Inherited a watch, I'm having a hard time finding information about it

esoterec · Jul 3, 2018

30 years ago my grandfather died and amongst the things he left me was a small watch that we all put away and didn't think of for years, when i found it recently i decided to find out what i could about it and it is turning into a difficult and unfruitful search.

the most relevant item i've seen is a couple of 1994 100 year anniversary watches that look the same as mine, and it seems that mine was perhaps made in 1954 based on information i could glean from those auction sites. (links included).

based on what i've found this seems to be a 1954 omega (1894 seems to come up often as a model or name also) cloisonne floral dial possibly crafted by stern freres. this is all helpful information but after scouring google i have yet to see or read about an example of this original watch, only the 1994 version. i'm trying to figure out any more information about it if i could. i don't think it is a replica, my grandfather was a watch maker in the 50s-60s and this was his prized/favorite watch.

replica example auctions:
https://www.phillips.com/detail/OMEGA/HK080216/932?fromSearch=omega cloisonne&searchPage=1

https://www.phillips.com/detail/OMEGA/CH080116/154?fromSearch=omega cloisonne&searchPage=1

https://www.christies.com/lotfinder...6405&sid=55183ced-180a-45cc-a924-d6e534d95764

TLDR: Grandpa left me an oddball watch, can't find a single thing about this actual old ass watch on the interwebs other than a similar replica made in 1994 (100 year anniversary of omega) i would like more information if anyone knows anything or can help!

GuiltyBoomerang · Jul 3, 2018

For the time being, don't do anything with the watch until some experts can chime in.

The dial does look lovely and probably the case is 18k gold.

FREDMAYCOIN · Jul 3, 2018

If it turns out to be all original, potentially it could be worth a boat load.

kyle L · Jul 3, 2018

Beautiful watch! It probably has a bumper 28.10 or 351 movement in it, although it's odd that it doesn't have a seconds hand. The enamel looks well done, so I hope it's the real deal. 😀

ulackfocus · Jul 3, 2018

That's a Cloisonne dial. DON'T MESS WITH IT AT ALL!!!! It's VERY rare!

DON'T HAVE ANYBODY TOUCH IT EITHER!!!! You'll need to find an excellent watchmaker to even breathe near that watch.

Foo2rama · Jul 3, 2018

Yes most likely real and somewhat rare, and must be only serviced by a very very very good watch maker that understands how to protect the piece.

From this thread https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-with-cloisonee-dial-with-1-picture.75814/

JimInOz
What the two posters above said, you must do.

Based on the one photograph.

Your watch, even though a bit worn, is rare and worth a substantial amount.

It's an Omega Automatic Chronometer dating to around 1946 to 1956. The case is solid gold, as is the dial itself.

The dial decoration is Cloisonné enamel and is very similar to many of the dials described in the Omega bible, A Journey Through Time.

It's possible that the dials were made for Omega by another company, most likely the artist Charles Poluzzi.

Poluzzi made Cloisonné and Champlevé dials for a number of Swiss watch companies such as Omega, Rolex, IWC and other high end brands.

Interestingly, a very similar dial is also found on an IWC watch from the same period.

Acknowledgement: Greg Steer at http://www.gregsteer.net

Yours is actually in much better condition.

ulackfocus · Jul 3, 2018

I'm a little worried about the pinched Ω logo and the OMEGA being flat and not curved, but will wait to comment about the originality until we have better pictures from several angles, including head on.

seekingseaquest · Jul 3, 2018

E esoterec
my grandfather was a watch maker in the 50s-60s

The dream

Very cool if it’s the real deal

esoterec · Jul 3, 2018

okay besides just sending the watch into omega to be cleaned up how should i find a good expert to take a look at the watch and tell me what i have, verify its authenticity and give me a rough value? Do i just need to google and call around? sorry for the dumb question but this just fell into my lap

ulackfocus · Jul 3, 2018

Don’t send it to Omega. They’ll bastardize it.

verithingeoff · Jul 3, 2018

Where are you located, the experts may be able to suggest a watchmaker?

esoterec · Jul 3, 2018

i'm in the cincinnati / louisville area in case anyone has a recommendation to throw at me

gatorcpa · Jul 3, 2018

E esoterec
based on what i've found this seems to be a 1954 omega (1894 seems to come up often as a model or name also) cloisonne floral dial possibly crafted by stern freres. this is all helpful information but after scouring google i have yet to see or read about an example of this original watch, only the 1994 version. i'm trying to figure out any more information about it if i could.

seekingseaquest
The dream

Very cool if it’s the real deal

I think it is the Real McCoy. Not the 1994 reissue, but the 1948 original!

