Hello gentlemen/ladies. New member here and also new to collecting watches so v little knowledge. Just brought this 1949 Omega 30T2SC Ref 2498-1 Cal 283 1147xxx. I see that this is a 9ct gold filled watch and I am hoping everything is original though clearly not the strap or crystal which seems too deep to me. I paid £220 and was hoping to eventually sell the strap and box to fund the servicing of the watch. The dial has some marks on it. Upon magnification it looks like dark brown gunk and iron filings. It does not appear to be corrosion. The watch runs well feom what i have experienced so far. I have done research and only found one other example of a watch with this dial being sold. The official omega site lists this watch but does not provide a picture. Do you feel this dial could be cleaned without having to do some major restoration? I know restored dials are a nono but personally wouldnt be against it if it was done and made the watch look clean again. If this is a rare dial I will leave as is. Could anyone please tell me their thoughts on this watch and if I got a dcent deal? Thanks very mch for your wisdom in advance.
An in focus pic of the dial would help. Cleaning a dial means risking destroying it; the general rule is: if you dont like it the way it is, don't buy it. From what I can see it seems you did OK. Take it to a watchmaker to clean and oil the movement, and DONT polish the case and let the dial be. My advise to you would be: if you cannot wear it the way it is, return it to the seller or sell it untouched.
If the dial is covered with particles then it probably can be improved with by gently dabbing with Rodico. I have done this on a few vintage dials with success. If you are to do the work yourself, make certain not to touch the dial or movement with bare hands because of the oils on the skin will damage the parts.
For the first time I must disagree with @Deafboy, using Rodico to remove stuff from the dial is fraught with danger (lifting markings etc.). I would use a puffer to blow off as much as possible, and then a fine camel hair brush to gently dust off any obstinate bits. As to your coffin box and No27 clasp and strap, I think you will find a ready and eager market on eBay. (or here id you receive any PMs ).
LOL, there's always a first time! I agree one has to be careful when doing this procedure. I work under a microscope and stay clear of markings. I never had much success with a blower. Many ways to skin a cat!
Il agree with Jim: cleaning dials with rodico is not a good idea. From the pics you provided, hard to tell if it is only specs if dirt or corrosion/tarnish if the dial itself. I would not restore this dial either way - although it is not particulary rare. By the way, it is not 9k, but 80 microns gold plated.
First purchase! It would be incorrect from my side to say F*****N. Damn! I'll just note that SC letters are missing on the case back.
The movement picture is not very clear. I can't see well the movement serial number, but it's look to be 14**** from 1954.
Thankyou all for your time in answering. These are some clearer pics. Does this provide any further information or change any minds as to original opinions? Thanks, Pete
If I were you, I'd keep the box, especially since it looks like it may be original to the watch. I doubt the money that you'd get from selling it would cover a thorough service anyways.
The bracelet is definitely not original to the watch but is a genuine no.27 by Omega. I read that these can be quite hard to find with the original leather portion in a good condition. Hopefully that will pay towards a service...
Also, regarding the service is watchguy.co.uk reputable? He seems to have quite a prominent online presence but some people can just be good at self-promotion. Please let me know and any other places you would recommend. Thankyou again.