them and age to them really brings out some beauty with the watch condition itself in my eyes if that makes sense?lol I have a hard time explaining stuff sometimes

For beginning collectors, going slow is the right approach 👍. If you have not already done so, take some time to read through the various threads and stickies, especially these:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/horology-101-understanding-your-watch.76731/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/hor...luential-automatic-wristwatch-calibers.76549/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/basic-watchmaking-tips-oiling-part-1.62310/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/condition-condition-condition-and-other-pieces-of-advice.1716/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/for-the-new-members-read.23288/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/

Don't be afraid to start a new post to ask questions about watches that interest you, preferably before you buy them. And if you intend to wear your watches - and who wouldn't? - be sure to find a vintage watchmaker who can service them. Most of all, have fun with the hobby! Collecting vintage watches combines the hunt for treasure with lessons in history and design into functional, useful objects that you can wear every day! 😀

Tom_Timepiece! · May 12, 2020

Vitezi
For beginning collectors, going slow is the right approach 👍. If you have not already done so, take some time to read through the various threads and stickies, especially these:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/horology-101-understanding-your-watch.76731/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/hor...luential-automatic-wristwatch-calibers.76549/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/basic-watchmaking-tips-oiling-part-1.62310/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/condition-condition-condition-and-other-pieces-of-advice.1716/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/for-the-new-members-read.23288/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/

Don't be afraid to start a new post to ask questions about watches that interest you, preferably before you buy them. And if you intend to wear your watches - and who wouldn't? - be sure to find a vintage watchmaker who can service them. Most of all, have fun with the hobby! Collecting vintage watches combines the hunt for treasure with lessons in history and design into functional, useful objects that you can wear every day! 😀

Sorry for the delayed response life have been crazy but I will say I really appreciate everyone here for the help it has been such a great tool for me and really teaching me things. I will definitely be more active as my collection grows

Tom_Timepiece! · May 12, 2020

I did also want to ask one more question with this watch. So I won the auction at 100.00 and it runs just needs the stem replaced. Did I overpay for this watch? I mean I really like it I just am still trying to get the feel of the market and what not Incase I want a couple more like this one.

Tom_Timepiece! · May 17, 2020

UPDATE: today I found a watch maker that can service my watch this week!!! I’m very pleased and happy to get her working like a champ! I will post more info as it comes and thank you all for all the answers to my questions it’s been an honor I have learned a lot already and plan on learning more in the future posts

timecube · May 17, 2020

Tom_Timepiece!
I did also want to ask one more question with this watch. So I won the auction at 100.00 and it runs just needs the stem replaced. Did I overpay for this watch? I mean I really like it I just am still trying to get the feel of the market and what not Incase I want a couple more like this one.

For a watch that's more-or-less in working condition, somewhere between 0 and 150 or so would be a reasonable range. It's nice to pay less. Closer to 0 is nicer. Whether you overpaid is contingent on whether the satisfaction you gained from acquiring and having it exceeds the costs of getting it running. So, you won't really know until you get it looked at.

One problem: vintage mechanical watches like this are in DIRE need of a general servicing and cleaning, so after you get the crown/stem replaced you really should pursue that. Servicing can be in the $200-400 range, depending on your location and what if any more work needs to be done. If you don't get it serviced, the parts in the movement will rub together and abrade and eventually will seize up altogether. If you're lucky it may not be for a few years, but it's an ongoing risk. The longer it runs, the greater the chances.

Paradoxically, rather than asking if you paid too much, you might consider (for future watch purchases) if you paid too little. Would you feel differently investing a few hundred bucks additional in a watch you paid $100 for, vs one you paid $500? Would you feel better dumping the same cash on a watch you found for $50? OTOH if you're really just testing the waters here and want to learn what's all involved, maybe you found the right price point for a watch you DON'T plan to keep throwing money at. These are things you'll have to figure out for yourself.

Good luck, and welcome!!!!!!!

Help on vintage omega!

Tom_Timepiece!

Tom_Timepiece!

JwRosenthal

Tom_Timepiece!

X350 XJR

Tom_Timepiece!

X350 XJR

Tom_Timepiece!

Vitezi

Tom_Timepiece!

Vitezi

Tom_Timepiece!

Tom_Timepiece!

Tom_Timepiece!

timecube

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