How I got these 4 watches

About 9-10 years ago, I had a reliable local watchmaker but thought I should have a backup. I made a shortlist of 3 who were local to me and thought I would audition them. The third fellow was a local transplant to the area and after a few minutes of small talk I wasn't convinced he had the chops to meet my expectations - he didn't even have his own space and was looking to rent something affordable. As we were about to part ways he said he had 4 omegas and would I be interested in buying them? He said he needed some money to help start his watchmaker business. I can't tell you how many times I've heard that from various people local to me (once they hear I collected vintage omegas they all want to sell me some old omega) and 99% of the time their stuff was shall we say totally uninteresting to me. He told me how much he wanted for all 4 and wanted cash. He said they were manual wind - "the best manual wind movement ever made - the 30mm one of omega" he boasted to me. I just quietly nodded and told him yes I was familiar with the movement. I had some free time later in the week and we arranged to meet at the same local mall. We met and he brought out a small plastic ziplock bag with the watch heads wrapped in kleenex. I was already starting to think I was wasting my time but my thinking quickly changed when I saw them. And of course I bought them.

Nice finds! Interesting how they all have the import mark too. Any backstory on how he acquired them?

Portuguese import mark.

Here is an old thread where it (they) are discussed.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/lugs-with-portugal-dent.13003/

Seller was originally from Portugal and lived in South America for several years before immigrating to the US.

Brilliant specimens

At “9-10 years ago” prices, I’m pretty sure you would be lucky to get one for the same amount nowadays 😗