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Info on my 2638-4?

stephensjer
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I found this 2638-4 years ago in a pawn shop and purchased it for a couple hundred dollars. Now I'm trying to learn a little more about it. I can't seem to find many examples that look like it, which makes me wonder if it's some sort of parts-bin watch, or if I'm just looking in the wrong places? Either way, I enjoy wearing it, but any clarification would be wonderful!

IMG_6228.webp IMG_6225.webp IMG_6226.webp IMG_6231.webp IMG_6232.webp
 
Dan S
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Looks ok at first glance, except for the buckle.
 
SOG53
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Nice watch and with bumper movement. What is cal and first 2 digits of SN? Must be early model around 1950?
 
stephensjer
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SOG53 SOG53
Nice watch and with bumper movement. What is cal and first 2 digits of SN? Must be early model around 1950?
Hrmm. I'm having a hard time finding the cal and serial numbers. Normally the serial would be on the bridge, right? On this, I have the letter R followed by a five digit number. Wonder if that's a replacement piece and the original serial is gone?
 
Dan S
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It could be a replacement bridge. Did you try moving the oscillating weight to the other side?
 
stephensjer
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Dan S Dan S
It could be a replacement bridge. Did you try moving the oscillating weight to the other side?
I did, no tiny numbers.
 
Dan S
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stephensjer stephensjer
I did, no tiny numbers.
That's funny. You should be able to see the caliber, like from this sales thread.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/gorgeous-omega-automatic-two-tone-dial-ref-2638-1-cal-332-freshly-serviced-1050eur.140569/ Cover Image
Thread 'Gorgeous Omega Automatic - Two-tone dial - Ref. 2638-1 - Cal. 332 - Freshly serviced - 1050€' ·
Hi OF!

For sale is a gorgeous and freshly serviced two-tone Omega Automatic bumper ref. 2638-1 from circa 1949.

Dial: The two-tone dial is stunning and has an even and appealing patina...
SOLD
Hnansen ·
1736640299010.webp
 
Dan S
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It looks like someone may have scratched out the caliber number possibly?
 
Dan S
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Sometimes these old watches hold mysteries that will never be solved.
 
stephensjer
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That's a slightly different bridge piece than mine, but I'd still expect to see some numbers somewhere. 🤔 maybe a hobbiest-watchmaker did the service at some point as a project? Strange.
 
stephensjer
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Dan S Dan S
Sometimes these old watches hold mysteries that will never be solved.
Guess that's part of the fun 😀 appreciate you trying to help solve it with me.
 
Dan S
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IIRC, there are two styles of bridges for these Omega bumpers, one with hidden springs and one with exposed springs. I don't recall which movements used which and/or when the transition was made. You could probably research that, if interested.
 
Rudi99
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Hi Stephen and welcome to the forum.

I am afraid this dial is either repainted or not original to the watch. This reference came originally with dials without this sunburst effect, which is more of a 60s thing.

Furthermore, the subdial looks very suspicious to me. I often see this kind of subdial on redialed watches.

Case and movement condition seem to be nice.

Best

Rudi
 
stephensjer
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Rudi99 Rudi99
Hi Stephen and welcome to the forum.

I am afraid this dial is either repainted or not original to the watch. This reference came originally with dials without this sunburst effect, which is more of a 60s thing.

Furthermore, the subdial looks very suspicious to me. I often see this kind of subdial on redialed watches.

Case and movement condition seem to be nice.

Best

Rudi
The dial looks like a pearl in person. It reminds me of a 60's timex I have in my collection, so that makes sense. That also explains why I've had such a hard time finding a related Omega in this time period.
 
SOG53
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I think the R before serial number indicates replacement part or replaced entire movement which may explain rubber out cal number. There was discussion on prior thread here.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/speedmaster-with-strange-serial-number.25969/ Cover Image
Thread 'Speedmaster with strange serial number' ·
I concider purchasing a Speedmaster from a friend of mine. The "Speedmaster" logotype, with its "S" and long "r" dates the watch to be from the eighties I suppose. What confuses me, is the serial...
seikoskar ·
 
stephensjer
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So, I have a potentially-replaced or prototype face, and a replaced part or prototype movement. I've learned more than I expected. Thanks everyone!
 
Dan S
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We can speculate that the watch was badly damaged at one time and someone cared enough about it to pay for a full restoration with replacement parts. 😉
 
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