Lume question (Dirty Dozen)

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Lug

·Jun 25, 2020

Hi all,

I found this for sale. The dial and so on looks fine to me but the lume is suspiciously clean for a 1950s watch and there is an odd fuzz around the edges. Presumably it’s been re-lumed, but do you think this makes this watch ‘one to be avoided’? I’ve seen other Dirty Dozen Omegas for sale from reputable dealers with very clean, presumably relatively new lume (for example here https://finest-hour.co.uk/product/omega-www-dirty-dozen-watch/)

Also any thoughts on the fuzzy edges?

 

C

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ChiefMark

·Jun 25, 2020

Likely a bad re-lume job. I'd avoid it (personally) because the poor relume is nowhere close to Omega standards. It distracts from the piece. My advice: keep looking for a better example.

 

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JwRosenthal

·Jun 25, 2020

Looks like runny Cream of Wheat- to be avoided just like this watch.
I would rather dark mossy lume (and have it properly relumed) than this.

 

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dootcho

·Jun 25, 2020

i may be wrong but this is a re-dial, omega logo is the giveaway

 

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JwRosenthal

·Jun 25, 2020

dootcho

i may be wrong but this is a re-dial, omega logo is the giveaway

Lol- I couldn’t look past the melting lume- that was turn-off enough for me to not look any further. 🤮

 

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Lug

·Jun 25, 2020

Thanks all - confirmed my suspicions. Didn’t occur to me that it might be a redial but having looked again I think dootcho is correct - the ‘e’ In the logo is especially shonky...

 

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smitty190373

·Jun 25, 2020

100 % redial.

Here's one of mine. Compare the A in SWISS MADE, that's a good indicator.

 

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JwRosenthal

·Jun 25, 2020

smitty190373

100 % redial.

Here's one of mine. Compare the A in SWISS MADE, that's a good indicator.

There we go- lumpy oatmeal, not runny cream of wheat.

 

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Lug

·Jun 25, 2020

smitty190373

100 % redial.

Here's one of mine. Compare the A in SWISS MADE, that's a good indicator.

Thanks - this will be helpful to refer back to. Finding a good example is a bit of a minefield if you’re new to it!

 

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smitty190373

·Jun 25, 2020

Lug

Thanks - this will be helpful to refer back to. Finding a good example is a bit of a minefield if you’re new to it!

Obviously check the font and lume, but 2 quick checks are a flat top A in SWISS MADE, and and slightly recessed subdial at 6. Redials almost always have a flat dial, and a pointed A.

 

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Lug

·Jun 25, 2020

smitty190373

Obviously check the font and lume, but 2 quick checks are a flat top A in SWISS MADE, and and slightly recessed subdial at 6. Redials almost always have a flat dial, and a pointed A.

Thanks for your advice Smitty - when you say ‘recessed subdial’ do you mean that it is set back slightly like this?

Also, since you seem to be a knowledgable chap, do you have any advice re: the Omega ‘fat arrow’ 53? That’s the holy grail for me but all the ones I find within my budget are hideous redials. I guess I’m going to have to save up and get a good example from a dealer...

 

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smitty190373

·Jun 25, 2020

Yes exactly that, the subdial is approx .25 mm deeper. Redials are generally flat all over.

2777-1 'fat arrows' are still available with a bit of searching. Check dial fonts and lume. Also check the edges as there are often damaged areas due to the iron dial.

The more you see the easier it will become.

Good luck.

Edited: Jun 25, 2020

 

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Lug

·Jun 25, 2020

Thanks Smitty, that’s super helpful - I look forward to coming back here one day soon to show off my prize...

 

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TexOmega

·Jun 25, 2020

smitty190373

Yes exactly that, the subdial is approx .25 mm deeper. Redials are generally flat all over.

2777-1 'fat arrows' are still available with a bit of searching. Check dial fonts and lume. Also check the edges as there are often damaged areas due to the iron dial.

The more you see the easier it will become.

Good luck.

Lug,


And make sure it has this spring in there.

 

S

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Syutzy

·Jun 26, 2020

Sir,

A pleasure to follow this thread.

If I might suggest finding an agreed upon Omega 1953 fat arrow example you like before you start looking. According to the MWR there are 6 to 8 original variants for that redial. Best.