It is listed in A Journey Through Time:

The above says it is Ref. 2482. The Omega information on this reference shows the movement as a bumper automatic cal. 342, that normally has a subseconds hand.

https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-other-omega-dw-2482

Note the similarity in the lugs. I guess it’s a very simple matter to leave off the subseconds hand and cover with a solid dial. That would explain the lack of any seconds hand on this model.

The AJTT listing and the OP’s watch both have the unusual Omega symbol and dial lettering.

There was another one of these on our forum a couple of years ago.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-2482.40457/

At that time, we thought it strange that the watch had no seconds hand. The AJTT listing solves that riddle for us. The dial markers are slightly different on the example immediately above, so maybe that’s just another variation without the Omega name.

Of course, the only way to tell for sure is a close-up examination and a view of the movement. I’m with the Squirrel on this one. Only a top notch watchmaker should touch this one. The value is that high.

Congratulations on the discovery of a wonderful legacy piece.
gatorcpa

merchandiser · Jul 3, 2018

U ulackfocus
I'm a little worried about the pinched Ω logo and the OMEGA being flat and not curved, but will wait to comment about the originality until we have better pictures from several angles, including head on.

I found this watch with a similarly pinched logo:

The one from the OP still isn’t a perfect match though.

esoterec · Jul 3, 2018

gatorcpa
I think it is the Real McCoy. Not the 1994 reissue, but the 1948 original!

It is listed in A Journey Through Time:

The above says it is Ref. 2482. The Omega information on this reference shows the movement as a bumper automatic cal. 342, that normally has a subseconds hand.

https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-other-omega-dw-2482

Note the similarity in the lugs. I guess it’s a very simple matter to leave off the subseconds hand and cover with a solid dial. That would explain the lack of any seconds hand on this model.

The AJTT listing and the OP’s watch both have the unusual Omega symbol and dial lettering.

There was another one of these on our forum a couple of years ago.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-2482.40457/

At that time, we thought it strange that the watch had no seconds hand. The AJTT listing solves that riddle for us. The dial markers are slightly different on the example immediately above, so maybe that’s just another variation without the Omega name.

Of course, the only way to tell for sure is a close-up examination and a view of the movement. I’m with the Squirrel on this one. Only a top notch watchmaker should touch this one. The value is that high.

Congratulations on the discovery of a wonderful legacy piece.
gatorcpa

great and informative post (also helps reassure me as to what i have), thank you

ulackfocus · Jul 3, 2018

Stoll / America's Watchmaker is in Ohio: http://www.americaswatchmaker.com

I had an 18k Seamaster done there a few years back and they did a nice job on it. Just make sure you specify that you don't want the edges of the case & lugs polished too much so they lose their crisp edges.

merchandiser · Jul 3, 2018

I used to live in Cincinnati and the only place that I would take my watches is Cleves and Lonneman Jewelers (http://www.clevesandlonnemann.com/) in Covington, KY. They will definitely be able to help you.

gatorcpa · Jul 3, 2018

U ulackfocus
Just make sure you specify that you don't want the edges of the case & lugs polished too much so they lose their crisp edges.

I’d say no polishing of the case at all.

Also, I made a mistake on the caliber. Should be a cal. 332, not 342.

gatorcpa

sjg22 · Jul 3, 2018

I would be insanely careful who you send it to.

With high value and rare watches, I wouldn’t restrict myself to local watchmakers - if there is someone better who requires mailing the watch, than that may be the better option. Furthermore, if you ever sell it, the experts that worked on it form part of the story and can increase the value/reassure potential buyers.

In fact, if you do plan on selling, auction is likely your best route and I would consult with a major auction house about where to have it serviced, or leave it to the buyer to decide for themselves.

Happy to help you with Parcel Pro (I.e. insured) shipping if that’s a route you end up going.

BenBagbag · Jul 3, 2018

Amazing piece. If selling is the route, perhaps worth reaching out to the Omega Museum to see if they would be interested.