Info on the dial of an Omega in a 2438-4 reference case

I have inherited a bumper automatic Omega that I think was my dads, and I am hoping this forum may be able to help me track down some info about the dial. Dad died in 1969, and the watch has been sitting in a box in a cupboard ever since...

The reference number on the movement is 2438-4, and the serial number 10866226. With some assistance from the folk on Watchuseek, it appears the watch is likely to have been manufactured some time after 1944- perhaps 1946. The movement is likely a 28.10 RA.

If I google 2438-4 all the images that return are similar and they have what I believe is called a "central chapter ring" on their dial. My watch does not have this central ring but rather a dial that looks similar to the dials found on 1960's watches eg case ref 14761. Also this watch is stainless and the markers on the dial are gold, which doesn't seem to be a common combo for that era?

Would anyone know the process Omega used to assemble their vintage watches ie would there have been a specific combination of case reference number, movement number and dial for each model or band of serial numbers, or were different combinations used? And if the latter, who decided the combo?

I've been through old family photos and found one showing dad wearing a watch which looks like the Omega with the chapter ring style dial. If this is the case then I assume dad may have replaced the dial possibly to modernise the watch?

I'd be most grateful for any input anyone can provide. I know next to nothing about watches.... At the start of this journey I had no real interest in the watch but I've become a bit obsessed😀

Thanks so much guys for taking the time to respond😀

I've managed to find half a dozen watches on line with different dials in cases marked 2438-4. I have shown them below in order of their serial numbers


All of the watches except mine and the first have the short hands and central chapter ring.

I have a photo of Dad before he got married in 1957 (no wedding ring😀 wearing a watch that looks as though it has the central chapter ring


I also found a reference to a purchase price. 'Swiss retail price (1949): CHF 178'. Its expensive today but would have been a small fortune then, so I'm thinking he wouldn't have had more than one! It all fits together that the dial and hands have indeed been changed, and Jim I suspect you are spot on with the water damage theory.... I had a lose look at a photo of the case, and there are indeed the rounded marks of the rusty movement spring😀

And then my final forensic journey.... There are also some marks on the inside of the case which I believe are service marks? Do they have any significance to anyone here? Also when I get the watch serviced, are there likely to be identification marks on the back of the dial?

Thanks so much again

Thanks Dan- I'm not 100% sure it is the same watch but I cant help thinking that my mum wouldn't have gotten such a valuable mans watch from anyone else and given the price point I would be surprised if my dad had more than one..... So I will never know for sure but on the basis of probability I would have to say it is the same watch.

On my journey of discovery I have grown very fond of this watch, and actually prefer the (to me) simple plain dial with its unobtrusive chapter ring😀 Who would ever have thought I would have this journey with an old watch?? So I shall get it serviced, replace the crystal and get a funky new strap, and enjoy carrying a piece of my heritage around with me😀

I will let you know how I go with manufacturer marks on the dial, and would also like to thank everyone on these forums for their generosity in sharing knowledge. Its much appreciated and very infectious!