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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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...

 

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.

 

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.

 

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...

 

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.

 

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

 

Lug,


And make sure it has this spring in there.

 

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.