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In need of advice and a pick from three watches

eatpomegranate
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I am new to the forum and would like to thank the MODs for making this space so wonderful. A friend of mine is helping me find a vintage Omega and she came back with three watches. From a bit of research they look like they are early 50's references but I am struggling with identifying them. I would also love your advice on if they are good buys.

Their prices are A: $1,500; B: $1,200; C: $850

Here are a few of my questions for the experts:

1. I want to take these to a watchmaker to open up the case and get the actual ref # and movement. Having said that, can you identify the references from these pictures?

2. I know that the straps are not original but otherwise can you tell what is original here?

3. Approximate dates for these three watches

4. Does the value of the watch justify the prices here?

Thanks for so much for your time, here are some pictures:

IMG_9767.jpg IMG_9773.jpg IMG_9771.jpg
 
cristos71
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Number one looks like a 1940's 30T2, what's the size? I can't tell from the picture. Regarding value, when other things are equal, the bigger the better. If it's 35mm or under then I'd say it's expensive ( for me )

Number two is just an ugly monstrosity, Awful redial, dreadful mis-matched hands and a badly over polished case. No value at all there

Number three is more interesting, it may be a cal 267 ref 2990, which is actually quite collectible. I'm not 100% certain so a photo of the inside of the case back will provide the actual reference number. If it is a 2990 then it isn't a bad buy at all even at the asking price.

It certainly looks like this one sold here a few years ago:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-seamaster-ref-2990-ranchero-case.26835/
 
tdn-dk
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cristos71 cristos71
Number one looks like a 1940's 30T2, what's the size? I can't tell from the picture. Regarding value, when other things are equal, the bigger the better. If it's 35mm or under then I'd say it's expensive ( for me )

Number two is just an ugly monstrosity, Awful redial, dreadful mis-matched hands and a badly over polished case. No value at all there

Number three is more interesting, it may be a cal 267 ref 2990, which is actually quite collectible. I'm not 100% certain so a photo of the inside of the case back will provide the actual reference number. If it is a 2990 then it isn't a bad buy at all even at the asking price.

It certainly looks like this one sold here a few years ago:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-seamaster-ref-2990-ranchero-case.26835/

Yes a Ranchero 2990-1, it also has the speciel Omega logo used on the Seamaster dials on the Ranchero鈥檚, I would take that one
 
heavenscloud
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The first watch may be ref. MI (CK?) 2390. Mid to late forties. Dial and hands look original. Crown is period correct and possibly original. Way overpriced. You can pick one of these up for $500-700. As cristos71 said, the second watch is a monstrosity. Looks like it is/was a CK 2503. I have no opinion on the third watch because I don't know as much about late fifties references. I like the first one, but not at that price. Good luck!
 
1972Steve
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C. The sub second with egg shell/silver makes a beauty combo.
 
chipsotoole
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Bachelorette number three, but for waaaay less 9unless it's a ranchero ref) , and off with that lug chewing speidel! .. oh and a peek inside at the movement condition and caseback reference.
You could probably do much better with a little patience
 
noelekal
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Of the three, it's the third one that represents the best value in my view.

The first watch is badly over-priced given the condition of the dial

The second one suffers from an excruciatingly painful re-do.

The third one looks like it could be appealing if it was matched with a nice strap.


Oh dear!

This may be one of those "learning threads" for me.

Here at the Home For Wayward Watches I gathered in a 2319/2 jumbo similar to watch No. 1 in the original post of this thread. It was a fortuitous ebay purchase for well under $200. Looked out of place on its bracelet and I didn't care for the appearance of the domed crown which I (apparently incorrectly) assumed was unoriginal so I had my watch maker change out the crown.

Still have the crown. Should I have it re-installed?







 
heavenscloud
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noelekal noelekal
the Home For Wayward Watches

lol
noelekal noelekal
I didn't care for the appearance of the domed crown which I (apparently incorrectly) assumed was unoriginal so I had my watch maker change out the crown.

Still have the crown. Should I have it re-installed?

Looks good as is. Maybe change it at the next service?
 
eatpomegranate
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cristos71 cristos71
Number one looks like a 1940's 30T2, what's the size? I can't tell from the picture. Regarding value, when other things are equal, the bigger the better. If it's 35mm or under then I'd say it's expensive ( for me )

Number two is just an ugly monstrosity, Awful redial, dreadful mis-matched hands and a badly over polished case. No value at all there

Number three is more interesting, it may be a cal 267 ref 2990, which is actually quite collectible. I'm not 100% certain so a photo of the inside of the case back will provide the actual reference number. If it is a 2990 then it isn't a bad buy at all even at the asking price.

It certainly looks like this one sold here a few years ago:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-seamaster-ref-2990-ranchero-case.26835/
I am so amazed by this community. Thanks so much for that detailed response.
 
jimmyd13
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That Ranchero will seem cheap in 2 years time. If I'm wrong, you can come rub my crystal balls.
 
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